EarlyAmericanCeramics.com: A Molded Red Earthenware Top Hat that was Used as a Means of Advertising and a Political Souvenir During the 1892 Presidential Campaign

Monday, July 6, 2015

A Molded Red Earthenware Top Hat that was Used as a Means of Advertising and a Political Souvenir During the 1892 Presidential Campaign

When I think about utilitarian pottery today, such as American-made red earthenware and stoneware - I usually associate these type of objects to the common American household. However, these brands of pottery were actually utilized by all different class levels, from distinguished individuals like politicians, to American patriots, to working class families and military members.

For example, I really enjoyed studying the variety of domestic eighteenth century red earthenware that was uncovered by archaeologists at the Paul Revere (1735-1818) House in Boston, Massachusetts, which was associated with Revere's actual occupancy around the American Revolution. There was a small collection of locally produced red earthenware (some decorated with slip) that may have been produced at the industry across the Charles River in Charlestown, Massachusetts before the American Revolution. Similar regional examples of domestic pottery were even recovered by archaeologists within an eighteenth century context at Mount Vernon, the location of George Washington's (1732-1799) mansion in Virginia.

President Benjamin Harrison
President Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901), was the 23rd president (1889-1893) of the United States - he was the grandson of William Henry Harrison (1773-1841), who was the 9th president of the United States. However, William Henry Harrison also served the shortest presidential term - he was sworn into office on March 4, 1841, and sadly died on April 4, 1841 from an unexpected illness.

Official White House Portrait of President Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901)

Served: 1889-1993
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Photo Courtesy: WhiteHouse.Gov

I do not want to focus on the history of who Benjamin Harrison was in today's report, but I will provide a brief background of his life. Benjamin grew up and attended college in Ohio - he also served as a general in the Union Army during the Civil War.

Harrison eventually left Ohio and moved to Indiana (a move that helped spark his political career) after he married, Caroline Lavinia Scott (1832-1892) in 1853. Harrison served the next two-decades in the Indiana political system before he ran for President as the nominee of the Republican Party in the late-1880s.

In 1888, Benjamin Harrison ran a successful presidential campaign, but he was unsuccessful when he ran for re-election in 1892.

It may come as a surprise to learn that Benjamin Harrison actually had a direct public connection to red earthenware production in the early-1890s, which was in the midst of his 1892 campaign. It was a result of the common 'top hat' form transforming into an emblem - and (at the time) a symbol for Harrison's movement for re-election. The idea developed from a statement he made during his 1888 campaign, which the media never let him forget. Ultimately, the top hat became an iconic image for President Benjamin Harrison.

This is a top hat that is owned by the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. - Benjamin Harrison actually wore this hate, among others, similar to it, during his 1892 campaign. Each hat included a cardboard image attached to the interior that showed President Harrison and his running mate, Whitelaw Reid (1837-1912).

President Harrison's Top Hat Used During 1892 Presidential Campaign

19th Century Top Hat Used by President Benjamin Harrison During His 1892 Presidential Campaign
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Photo Courtesy: The National Museum of American History, The Smithsonian - Washington, D.C.

Interior of the Hat

Shows President Benjamin Harrison and His Running Mate, Whitelaw Reid

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Photo Courtesy: The National Museum of American History, The Smithsonian - Washington, D.C

The following top hat sold through Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas in 2005 - according to the auction house; "This hat was issued for the 1892 Presidential Election as a campaign item for Benjamin Harrison and (his running mate) Whitelaw Reid. In 1888, Benjamin Harrison used the campaign slogan, 'Grandfather's hat fits Ben, too.' This was to tie him to his famous grandfather, William Henry Harrison. He distributed buttons with top hats on them as well as canes and brochures. The top hat really became a symbol for President Harrison. During his presidency, the top hat was also used to mock Harrison; cartoonists, would place him under a huge top hat, stating how he did not live up to his grandfather's standards. At any rate, Ben Harrison kept the top hat and used it during his 1892 campaign, which he ultimately lost. This hat comes from that election run. Inside the hat, there is a cardboard insert which features a portrait of both the President and his vice president nominee." Heritage auctions further described this hat as "one of the most prolific Presidential symbols of all time."

Another Top Hat Used During President Harrison's 1892 Presidential Campaign

19th Century Top Hat Used by President Benjamin Harrison During His 1892 Presidential Campaign

Sold in 2005

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Photo Courtesy: Heritage Auctions - Dallas, TX

Among the presidential souvenirs handed out by Benjamin Harrison's campaign in 1892, were copper top hats with a red, white and blue ribbon - and, a miniature molded red earthenware top hat that was also decorated with a ribbon tied just above the hat's brim.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to determine what potter's business was commissioned to produce these hats for Harrison's campaign; although, I assume it may have been a reputable midwestern or Mid-Atlantic company. Similar souvenir bean pots were produced for the NECCO Candy Company in Revere, Massachusetts in the early-twentieth century, which I believe were produced by a local Essex County, Massachusetts potter. Based on location and where I suspect the NECCO bean pots were made, then I believe these top hats were likely made at a potter's business in either Indiana or Pennsylvania.

Commemorative Red Earthenware Top Hat Made for 1892 Presidential Campaign