A Piece of History: Eisenhower Campaign Button

For my fifth post on heirlooms, I would like to tell you about a 1952 Eisenhower campaign button.

But first, a bit of history:

 

1789 George Washington Inaugural Button  



Campaign buttons, also called inaugural buttons, have been in use since the beginning of our nation. Although George Washington was the first to use them, they weren't mass produced until William McKinley's campaigns in 1897.

 

The original version was made of brass or other metals and lithographed with "Long Live the President" and the contestant's initials. But this was eventually replaced with a photographic button, Abraham Lincoln being the first to do so. Then in 1897 with the McKinley/Bryan election, the first "celluloid" buttons were used. These comprised a metal disc and pin at the back, a piece of paper printed with a message or photo, and a clear plastic covering. These became the most popular and are sometimes still used today!

 

1952 Eisenhower Campaign Button

 

 

 

 

This "I Like Ike" button belonged to my maternal      grandmother, Carol Lee Blair (nee Clark). She wore it in 1952 when working for the Eisenhower campaign through the Young Republicans club. While she worked for the Bakersfield, CA, branch of the club, she made calls urging people in the area to vote Republican. The Young Republicans were active since the 1850s but not nationally recognized until much later. At the urging of Herbert Hoover, George M. Olmsted officially founded the Young Republican National Federation, called Young Republicans for short.







Approximately 3/4 inch in diameter, the button was made by Allied Printing & Trades Council, which is known for producing campaign buttons as early as 1897.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although it may be worn with age and deemed "worthless" because its original purpose is now over, I will always treasure it as a piece of family history, as well as American history.

 

 

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

 

Irish Soda Bread

As today is Saint Patrick's Day, I would like to share a traditional Irish recipe.

Irish Soda Bread

 

1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour

1 ½ cup whole wheat flour
¾ cup quick oats
½ cup toasted wheat germ
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
1 ¾ cup buttermilk

 

1) Preheat oven to 400. Sprinkle baking sheet with flour.

2) In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add butter and toss to coat with flour mixture. With fingertips, blend butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse meal.

3) Add caraway seeds; stir to combine. Stir in the buttermilk, adding up to ¼ cup more if necessary to moisten dough evenly (do not overwork the dough).

 

4) On a floured surface, knead the dough with floured hands for 1 to 2 minutes, sprinkling with some additional flour to prevent sticking. Divide dough in half and pat into two 5-inch rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, sprinkle lightly with flour, and spread out the dough slightly with your fingers.

 

5) With a sharp knife, cut a shallow X on top of each round. Bake in the middle of the oven for 35 minutes or until golden brown. To test for doneness, tap on the bottom of each loaf; it should sound hollow. Cool rounds on a wire rack.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

 

May the strength of God

pilot us,

May the wisdom of God

instruct us,

May the Hand of God

protect us,

May the Word of God

direct us.

 

~Saint Patrick

Love,

Ava Katherine<3

Trevor and Isabel's Wedding

On Thursday, December 29th, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., my dear sister Isabel Rose Ramos was wedded to Trevor Jacob Mayer at the historic Oakhill Chapel in Oakhurst.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Built in 1894 by volunteers, this chapel was the only house of worship in the region for almost half a century. Originally located on Chapel Hill, it was moved to its present location, just a mile away, in 1957, where it was also rededicated. Then in 1991, again with volunteer labor, the small church was restored and opened once more to the public.

 

 

Now that you have a bit of history on the chapel, here are the best photos from their wedding!

 

 

 

~Something Old~
1999 Penny

~Something New~
The Dress



~Something Borrowed~
The Handkerchief Rose

http://laviestbelle31.blogspot.com/2016/07/a-piece-of-history-wedding-handkerchief.html 



~Something Blue~
Engagement Ring



And a Sixpence in Her Shoe!



 

Before the ceremony, the bride and groom had a time of prayer--blindfolded, of course. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the Chapel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~Family~

  

 

 

 

 

 

Sisters <3

 

 

 

 

 

~Before the Ceremony~

 

 

A Time of Prayer

 

 Our Elder Scott Parish, the Officiator

 

 ~The Ceremony~

 

 

The Attendants

 

 

Here Comes the Bride!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With This Ring I Thee Wed

 

 

You May Kiss the Bride



I Now Pronounce You Man and Wife

 

Recessional

 

 

 

 

 

By the Graveside of Mr. Nash Mayer

 

 ~With the Attendants~

 

 

From left to right:    Ava, Maid-of-Honor; Isabel, Bride; Lily, Bridesmaid

 

 

 

 

 

 

From left to right: Morgan, Best Man; Trevor, Groom; Sean, Accompanist; Parker, Groomsman

Brothers

 

Fancy Socks!

 

 

 

 

The Eyebrows ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rings

 

 

To the Reception!

 

 

Cutting the Cake

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birdseed!

 

 

 

Photography by Michelle Lehn

 

 

~The End~

 

 

"Two are better than one because they have good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart."

~Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

 

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3