Great Republican Harrison and Morton, campaign ball, 1888

Photograph shows man, possibly D. E. Brockett, leaning against gigantic campaign ball that was rolled for Benjamin Harrison. The phrase "get the ball rolling" comes from a campaign publicity activity that began in 1840 with rowdy men and boys rolling a large ball from town-to-town to bring attention to their candidate.

Inscription on ball: "Old Allegany in 1840 started the ball for Harrison; In '88 as they did then, We roll it on for Gallant Ben. Roll along, Roll away," Keep the ball in motion; The spirit of our men is up from Rocky Hills to Ocean."

Copyright 1888.

D. E. Brockett, Cumberland, Md., Designer and Builder.

harrison benjamin morton levi p levi parsons presidential elections maryland cumberland political campaigns political parties photographic prints cumberland md great republican harrison great republican harrison morton campaign ball campaign ball 19th century us presidents wm holmes photo republican party us republican party library of congress

01/01/1888

Library of Congress

http://www.loc.gov/

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