Political Life Case B
Members of the Wide Awake Club
By November 1860, the Wide Awake political and military club had 500,000 members across America. The group ranged in age from 17 to 35. Late-night Republican meetings, marching, singing, and listening to speakers energized this pre-Civil War generation. “Old Susannah” and the “Ship of State” were songs of fellowship. African Americans, immigrants, and women joined this exciting movement. Two African American abolitionist members were Lewis Hayden and John Langston. Without the right to vote, women used their social power to arrange events, bake, and participate in parades. In Chatham, New York, more progressive females formed a club. They sewed “ABE” in Red, White, and Blue on homemade capes worn over their dresses. With a diverse membership involved from across the country, attitudes about race and slavery differed greatly. But, all believed electing Abraham Lincoln, protecting free speech, and halting slavery’s spread could save the republic.
Wide Awake Campaign Dress
The blue cambric Wide Awake women’s outfit was a paper dress supposedly worn by twelve-year-old Josephine Remann or her mother Mary at a Springfield campaign parade on a float. The Remann family were Lincoln’s neighbors in 1860.
Storming the Castle; “Old Abe on Guard”
In this Currier and Ives 1860 Republican political cartoon, Abraham Lincoln is dressed as a Wide Awake protecting the White House from his rivals. John Bell played lookout, Stephen Douglas handled skeleton keys, and John Breckenridge was pulled in by President Buchanan.
Wide Awake Meeting Announcement
Elisha Chrisman, misspelled here as Christman, lived in southern Preble County, Ohio in 1860. Chief Marshall Chrisman of this Wide Awake club, arranged a meeting for Saturday, September 28. They organized travel to a rally in Oxford, Ohio, fifteen miles away.
Wide Awake Torch
This torch was historically connected to the Wide Awakes. The earliest record of torch - lit campaign parades date to the 1840s and presidential candidate William Henry Harrison. Wide Awake standard bearers used torches to escort leadership, in maintaining law and order during voting, and in marches.
Jubilee Celebration Announcement
The Wide Awake Jubilee Festival is celebrated in Sycamore, Illinois on November 16, 1860. It recognized Abraham Lincoln and the Republican Party’s great victory. Held in James Hall on Friday evening, tickets were $1.50 and “super” $2.00. Ladies are solicited because “dancing and music will be good!”
Wide Awake Music
“Ship of State” and “Ole Susannah” were songs changed to fit Abraham Lincoln’s campaign. The first tune rallied all to believe in “Honest Abe,” the man to “keep our colors flying!” “Ole Susannah’s” lyrics were altered to call Lincoln a prize fighter who will win the belt for America!
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