Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. Each year in America it seems there is one holiday gift that is heavy on demand and short on supply. In 1996, there was the Tickle-Me-Elmo fiasco. In 1983, it was the Cabbage Patch Doll. In 1864, the gift of … Continue reading The must-have Christmas gift of 1864
Tag: abraham lincoln
Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln in the same photo
Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. Lincoln's funeral procession passing the Roosevelt Mansion in New York City (Courtesy New York Public Library) History is full of strange coincidences, and the Civil War is no exception. In the 1950s, Stefan Lorant was researching a book on Abraham … Continue reading Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln in the same photo
Is West Virginia Constitutional?
Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. On the creation of new states, the Constitution is pretty clear. Article IV, Section 3, reads that "no new States shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State ... without the Consent of the Legislatures of … Continue reading Is West Virginia Constitutional?
Would you elect these whiskers?
Have you looked at your money lately? Among the nickels and quarters and dimes, only the copper penny has a bearded profile. But although Lincoln's facial hair eventually became an iconic part of his image, he originally ran for President as a clean-shaven candidate. … Continue reading Would you elect these whiskers?
The doodler who defied crooks and democratized donkeys
Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. There are few artist in America who so greatly affected the popular landscape as Thomas Nast who was born 170 years ago today. Jolly old St Nick? Not so jolly before the Harper's Weekly cartoonist plumped him up. The Grand Old … Continue reading The doodler who defied crooks and democratized donkeys
Your photos, then and now
Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. Last week we asked our readers to share photos that match up with some old images we have in our library. We got two responses that really show just how much things have changed in Washington, DC. See our then … Continue reading Your photos, then and now
Facial Hair Friday: Tribute to Mathew Brady
With his goatee and mustache, photographer Mathew Brady himself is an excellent addition to Facial Hair Fridays. In fact, he is the reason we have so many follicle follies to celebrate. There are 6,066 photographs by Brady and his associates in the National Archives collections. Many of the images we’ve looked at and been inspired … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Tribute to Mathew Brady
Edwin Stanton: Facial Hair Rock Icon
Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. Attorney General, Secretary of War, Supreme Court Justice, inspiration for ZZ-Top? Whether the bearded rock band drew their inspiration from Stanton is unclear, but one thing is certain: Edwin Stanton would have made a fine rock star, playing by his … Continue reading Edwin Stanton: Facial Hair Rock Icon