Alf Taylor Campaign Button
This button, worn by Alf Taylor's supporters during Tennessee's War of the Roses, bears a single red rose and the legend War of the Roses: Bring One. It was manufactured by Smith & Lamar of Nashville, Tennessee and Dallas, Texas.
Dates
- circa 1886
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite, and a minimum of 2 business days are needed to retrieve these items for use. Researchers interested in consulting any of the collections are advised to contact Special Collections.
Conditions Governing Use
The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact Special Collections.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet
Abstract
This button, worn by Alf Taylor's supporters during Tennessee's War of the Roses, bears a single red rose and the legend War of the Roses: Bring One. It was manufactured by Smith & Lamar of Nashville, Tennessee and Dallas, Texas.
Biographical/Historical Note
Tennessee's War of the Roses broke out in 1886 when brothers Alfred Alexander Alf (1848-1931) and Robert Love Bob (1850-1912) Taylor ran against each other in Tennessee's gubernatorial race. The race became known as the War of the Roses as a result of a Memphis Appeal editorial arguing that if we are to have the house of Taylor, like that of York with its white rose, and Lancaster with blood red rose; let the brothers of our house lovingly exhale the fragrance of the same flower. Bob Taylor furthered the metaphor in his first campaign speech, and the brothers' respective supporters began wearing red (in support of Alf Taylor) and white (in support of Bob Taylor) roses shortly afterward. Bob Taylor (the Democratic candidate) won the election with 53% of the vote and also succeeded in turning the red and white roses into symbols of goodwill.
Arrangement
This collection consists of a single folder.
Acquisition Note
Mrs. John M. Allen Jr. donated this button to Special Collections.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository