Well, the Halloween countdown is over, yet Purplepeanut has continued to provide us with calendar appropriate wax museum pictures. This time, a little less ghoulish, but just as intense, and far more important. He decided to share some photographs of his recent trip to the National Presidential Wax Museum in South Dakota. So without further delay, let the debate begin. . .
Another presidential election year's in full swing, and the television debates have begun in earnest! We thought it might be fun to revisit one of history's most famous debates, with the help of the National Presidential Wax Museum (aka Parade of Presidents, aka Shrine of Democracy) in Keystone, South Dakota. These pictures are from the museum's display featuring the spectacular Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858.
In a series of seven debates which took place in various Illinois towns, Democrat Stephen Douglas tangled with Republican challenger Abraham Lincoln over the issues of slavery, states' rights and popular sovereignty. The winner of the election would take the coveted post of U.S. Senator from Illinois.
Douglas barely won the election, but Lincoln's strong challenge led to his nomination for president in 1860. The rest, of course, is history.
The Lincoln figure, like the others in this display, was modeled by third-generation wax artist Katherine Stubergh-Keller. The life mask she used for Lincoln's features was later used to create the Abraham Lincoln animatronic at Walt Disney's theme parks.
In wax museums, Lincoln's not often depicted sans facial hair, much less in a white suit. He didn't grow his famous beard until shortly after his election. Here his figure is compared with a daguerreotype by Mathew Brady.
Douglas looks like he's itching for an opportunity to respond to Lincoln. Here's a comparison of his figure with an actual photograph of the "Little Giant".
The two on-stage spectators are identified, but they look quite attentive as Mr. Lincoln makes his points.
"A house divided against itself cannot stand," Lincoln said in the *** debate, at ***, *** on *** ***, 1858. "I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free."
(Special thanks to the National Presidential Wax Museum)
Photos and text courtesy of Purplepeanut.
Thanks again Richard for the terrific pictures!Visit the National Presidential Wax Museum website here.
Tags: National Presidential Wax Museum Abraham Lincoln Stephen Douglas
In this scene from the National Presidential Wax Museum, Presidents Martin Van Buren and John Q. Adams are attending a white house reception.
Here we see President Van Buren and his daughter in-law Angelica.
John Q. Adams with possibly Daniel Webster standing behind him.
In a series of seven debates which took place in various Illinois towns, Democrat Stephen Douglas tangled with Republican challenger Abraham Lincoln over the issues of slavery, states' rights and popular sovereignty. The winner of the election would take the coveted post of U.S. Senator from Illinois.
Douglas barely won the election, but Lincoln's strong challenge led to his nomination for president in 1860. The rest, of course, is history.
The Lincoln figure, like the others in this display, was modeled by third-generation wax artist Katherine Stubergh-Keller. The life mask she used for Lincoln's features was later used to create the Abraham Lincoln animatronic at Walt Disney's theme parks.
In wax museums, Lincoln's not often depicted sans facial hair, much less in a white suit. He didn't grow his famous beard until shortly after his election. Here his figure is compared with a daguerreotype by Mathew Brady.
Douglas looks like he's itching for an opportunity to respond to Lincoln. Here's a comparison of his figure with an actual photograph of the "Little Giant".
The two on-stage spectators are identified, but they look quite attentive as Mr. Lincoln makes his points.
This image from the National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone South Dakota is similar to the the picture I posted on the 4th of July. This time we actually have the Committee of Five. Although all five of the men are present, the museum highlights the fact that there are two future Presidents in it. Adams and Jefferson both helped draft the declaration, and each were later elected President.
I had a hard time identifying the figures last time due to their lack of similarity to the actual persons, but I expect to do better this time. This is supposed to be John Adams.
Here is Thomas Jefferson, writing the document.
Benjamin Franklin is always the easiest to identify.
Robert R. Livingston I presume.
And that leaves Roger Sherman.
(1732-1799)
George Washington contemplating the repercussions of independence from England, or just admiring Betsy's handiwork with the flag.
Betsy Ross (1752-1836) smiling joyfully at the President.
