Jim Garretson and Matthew Snyder – even organizers and CCHS Board Members decorate the Monon Depot Museum for the Old-fashioned political rally to be held on August 12.

Step back in time for a taste of tradition – back to a time when there was no such thing as a high-tech political campaign – before websites, Twitter, Facebook, television, new media and expensive advertising strategies. Candidates for office had to get their message to voters by stumping door-to-door, delivering soapbox speeches and organizing political rallies in order to draw a crowd. In this election year, the Carmel Clay Historical Society invites citizens to participate in an authentic old-fashioned ice cream social and political rally on Sunday, August 12 from 1:30 to 3:30pm on the grounds of the Monon Depot Museum, 211 First St. SW along the Monon Trail in Carmel’s Arts and Design District.

“Since 2012 is such an important election year, we thought it was important for the Carmel Clay Historical Society to participate in the political process,” said Matthew Snyder, member of the CCHS board and secretary on the Clay Township Board. “This rally will be fun for the entire family and an opportunity to join in making history with some of our local political candidates.”

Sponsored by Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream, Matt Frey and his staff will scoop up free ice cream while politicians meet and greet their prospective constituents. Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Vi Simpson and Susan Brooks, the Republican candidate for the fifth congressional district will address the crowd, discuss the issues and answer questions that afternoon.

According to Jim Garretson, CCHS vice president and program chair, most people are familiar with the Lincoln/Douglas debates of 1858. But political rallies have been a part of American heritage for well over a century.

President Theodore Roosevelt addresses a crowd in Noblesville’s downtown, near the courthouse square

“There were torch light parades during the Andrew Jackson campaigns. Teddy Roosevelt was the first to take train rides through the nation and hold rallies from the rear of the train. Indeed, he did that in Noblesville where the railroad track runs next to the courthouse,” said Garretson. “Charles Fairbanks, an Indianapolis resident, was Teddy Roosevelt’s vice president from 1905 to 1909.” Adding to the political history of our county, township and city, Carmel presently serves as the official home of Governor Mitch Daniels and Senator Dan Coats.

The CCHS event is free of charge and will emulate those festive traditions of bygone eras. As Brooks and Simpson campaign and share their views on the concerns facing citizens, they will revive the red, white and blue spirit of an old-fashioned political rally. Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs.

Carmel Clay Historical Society
317-846-7117
211 First Street SW, Carmel IN 46032
www.carmelclayhistory.org
email: carmelclayhistory@yahoo.com
Facebook: Carmel Clay HistoricalSociety