Museum purchase, 2006.93.6. © 2008 The Connecticut Historical Society.

The Great Wheelbarrow Election Wager, November 13, 1888, between Messrs. Avery & Rist.

PhotographerPhotographed by Anderson & Reeves

Date1888

MediumPhotography; albumen prints on paper on cardboard mounts

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 6 1/8 x 8 1/2in. (15.6 x 21.6cm)
Sheet (height x width): 6 1/8 x 8 1/2in. (15.6 x 21.6cm)
Mount (height x width): 8 9/16 x 11in. (21.7 x 27.9cm)

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund

DescriptionTwo men wearing costumes consisting of top hats, and coats or dusters over pants, pose with a wheelbarrow decorated with American flags, bunting, and brooms with the numbers "285" and "202" on them. Both men have mustaches. One man wears a floral corsage; the other man is holding a cigar. Other men stand in the background in front of stores with shop windows in which merchandise is displayed. Boxes in one window are labeled "GEORGE FOX'S / STARCH."

Object number2006.93.6-.7

InscribedOn recto, lower margin, printed in black ink, "The Great Wheelbarrow Election Wager, Nov. 13, 1888, between Messrs. Avery & Rist." 2006.93.6 also has the title "THE FINISH" printed in black ink in the lower margin. 2006.93.7 has the title "THE START" printed in black ink in the lower margin.

2006.93.7, verso, in pencil, "2 frames - fit Backboard / black moulding / 2 frame this size" "backing no glass 9 - 11"

Both photographs, verso, lower right, in pencil, accession numbers.NotesSubject Note: The wager presumably concerned the Presidential election of 1888 in which Grover Cleveland was running for re-election against Benjamin Harrison. The election was very close, with Cleveland winning the popular vote, but losing to Harrison in the electoral college. Connecticut cast its votes for Harrison. (Finlay 3/13/2007)

Subject Terms