Preserve the Lincoln Banner!

History Spotlight by Doug Humes

During the contentious election of 1860, with four candidates running for President, each candidate’s backers took to parading through the streets, at night and by torch light, to promote their candidate.

Abraham Lincoln’s supporters called themselves the Wide Awakes, and the local chapter in Media marched under a huge banner featuring a clean-shaven Lincoln (he did not grow the beard until after the election), and slogans about preserving the Union

The Wide Awakes on Parade

Photo from Public Domain

A later description of the banner noted that “The marching club at Media penetrated all sections of the county and engaged in many a miniature riot. In Kellyville [now a part of Clifton Heights –Ed.], it was fired upon by the Democrats who had sworn that the man who had carried a Lincoln banner into that district should not carry it out.” When that account was written, the banner was hanging in the office of the Republican Party in Media, and was described as “a relic of the past” with “bullet holes through the folds of it.”

Lincoln Banner: The Candidate

Photo courtesy of Delaware County Historical Society

When the election votes were tallied in Delaware County, Lincoln received more votes that the three other candidates combined:

Lincoln 3,181 63.05%

Breckenridge 1,500 29.73%

Douglas 195 3.87%

Bell 169 3.35%

TOTALS 5,045 100.00%

That Lincoln banner still exists, 160 years later, and is now cared for by the Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS). They are raising funds for its preservation, with the ultimate plan being to restore, protect and then display it in a clear plexiglass, air-pressurized case so that visitors can view both sides. We have over half a million people in Delaware County. If every person sent in a donation, the banner would be preserved for future generations.

Lincoln Banner: The County

Photo courtesy of Delaware County Historical Society

In what promises to be another contentious election year, let’s show that we can still come together to help preserve this important piece of Delaware County history. More information about this Lincoln banner preservation project and how to financially support it by making a donation, visit www.PADelcoHistory.org.

For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and membership information, please visit our website:

www.HistoricNewtownSquare.org