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Politics as usual - 19th century-style

| 10 Nov 2015 | 05:35
    Political cartoon, circa 1867: In his efforts to convince president Andrew Johnston to purchase Alaska, þÄúOld Mother SewardþÄù rubs þÄúRussian SalveþÄù into the presidentþÄôs bald spot.
    Political cartoon, circa 1867: In his efforts to convince president Andrew Johnston to purchase Alaska, þÄúOld Mother SewardþÄù rubs þÄúRussian SalveþÄù into the presidentþÄôs bald spot.
    On the way to his Inauguration in 1861, President elect Abraham Lincoln sneaked into Washington þÄúLike a Thief,þÄù according to a contemporary political cartoon.
    On the way to his Inauguration in 1861, President elect Abraham Lincoln sneaked into Washington þÄúLike a Thief,þÄù according to a contemporary political cartoon.
    Abraham LincolnþÄôs predecessor, President James Buchanan (1857 to 1861), tries to find his balance his Mason & Dixon Line high wire act. It was was labeled þÄúA Highly Unsuccessful Performance."
    Abraham LincolnþÄôs predecessor, President James Buchanan (1857 to 1861), tries to find his balance his Mason & Dixon Line high wire act. It was was labeled þÄúA Highly Unsuccessful Performance."

FLORIDA — The Seward/Mapes Homestead Restoration Project is hosting a nonpartisan lecture on Friday evening, Nov. 20, about nineteenth century political cartoons that should be entertaining and not at all contentious.

Professor Andrea R. Foroughi from Union College in Schenectady will talk about political rhetoric and social norms as expressed through the illustrations and cartoons of the day.

Long before radio, television, the Internet and Super PACs, when voter turnout could be as much as 81.2 percent, political rhetoric found its voice largely in print.

Political cartoons not only weighed in on public figures’ qualifications and actions but also reflected assumptions about gender-appropriate behavior and the social norms of the day.

Public figures revered today, like Abraham Lincoln, were often viewed quite differently by their contemporaries.

Her lecture is titled “Politics As Usual: 19th Century-Style.”

"You may take some comfort in learning," organizer Roger Dowd noted, "that political mud-slinging is timeless."

Essential details• The lecture begins at 7 p.m. at the S. S. Seward Institute (High School) located at 53 North Main St. in the Village of Florida.

• Proceeds from the lecture will go toward the restoration of the Seward/Mapes Homestead.

• Admission: Students free; adults $10 per person or $15 for two.

• There will be light refreshments.

• Tickets will be held at the door. Prior registration is suggested.

• Email events@sewardhomestead.org or call 845-294-3839 to reserve seats.