Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
1977 Inaugural License Plate |
Object Name |
Plate, License |
Collection |
Inaugural Balls Collection |
Catalog Number |
1983.6.14 |
Description |
Commemorative District of Columbia License Plate from 1977 Inauguration of President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale. The plate has a blue line border around the exterior and a wavy flag design at left. The license reads "District of Columbia / 4591 / Inauguration 1977" |
Context |
This drawer highlights the fundraising that occurred alongside and concurrent with the balls. Besides the revenue from tickets, inaugural balls are also an opportunity to sell commemorative tchotchkes, including license plates, blazer buttons, keychains, napkin rings, and even bathrobes! The tradition of inaugural balls goes all the way back to George Washington, and temporary structures were built in Judiciary Square as far back as 1849. In 1885, Grover Cleveland's ball was the first held in the Pension Building, although it was still under construction at the time, and required the installation of a temporary roof. Woodrow Wilson's administration found the balls too expensive, and there were none during prohibition, WWI, the Great Depression, and WWII. After WWII, it became the trend to have multiple balls, although, by this time, the first floor of the Pension Building had been partitioned into smaller offices, and so the layout was no longer conducive to a large gatherings. |
Currently On Display In |
Visible Vault: Open Collections Storage |
Date |
1977 |
Donor |
Myers, Denys Peter |
Dimensions |
H-7 W-12.125 inches |
Search Terms |
President Jimmy Carter Vice President Walter Mondale |