General
A Look Back at Chicago Conventions of Yore
Chicago is a convention city. As Democrats arrived this week to celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris’s nomination for the presidency, it was the 26th major-party convention held in Chicago, more than anyplace else in the country. The city’s …
Chicago is a convention city. As Democrats arrived this week to celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris’s nomination for the presidency, it was the 26th major-party convention held in Chicago, more than anyplace else in the country.
The city’s convention tradition dates back to the mid-1800s, and political parties visited regularly over the century that followed. But it has been an infrequent host since 1968, when clashes outside the convention hall marred the Democrats’ gathering that year.
Here’s a look back at notable Chicago conventions over the generations.
Opening prayer at the Republican National Convention in 1904.
California delegates on a stagecoach outside the 1912 Republican National Convention.
Progressive Party delegates outside their 1912 convention.
The 1916 Republican National Convention was held at the Chicago Coliseum.
Suffragists in Chicago for the Republican National Convention in 1920.
Bishop James Cannon Jr. and Howard Hyde Russell, Prohibition leaders, at the 1932 Republican National Convention.
Demonstrators on the floor of the 1932 Republican National Convention cracked open beer cans in opposition to Prohibition.
Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention in 1944.
The floor of the Republican National Convention in 1944 after the nomination of Gov. Thomas E. Dewey of New York.
Gov. Adlai Stevenson of Illinois greeted young boys as he arrived at Meigs Field for the 1952 Democratic National Convention.
J. Fred Muggs, a chimpanzee who appeared on NBC News, at the 1956 Democratic National Convention, which was held at the International Amphitheater.
Former President Harry S. Truman being interviewed by a reporter at the 1956 Democratic National Convention.
Eleanor Roosevelt addressed delegates at the 1956 Democratic National Convention. Mrs. Roosevelt, a staunch supporter of Adlai Stevenson for the presidential nomination, told the assembly it was “absolutely imperative” that the Democrats come back to power with the “right” leader.
A crowd of demonstrators outside the 1960 Republican National Convention, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., being interviewed at left.
Delegates on their feet as President Dwight D. Eisenhower received a welcome at the Republican National Convention in 1960.
Supporters of Vice President Richard Nixon outside the Blackstone Hotel during the Republican National Convention in 1960.
Delegates opposed Hubert Humphrey on the floor of the Democratic National Convention in 1968.
Police officers tried to detain a demonstrator in front of the Conrad Hilton during the Democratic National Convention in 1968.
Labor members cheered as the A.F.L.-C.I.O. president, John Sweeney, spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 1996.
President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton celebrating alongside Vice President Al Gore and Tipper Gore at the Democratic National Convention in 1996.
