Special Collections unveils new exhibit on The Nonpartisan League
The Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections in the Chester Fritz Library is pleased to unveil a new exhibit titled “The Nonpartisan League: The Visual Aspect.” The Nonpartisan League (NPL) was a force to be reckoned with during the early years of the Twentieth Century. The leaders of the NPL sought to help farmers at a time when grain prices were determined by large, out-state grain mills and railroad companies. The price regulations, the cost of equipment, and fear of being foreclosed on by the bank caused many farmers to join the NPL.
Not everyone spoke or read English in North Dakota in the early 1900s. This posed an obstacle for the NPL. How could they to spread their message to as many people as possible when not everyone read English? Their solution was The Nonpartisan Leader, the front page of which included a full page cartoon which illustrated the League’s message. The genius behind the cartoons was John Miller Baer, who made it possible for everyone to understand the League and what they were fighting for. The Leader helped the NPL spread throughout North Dakota and into twelve other states. As can be expected, the League’s opposition used the same tactic and used cartoons to attack the League.
The exhibit, which was created by UND History Graduate Student Nichole Kenney, also contrasts the political cartoons of the first part of 20th Century with the social media memes of the 21st Century. While memes can be creative and funny, most are straightforward and simple. Few artistic skills are utilized, unlike the cartoonists from the NPL and their opposition.
“The Nonpartisan League: The Visual Aspect” is open for viewing during the normal hours of operation for the Department of Special Collections, which are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m .to 5 p.m. For more information on the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections and the exhibit, please contact the department at 701.777.4625 or und.archives@library.und.edu. Their web page is http://library.und.edu/special-collections/
