Rare Original 1968 Anti-War Protest Flyer / Handbill
Targeting George Wallace’s Controversial Rally at Madison Square Garden
Issued by the Fifth Ave. Vietnam Peace Parade CommitteeUp for sale is an exceptionally rare, original street-level political protest flyer from the historic and volatile 1968 U.S. Presidential Election cycle. Distributed in New York City by grassroots peace activists, this mimeographed or lithographed handbill organizes a direct counter-demonstration ("Picket Wallace") to confront the third-party candidacy of Alabama Governor George Wallace during his notorious appearance at Madison Square Garden.Item Details & Specifications:
- Year: 1968
- Event Date: Thursday, October 24, 1968
- Location Targeted: Madison Square Garden (34th St. & 8th Ave., NYC)
- Issuing Organization: Fifth Ave. Vietnam Peace Parade Committee (17 E. 17th St., NYC)
- Visuals: Hand-drawn cartoon caricature of George Wallace at the top right, stylized hand-lettered fonts, and striking grassroots graphic design layout.
Historical Significance:This artifact provides a direct window into one of the most explosive political flashpoints of the late 1960s. On October 24, 1968, segregationist third-party candidate George Wallace held a massive, highly secure rally inside Madison Square Garden. Outside the venue, more than 1,000 anti-war and civil rights activists gathered to protest, clashing heavily with a force of 3,000 New York City police officers surrounding the arena.The text on this handbill fiercely rejects all three major candidates, reading: "OPPOSE THE HUMPHREY, NIXON, WALLACE TICKET FOR ITS PRO-WAR POLICY!" It also acts as a dual-purpose piece of ephemera, calling for a follow-up "GIANT PICKET & RALLY AGAINST ALL THREE" on Saturday, November 2nd, just days prior to Election Day.Rarity & Condition:As ephemeral street literature, these flyers were produced quickly and cheaply on plain paper, intended to be stapled to telephone poles, left on tables, or handed to pedestrians. The vast majority were thrown away over 50 years ago. Surviving copies in private hands are incredibly difficult to find, with most existing copies held in university archives or institutional libraries.
- Overall Condition: Good vintage condition, showing authentic age and character.
- 8 1/2" x 11"
Thank you for looking!
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