Taking a step back in political landscape
By LEWIS DELAVAN Editor

RECOLLECTIONS LEWIS DELAVAN PHOTO Steve Perdue enjoys discussing his collect of thousands of items of political memorabilia, including household names and obscure candidates. A number of Saline County residents are part of the collection, including Joe Purcell (sign at far right.) What 1960s-era candidates were connected by a boat paddle and the slogan, "'Whip the Yank!'?" Attend and find out.

Steve Perdue will present part of his vast collection of political memorabilia at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow in Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library.

The retired history teacher became interested in politics more than 35 years ago. His college professor, Bob Riley, served two terms as lieutenant governor under Dale Bumpers, and helped spur Perdue's interest.

Currently the archivist for Saline County Library, Perdue's talk is an Arkansas Heritage Event, listed on the state's calendar.

One of his oldest prized buttons is a 1909 William Howard Taft button made for the president's visit to an event sponsored by the Little Rock Board of Trade. "I didn't realize it at first, but he came to Saline County, too," Perdue said.

His collection crosses the political spectrum and the decades.

Governors Bailey, Cherry, Faubus, Rockefeller, Bumpers, Pryor, White, Clinton, Tucker, Huckabee and Beebe mark a lifetime of political memories for older Arkansans.

Hand fans, banners and numerous buttons mark the rise of two young Arkansans, Bill and Hillary Clinton, from the campus of the University of Arkansas to the Capitol, the White House and the U.S. Senate chambers.

Perdue promises to evoke forgotten memories of both well-known and lesser candidates. Everyone is invited to attend the free event.