ALFRED E. SMITH - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 164742

ALFRED E. SMITH
Sepia-toned 11x13 publicity photograph of Alfred E. Smith in profile wearing a suit, tie and hat.
Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Charley and Mrs. Hand with affectionate regards of/Al Smith". B/w sepia-toned, 11x13 overall, image 9x11¼ (one surface). Alfred E. Smith (1873-1944), a vigorous reformer as Governor of New York (1919-1920, 1923-1928), was first suggested as a presidential possibility in 1920. His supporters were more numerous in 1924, when his name was placed in nomination by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who dubbed him the "happy warrior". Al Smith lost the nomination to John W. Davis on the 103rd ballot. As a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1928, he had no serious opposition and was nominated on the first ballot. In so doing, Smith became the first Roman Catholic presidential nominee of a major party. In the election, he was defeated by Herbert Hoover, winning only eight states and losing New York. After leaving politics, Smith became President of Empire State, Inc., the corporation that erected and operated the Empire State Building. Although he gave belated support to Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1932 presidential election, Smith soon broke with his old friend and supported Republicans Landon in 1936 and Willkie in 1940. A forceful opponent to Roosevelt's New Deal, Smith died a month before the 1944 election at the age of 70. Chipped at edges. Lower corners missing. Otherwise, fine condition.