Opinion: Just what every political junkie wants
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Dreading a trip to the mall today?
We’re here to offer relief, as well as give you a chance to promote a greater appreciation of the grand traditions of American democracy.
No doubt with the holiday season in mind, the New Hampshire Historical Society recently began offering for sale the Neil Tillotson bobblehead. And for a mere $15.95 apiece, you can make a huge dent in your gift list (simply click here).
The name doesn’t ring a bell? Well, for 40 years, from 1960 to 2000, Tillotson filled out the first ballot in the small town where the first votes are cast in New Hampshire’s presidential primaries -- Dixville Notch (the community opens its voting booth just past midnight).
Tillotson, we discovered, actually was a native of Vermont, but his adopted state decided not to hold that against him. And when the honor to him was unveiled earlier this year, his son told the Manchester Union Leader, ‘It certainly seemed a reasonable likeness, as much as a bobblehead can.’
High praise, indeed.
Looking for a present with a slightly higher profile? Don’t despair -- the Granite State historical group still might fill the bill. Today, to mark the 203rd birthday of Franklin Pierce, it unveils a bobblehead of the only New Hampshirite to become president (he served one pretty-much-disastrous term, 1853-57).
By the way, if you happen to be in or near Concord, you can drop by the society’s library for a free slice of cake as part of the Pierce-related festivities.
-- Don Frederick