In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in many areas of the country, the Democratic Party was essentially maintained and operated through a series of Democratic Clubs. These clubs ran the gamut from powerful machines like Tammany Hall in New York City to simple local clubs with political matters on the agenda. There were perhaps 6,000 permanent clubs and another 8,000 that came together for national elections, as well as a national umbrella organization. A National Convention of Democratic Clubs was held in Baltimore the 4th of July, 1888. Soon after, state organizations scheduled their own meetings. The New Jersey club slated one for August and invited native son, President Grover Cleveland.
Autograph Letter Signed on White House letterhead, Washington, August 21, 1888, to W.S. McKean, secretary of the New Jersey Democratic Clubs, who would eventually serve in a similar position for the national umbrella organization. “I am in receipt of your courteous invitation to attend the convention of Democratic Clubs of the state of New Jersey, to be held at Newark on the 22nd and 23rd instant. Such a convention and the consultation and comparison of views which will result therefrom cannot fail to advance the cause in which the participants are enlisted. Regretting that the requirements of a performance of my duties here will not permit my acceptance of your invitation, and with the wish that the convention will be a successful one and productive of good results, I am...”