Triumph of the boosters: The 1928 democratic convention in Houston

Abstract

In 1928 the Democratic National Committee chose Houston for its presidential nominating convention. For the first time since before the Civil War the party would meet in the South. Since Governor Al Smith of New York seemed likely to be nominated, a site in the New South would enhance party unity. This article looks at the convention from the Houston perspective. The case study demonstrates the power and goals of the city elite. Jesse Jones, the publisher of the Chronicle, obtained the convention almost singlehandedly. Moreover, he did so without consulting the mayor, the Texas politicians, or other business leaders. The surprised Houston elite was delighted. The convention would boost their city to national prominence and bring growth, wealth, and prestige. Houstonians proceeded to raze slums, build a hall seating 25,000, and plant 2000 rose bushes. In late June thousands of delegates and news reporters arrived to cheer Democracy, as the party was then called, and to choose candidates for the presidency and the vice presidency.