Anti-Catholic Rally on Long Island, 1928

Going back to Maria Monk in the 1830’s, the “ex-Nun” racket was a big part of organized anti-Catholicism. The ad for this June 1928 rally in Freeport, Long Island, throws in an ex-priest for good measure. This was right at the time Al Smith was the first R.C. to run for President. Anti-Catholicism reached a fever pitch during the campaign, the likes of which hasn’t been seen since. Roadside signs urged people to vote againt Rome, and distinguished periodicals gave reasons why America wasn’t ready yet for a Catholic in the White House. (Click on the poster for a closer version…)