Wendell Willkie Ephemera Collector Michael McQuillen

Michael J. McQuillen is a long-time collector and full-time dealer in political campaign memorabilia. In the following interview, we talk about his wonderful collection of Wendell Willkie ephemera.

ephemera: How did you become interested in Wendell Willkie?

McQuillen: The 1940 FDR vs. Willkie campaign experienced an explosion in the quantity of campaign items produced for the two candidates. I have a never ending quest to find new and previously undiscovered buttons and other items.

ephemera: What does your collection reveal about the famous politician?

McQuillen: That he found supporters in practically every town--small or large--across the country.

ephemera: What challenges or obstacles do you encounter as a collector? How do you overcome these challenges?

McQuillen: Willkie is a very popular candidate to collect and there is a lot of competition among collectors in online and other auction/sales venues.

ephemera: What are your favorite items in the collection? Do you have a crowning jewel or show stopper in your collection? If so, what is it?

McQuillen: I have an original portrait street sign from his 1940 Notification Ceremony held on August 17, 1940, in Elwood, Indiana (Willkie's hometown.) It is one of only two surviving examples, and I have been lucky enough to own both at one time or another.

ephemera: What resources can you recommend for would-be Willkie collectors?

McQuillen: Membership in the APIC (American Political Items Collectors) is an invaluable resource for collectors. A yearly membership of $35 provides a monthly newspaper, quarterly magazine, networking opportunities, and much more for both the new and experienced collector.

ephemera: Thank you for sharing your collection with my readers, Micheal.