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Any photos not otherwise credited are from the personal collection of Frank Passic, Albion Historian.
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Morning Star, February 20, 2000, Pg. 9 It was certainly too bad that Albion College couldn’t have hosted a presidential debate a week ago. Perhaps they can lobby for one this fall with the two "real" candidates. That would bring some big national media attention to our city. It could also help local merchants, particular convenience stores where candidates could purchase their own choice of breath fresheners. Closer to home however, I do hope that we have a good turnout this coming Tuesday in our Republican presidential primary, as it is important that citizens exercise their rights to vote. Albion has had a rich historical heritage with the Republican Party which dates back to its roots. Many Albionites were present "under the oaks" in Jackson on July 6, 1854 when the "Grand Old Party" (GOP) was formed. Albion has also hosted numerous "Lincoln Day" dinners through the years for Calhoun County Republicans. While preparing my column with the February "100 Years Ago" theme, I could not help but notice a report about the February 1900 Calhoun County Lincoln Day banquet in which numerous Albionites were in attendance. It is quite interesting, and I am sharing a short excerpt with my readers this week here in our Historical Notebook. This was 100 years ago this month. "Hon. Grant Fellows, of Hudson, president of the Michigan League of Republican Clubs, was the first speaker of the evening. "The Republican Party," he declared, "stands today confronting the most serious state of affairs in its history in Michigan. Four of its members stand indicted, two of whom were elected on the state ticket and two of whom were elected as representatives of the people." "State taxes have nearly doubled, and the executive of the state has threatened twice to bolt the party. It is the duty of the party of discuss the wrong doings of its members and not leave it for the Democrats to spring during the coming campaign. There never was a time in the history of the party when honest and conscientious work is more needed than at present in Michigan. Jealousies must be laid aside and the whole party should rise in its might and demand the truth." This week from our Historical Notebook we present a Republican "Ticket" for Albion Township which dates form the 1870s. Back then the lists of candidates were printed on small pieces of paper resembling tickets such as you would use on the railroad, and hence the phrase "Republican Ticket," or "Democratic Ticket," etc.  Republican Party Ticket Next: MECHANIC'S STREET All text copyright, 2026 © all rights reserved Frank Passic | Artwork copyright Maggie LaNoue © 2026
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