[TOWNSEND, Dr. Francis]. "We're For The Townsend Plan" sign
Item #0731
4" x 10" original stamped metal sign; painted black lettering on yellow background on one side; holes punched in 4 corners for attachment. [c. 1935]. License plate like souvenir of an ambitious and popular depression-era plan proposed by Dr. Francis Townsend of Long Beach, California as a way of ending the economic catastrophe while resolving the particular financial hardships of the elderly. It called for a pension of $200 per month to be paid to every person over 60 yrs. of age who promised not to look for work and to spend the money within 30 days, thereby creating prosperity and stimulating the economy. Dr. Townsend, an unemployed elderly physician, first published his plan in an extended opinion piece in a Long Beach newspaper in 1933. He formed an organization, the Old Age Revolving Pensions Fund, Ltd., which formalized the plan, published it as a pamphlet, and distributed it throughout America. Within a year the Townsend Plan was supported by 500,000 dues paying members. By 1936 the membership was estimated at 2 million. With such numbers and grass roots popularity came political clout and the wooing of the Townsendites by politicians. Legislation was even proposed. One bill by John Steven McGroarty, California Representative from Los Angeles, was hotly debated before going down to certain defeat, just like the others. The 1935 passage of Roosevelt's Social Security Act effectively ended any chance of the Townsend Plan becoming law. In a last hurrah, Townsend clubs joined with other imitators, such as Huey Long's Share-Our-Wealth Club and Father Coughlin's National Union for Social Justice, to run as the Union Party in the 1936 presidential election. Enthusiasm for the concept did not translate into votes against the New Deal and the Union Party won less than 2 percent of the vote. The Townsend Plan began to fade after this, but deserves recognition for its influence on the creation of the Social Security System. A few surface nicks & blemishes, otherwise nice condition. |
