The Democrats finally won

For The Madera Tribune

The Republican banner that stretched across Yosemite Avenue in 1890 should not lead one to believe that Madera was a GOP stronghold. Indeed, just the opposite was the case.

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In November of 1884, Grover Cleveland was elected to the Presidency of the United States, the first Democrat to be so honored since 1856, and his party was jubilant. Joyous celebrations proliferated throughout the nation, but none like the one thrown in Madera.

Most of the nation’s Democrats waited until the votes were counted before throwing a victory party. Madera, on the other hand, led by the quintessential Democrat, Russel Perry Mace, held its triumphant observance two months before the election!

The little burg of Madera had been born under a Republican President in 1876, and the numerous Democrats in the fledgling village had to “endure” another Republican victory in the election of that year. Likewise, in 1880, a Republican, James A. Garfield, was elected, and once more Madera was found to be out of step with a majority of the nation’s electorate. Local Democratic leaders were bitterly disappointed, especially Captain R.P. Mace.