Striking the consciousness

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(Image: Billy Ireland cartoon, 1920) Special editions of newspapers, pamphlets and brochures were produced in abundance. Instructional pamphlets guided canvassers in the soft sell, seeking to "strike the consciousness" with appeals to filial loyalty, patriotism and parsimony - one pamphlet contained tables of tax deductions, and canvassers emphasized that pledges could be paid in installments. In the brochures, donors were invited into a competition between nationally famous universities: "Michigan has had its Union and alumni memorials; Illinois its Armory, its splendid buildings and equipment; California its Campanile, Greek Theatre. [...] Ohio State has had its - What?"