1924 Mock Convention Parade, Oberlin College Campus

The founding of the Republican Party in 1854 helped form the basis for Oberlin College’s tradition of mock national conventions. From 1854 through 1968 Oberlin College failed to have mock conventions only twice: in 1856 and 1912. Oberlin College held twenty-three mock conventions in twenty-four election years, and all but two of the conventions were Republican. (Source: Mock Convention Programs, 1936, 1968)

In 2004, the Oberlin College Democrats revived the rich tradition of mock conventions by holding a Mock Democratic Convention. Also available is a cover image from the 1924 mock convention program.