Trenton, N.J., Jan 7, 2012 / 16:25 pm
An Irish-American Catholic fraternal group has repeated its objections to 19th-century cartoonist Thomas Nast’s nomination to the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
“The Hall of Fame should be a place to honor people from New Jersey that we should all be proud of. Clearly that’s not happening here,” objected Sean Hugh, public affairs director and treasurer for the New Jersey Ancient Order of the Hibernians.
The Hall of Fame’s treatment of Nast “made him look like a hero” through his accomplishments in cartooning, Hugh told CNA on Jan. 6.
Nast, considered a pioneer in editorial cartooning, helped popularize the symbols of the Elephant and the Donkey for the Republican and Democratic parties. He helped create the modern versions of Santa Claus and Uncle Sam.