Photos: A look at some other Democratic National Conventions in Chicago

The Democratic National Convention is returning to Chicago for the 12th time overall, and the first time in 28 years.

Next year’s event is sure to evoke memories of many of those past gatherings, both the good and the bad. And the list of famous figures who have been nominated in Chicago is impressive — including many who did not win.

Most recently, Democrats were here in 1996 to nominate President Bill Clinton for a successful run for a second term.

The time before that? Well, in 1968, a Democratic Party about as divided as the country was beset by protesters who were met by police brutality. Sen. Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota was nominated and went on to lose to Richard Nixon in the fall.

Vice President Al Gore and President Bill Clinton wave to delegates on the last night of the 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. — Vice President Al Gore and President Bill Clinton wave to delegates on the last night of the 1996 Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago.

An Aug. 29, 1968 photo shows Vice President Hubert Humphrey (right) and his running mate, Sen. Edmund S. Muskie (left), with their wives at the Democratic Convention in Chicago following their nomination for president and vice president. — An Aug. 29, 1968, photo shows Vice President Hubert Humphrey (right) and his running mate, Sen. Edmund S. Muskie (left), with their wives at the Democratic Convention in Chicago following their nomination for president and vice president.

At about 6:30 on Aug 29, Dick Gregory invited the entire crowd to come home with him, to determine freedom of movement on the streets of Chicago. The march was stopped at 18th and Michigan by the National Guard, — On Aug 29, 1968, Dick Gregory invited the entire crowd to come home with him, to determine if there really was freedom of movement on the streets of Chicago. The march was stopped at 18th Street and Michigan Avenue by the National Guard,

Before Clinton and Humphrey, however, many passed through Chicago on their way to the White House — or in some cases, a losing campaign.

• Grover Cleveland, the only president — so far — to serve two nonconsecutive terms, was nominated for both those successful candidacies in Chicago, in 1884 and 1892. He lost his 1888 bid for reelection when he was nominated in St. Louis. Maybe Democrats returned for good luck?

• William Jennings Bryan was nominated here in 1896 in part on the strength of his “cross of gold” speech advocating a free-silver monetary policy. But he lost in the fall.

• Franklin D. Roosevelt won four terms in the White House, and three of those nominations, including his first, was right here, in 1932. That’s also the year he broke with tradition by actually attending the nomination in person (just wasn’t done before that).

• A local favorite, Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson II, who went on to lose twice to Dwight D. Eisenhower, was nominated here both times, in 1952 and 1956.

• Republicans have met here too, of course, including in 1860, nominating another local favorite who was more successful — Abraham Lincoln. And Eisenhower, that WWII hero who beat Stevenson twice, also was nominated here once, in 1952.

But it’s the Democrats’ turn here next year, so here’s a look at what happened before.

Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley pumps his fist as he speaks from the floor of the 1968 Democratic National Convention. — Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley pumps his fist as he speaks from the floor of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Mayor Richard J. Daley and son Richard M. Daley jeer Sen. Abraham Ribicoff at the Democratic National Convention August 28, 1968 as he criticizes Chicago for their “Gestapo” tactics. — Mayor Richard J. Daley and son Richard M. Daley jeer Sen. Abraham Ribicoff, D-Conn., at the Democratic National Convention August 28, 1968, as he criticizes what he called the “Gestapo” tactics Chicago police were using against protesters.

Hubert H. Humphrey speaks to the crowd during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 29, 1968. — Hubert H. Humphrey speaks to the crowd during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on Aug. 29, 1968.

A demonstrator at the Democratic National Convention fights off tear gas as he walks in front of a police barricade at the Conrad Hilton Hotel.

Mike Wallace, of CBS News, is hustled off the Democratic National Convention floor in the aftermath of a row between delegates and security officers during the presidential nominating session on Aug. 28, 1968 in Chicago. — Mike Wallace, of CBS News, is hustled off the Democratic National Convention floor in the aftermath of a row between delegates and security officers during the presidential nominating session on Aug. 28, 1968, in Chicago.

Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley is shown at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 28, 1968, during the nominating session.

General view of the floor at the final session of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 29, 1968.

An Aug. 28, 1968 photo shows National Guardsmen lining the street as they are confronted by protesters in front of the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago, headquarters for the 1968 Democratic National Convention. — An Aug. 28, 1968, photo shows National Guardsmen lining the street as they are confronted by protesters in front of the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago, headquarters for the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

Soldiers and protesters in a confrontation during the 1968 National Democratic Convention on Michigan Avenue at 18th Street.

As demonstrators are placed into police vans, Chicago police form a battle line against thousands of others during a melee in Chicago on Aug. 28, 1968. The police are lined up and looking north on Michigan Avenue at the Conrad Hilton hotel, headquarters for the Democratic National Convention.

Police reroute a big throng of hippies and yippies as they try to clear Grant Park during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 28, 1968.

Workers install the presidential seal at the podium of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago’s United Center Aug. 29, 1996, preparing for President Bill Clinton’s acceptance speech on the final day of the four-day gathering of delegates. — Workers install the presidential seal at the podium of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago’s United Center Aug. 29, 1996, preparing for President Clinton’s acceptance speech on the final day of the four-day gathering of delegates.

A July 29, 1996 photo of construction underway for the 1996 Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago. The basketball and hockey arena got a Hollywood-style makeover by Emmy-winning Los Angeles designer Rene Lagler for the convention. — A July 1996 photo of construction underway for the 1996 Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago. The basketball and hockey arena got a Hollywood-style makeover by Emmy-winning Los Angeles designer Rene Lagler for the convention.

The block diagonally left of the United Center was designated by the city of Chicago as one of two locations for demonstrations during the 1996 Democratic National Convention.

The traditional balloon drop at the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which renomiated Bill Clinton and Al Gore for their 1996 presidential and vice presidential candidates.

First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton (front row, far right) laughs while Democratic leaders dance the Macarena on stage at the end of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1996.

President Bill Clinton giving his acceptance speech after he is nominated for a second term at the 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. — President Bill Clinton gives his acceptance speech after being nominated for a second term at the 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

President Bill Clinton at the 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, along with wife, Hillary, and daughter, Chelsea.

President Bill Clinton waves to the crowd on the last night of the 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

With the skyline of Chicago in the background, Chicago police officers barricade the perimeter of the United Center, site of the 1996 Democratic National Convention, early Wednesday morning, Aug. 28, 1996. — Chicago police officers barricade the perimeter of the United Center, site of the 1996 Democratic National Convention, early on the morning of Aug. 28, 1996.

Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper, wave to the delegates from the stage of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Wednesday night, Aug. 28, 1996. — Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper, wave to delegates from the stage of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on the night of Aug. 28, 1996.

Hillary Rodham Clinton holds onto Chelsea after President Clinton was nominated at the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Wednesday Aug. 28, 1996. — Hillary Rodham Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea, after President Bill Clinton was nominated to run for his second term at the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Aug. 28, 1996.

Actor and activist Christopher Reeve speaks to the Democratic National Convention at the United Center Monday, Aug. 26, 1996, in Chicago. — Actor and activist Christopher Reeve speaks during the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 26, 1996, in Chicago.

Sen. Joe Biden, Delaware, speaks to delegates at the United Center Tuesday, Aug. 27, 1996, in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention. — Delaware Sen. Joe Biden speaks to delegates at the United Center on Aug. 27, 1996, in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention.

First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton addresses the the Democratic Natonal Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Tuesday August 27, 1996. — First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton addresses the the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Aug. 27, 1996.

In this Tuesday, Aug. 27, 1996 file photo, Rev. Jesse Jackson waits while his son, Jesse Jackson Jr., introduces him to delegates at the United Center in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention. — The Rev. Jesse Jackson waits while his son, Jesse Jackson Jr., introduces him to delegates at the United Center in Chicago during the 1996 Democratic National Convention.

Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, Democratic nominee for President, shown thanking his campaign managers in Chicago on July 2, 1932 after delivering his acceptance speech before the democratic convention. — New York Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Democratic nominee for president, is shown thanking his campaign managers in Chicago on July 2, 1932, after delivering his acceptance speech before the Democratic National Convention.

The big hall at the Chicago Stadium as the Democratic National Convention got underway on June 27, 1932.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt addresses the Democratic National Convention, July 2, 1932. His son James is at right. — Franklin Delano Roosevelt addresses the Democratic National Convention on July 2, 1932. His son James is at right.

Delegates carrying state standards and placards proclaiming “We Want Roosevelt” and “Give Us Roosevelt” jammed the aisles in the Chicago Stadium after President Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated for a third term at the Democratic National Convention on July 17, 1940.

Opening session of the Democratic National Convention at the Chicago Stadium on July 19, 1944.

Former National Democratic Chairman James A. Farley, (left) shakes hands with Senator Harry S. Truman and wife at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on July 21, 1944. Mrs. Bess Truman, in dark suit and white hat, sits at her husband’s right side. — Former National Democratic Chairman James A. Farley (left) shakes hands with Sen. Harry S. Truman and wife at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on July 21, 1944. Mrs. Bess Truman, in dark suit and white hat, sits at her husband’s right side. Truman was nominated for vice president on the second ballot.

The first session of the 1944 Democratic National Convention, held in the Chicago Stadium on July 19, 1944.

Democratic convention delegates waving signs and wearing “Uncle Sam” hats celebrate in the Chicago Stadium on July 20, 1944, after the name of President Franklin D. Roosevelt was placed in nomination to run for a fourth term. — Delegates to the 1944 Democratic National Convention, waving signs and wearing “Uncle Sam” hats, celebrate in the Chicago Stadium on July 20, 1944, after the name of President Franklin D. Roosevelt was placed in nomination to run for a fourth term.

President Harry Truman shakes hands with Illinois Gov. Adlai E. Stevenson on July 26, 1952 at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Stevenson became the party’s presidential nominee. — President Harry Truman shakes hands with Illinois Gov. Adlai E. Stevenson on July 26, 1952, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Stevenson became the party’s presidential nominee.

Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson addresses the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on July 25, 1952.

Sen. John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts on the rostrum at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago touched off a demonstration by his state’s delegation on August 13, 1956. Paul Butler, the party’s national chairman, who introduced Kennedy, is to the senator’s right. — Sen. John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts on the rostrum at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago touched off a demonstration by his state’s delegation on Aug. 13, 1956. Paul Butler, the party’s national chairman, who introduced Kennedy, is to the senator’s right.

In this Aug. 14, 1956, file photo, from left: Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of Sen. John F. Kennedy (D-Mass.); Jean Kennedy Smith, the senator’s sister; and Eunice Kennedy Shriver attend the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. — Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of Sen. John F. Kennedy (D-Mass.); Jean Kennedy Smith, the senator’s sister; and Eunice Kennedy Shriver attend the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 14, 1956.

Adlai Stevenson, just nominated for the presidency at the 1956 Democratic National Convention, stands with fellow Illinoisan, Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley on the rostrum on Aug. 19, 1956.

The floor of the 1952 Democratic National Convention in Chicago is jammed with cheering delegates waving signs on July 24, 1952 after the name of Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson was placed in nomination for the presidency.

Illinois Gov. Adlai E. Stevenson (left) and Sen. John Sparkman of Alabama at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on July 26, 1952, as Stevenson was nominated for president and Sparkman was picked as his running mate. — Illinois Gov. Adlai E. Stevenson (left) and Sen. John Sparkman of Alabama on the rostrum at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on July 26, 1952, as Stevenson was nominated for president and Sparkman was picked as his running mate.

President Harry S. Truman prepares to pin an official delegate’s badge on lapel of Illinois Gov. Adlai E. Stevenson of Illinois outside the hall where the Democratic National Convention was being held n Chicago on July 25, 1952. Stevenson was unanimously nominated to run for president.

Mahalia Jackson sings “The Lord’s Prayer” at the closing of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 17, 1956.

Delegates demonstrate in favor of Sen. John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts as he is placed before the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 17, 1956, in Chicago as a possible vice presidential nominee.

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