[rstrahan]

This convention is one that is cited by the “NeverTrump” contested convention folk. The fact is that the delegates were fractured among various candidates. Not the situation this year.

[Buckeye McFrog]

Warren G. Harding....how did THAT work out for them?

[Oratam]

I assumed it was a Tammany-connected saloon fiiled with guys who look like William Frawley.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

I thought it was initially formed here on FR? ;)

[BenLurkin]

The cave with the “Ugh for Chief” banner hanging from the stalactites.

[Fhios]

I thought it originated just post Civil War and in particular the Grant administration, later proponents of the 17th amendments referenced the period around the Grant administrations. I have no cite, I came across it some years ago while researching the passage of the 17th amendment.

[SamAdams76]

A couple years ago I saw a pilot for a TV show called "Boardwalk Empire" and if I recall correctly, Harding was just getting in and Prohibition was just getting started.

It looked like a pretty decent show but I never got around to seeing the other episodes. Does anybody out there recommend the show?

[MRadtke]

I thought it was the teacher's lounge where I went to school in the early 70’s.

[x]

That was when the newspapers came up with the name. The thing itself was already in existence.

It's not certain that Harding was chosen by a few men in a "smoke-filled room" -- a lot happened on the campaign floor in full sight of the press as one candidate's total soared and another's fell and Harding surged at just the right moment -- but the label stuck and became even more solidly fixed later, given all the backroom shenanigans during the Harding years.

Harding's opponent, James M. Cox used the "smoke-filled room" in attacks on Harding, but as somebody chosen on the 44th ballot, he wasn't exactly the overwhelming first choice of the people either.

[GOPJ]

There's the Blackstone Hotel, Blackstone Ave, Blackstone Rangers etc, etc.etc. Anyone know the origins of “Blackstone” in Chicago's history? Connected to the Chicago fire?

[Impy]

I’m glad I wasn’t a 1920 party boss, I’d have been frozen out of the process by not being able to take the stench (of the cigars).