Monte Leo Jones served as a foreman of the composing room for both the Capital Journal and Statesman Journal, but was more well known as the mind behind countless political cartoons. Often drawing cartoons based on local events and prominent political figures, Jones found a unique medium to voice his opinions. On the drawings themselves, he signed his name as simply “Leo”. This was, according to his daughter, a suggestion by Capital Journal editor George Putnam for Jones to use a pseudonym in case he sparked controversy. Adopting his middle name as his signature, “Leo” challenged politics and current events by creating often humorous art for the newspaper.

This collection of newspaper clippings (2016.042) was donated by Jones’ daughter. The cartoons cover a variety of topics ranging from detailing a fear of organized crime to poking fun at proposed tax increases. Engage with some of the highlights from this collection below and learn more about the many cartoons of Monte Leo Jones.

A political cartoon depicting a bulldog biting the tail of a bear. The dog is labeled as "British Heckling" while the bear is labeled "Khrushchey & Co"

“One Little Snip Shouldn’t Bother Him”

A political cartoon by Jones depicting a bulldog biting the tail of a bear. The cartoon refers to former Soviet president Nikita Khrushchev and his party being swayed by the heckling of the British. The cartoon reflects anti-communist fears and desires of the period.

Collection Highlights

The cartoon depicts a rattlesnake labeled "Threat of Organized Crime in Multnomah County"

“Poisonous Reptile”

Using a venomous snake as a metaphor, this cartoon refers to the fear people in Multnomah County had of organized crime groups in the 1950’s. In this period around the country, mafia-like groups were popping up and scaring citizens with their shady nature. This cartoon reflects how people in Oregon were afraid of organized crime taking root in the state and causing issues.

The cartoon depicts a man labeled "Last Years School Budget" struggling to hold a large child labeled "Salem's Expanding School Population"

“He’ll Need Help to Handle This Kid”

A comical approach to a problem, this cartoon refers to how costs for school in the 1950’s were at the highest they had ever been. It pokes fun at how there was also an expanding student population that the budget could not support. Although this cartoon was published in 1956, these discussions are still held today.

“Look What He’s Digging Up!”

This particular cartoon refers to a proposed sales tax on the 1956 Oregon ballot, specifically a sales tax of three cents on tobacco products. The grave reflects the dates of older sales tax proposals that failed. Not subtly, this cartoon shows a negative attitude towards said sales tax proposal.

A cartoon that depicts large horses in the sky with text above them that says "The Power of Nature". The horses are running over houses and bringing a flood with them

“Wild Horses”

Not all of Jones’ cartoons were related to politics. This particular cartoon depicts the 1956 Columbia River Flood that raised the water-level of the river drastically. Warmer temperatures in higher elevations caused rapid snow melt, raising the water-level of the Columbia River for 12 days.

“Boot Hill”

Showcasing a cemetery in the desert, this cartoon pokes fun at Senator Carey Estes Kefaufer and his failed campaign for US President in 1956. Kefaufer lost California in his run to secure the Democratic Presidential Nomination, which is what this cartoon is referencing.

Preferred Citation

Monte Leo Jones Archive, Willamette Heritage Center, 2016.042

Finding Aid created by Ian Thomson, 2024