---
title: Archie Alexander - Builder of Bridges
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/owi-alston-archie-alexander-builder-of-bridges-1943/
description: 'A full-page illustrated biography: a large portrait of Archie Alexander with panels showing a bridge in Washington, D.C., Iowa football players.'
section: Collection
---

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3. Archie Alexander - Builder of Bridges

[![Archie Alexander - Builder of Bridges, 1943 US cartoon: A full-page illustrated biography](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/owi-alston-archie-alexander-builder-of-bridges-1943.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/owi-alston-archie-alexander-builder-of-bridges-1943.jpg)

# Archie Alexander - Builder of Bridges

A full-page illustrated biography: a large portrait of Archie Alexander with panels showing a bridge in Washington, D.C., Iowa football players, and a graduate beside a university building under an 'Iowa' pennant, each with a caption. The tell is the exemplary-individual format, where one person's career stands for what the audience is invited to admire.

## Propaganda techniques used in this cartoon

[Testimonial](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/testimonial/) [Glittering generalities](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/glittering-generalities/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
Now under construction is the new million dollar bridge across the tidal basin, in Washington, D.C.
ALEXANDER IS NO NEWCOMER TO THE FIELD OF ENGINEERING. HIS FIRM HAS BUILT EVERYTHING FROM SEWAGE DISPOSAL PLANTS, TO POWER PLANTS AND AIRPORTS! -- AS WELL AS ABOUT HALF OF THE BRIDGES IN THE CITY OF DES MOINES, IOWA!!
ARCHIE ALEXANDER
BUILDER OF BRIDGES
Alexander and his white partner, M.A. Repass, first met when they were teammates on the Iowa varsity. -- They have teamed successfully ever since!!
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO UNTIL YOU TRY!!
IOWA
Warned by his professors of the difficulties confronting a Negro engineer, Alexander proudly returned to his alma mater, 12 years after graduation, and completed a million dollar contract!
Alston-OWI
36 2/3 Picas
```

[← "A Negro crossed the Delaware with George Washington" - "And we'll continue to fight for liberty!"](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/owi-alston-and-we-will-continue-to-fight-for-liberty-1943/) [Army Relief Fund →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/owi-alston-army-relief-fund-1943/)

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