In addition to being mayor of Chicago, Richard J. Daley was also a key figure in Democratic Party politics. From 1947 on, he served as committeeman for the Eleventh Ward, where he had resided all his life. He also chaired the influential Cook County Democratic Party from 1953 until his death in 1976.
When he became the ward committeeman,…he’d distribute baskets with turkey and vegetables in them. Whoever needed help, he would get together with his help and arrange some baskets to send them for Christmas or whatever.
Jack Parker, friend of Richard J. Daley, interview excerpt, August 13, 2009

Richard J. Daley, about one month after he was elected chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party. He is standing with three unidentified men at the 11th Ward Democratic Party Picnic, August 16, 1953. RJD_04_01_0010_0010_001