The Bower Family Band petitions the Democratic National Committee to sing a rally song for President Grover Cleveland at the party 's 1888 convention . On the urging of Joe Carder , a journalist and suitor to eldest Bower daughter Alice , the family decides instead to move to the Dakota Territory . There , Grandpa Bower , a staunch Democrat , causes trouble with his pro-Cleveland sentiments . The Dakota residents are overwhelmingly Republican , and hope to get the territory admitted as two states ( North and South Dakota ) rather than one ( so as to send four Republican senators to Washington rather than two ) . Grandpa 's actions result in family strife , including nearly costing Alice her position as the town 's new school teacher . The budding romance between Joe and Alice also suffers . In the end , more ballots are cast for Cleveland , but Republican nominee Benjamin Harrison nonetheless wins the Electoral College vote , and the presidency . Before he leaves office , Cleveland grants statehood to both the two Dakotas , along with Montana , and Washington , evening the gains for both parties . The Dakotans , particularly the feuding young couple , resolve to live together in peace
1888 convention
1888 Democratic National Convention
The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band