THE CENTENNIAL of the U.S. Presidency
JENNIFER I. WOJECK
on april 30, 1889, one hundred years after George Washington took the first presidential Oath of Office on the balcony of Federal Hall as the public watched from Wall Street below, patriotic crowds returned to the spot to celebrate the centennial of the U.S. presidency. With President Benjamin Harrison as the guest of honor, New York City staged a naval pageant, processions and parades, receptions and banquets, speeches, a grand ball, a worship service, and an exhibition of historic artifacts. The extensive illustrations of these events published in leading newspapers of the day reflect the public’s enthusiasm for the celebration and reverence for the nation’s history; selected illustrations are featured here.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
showered flowers on the carriages.
President Benjamin Harrison departed Washington, D.C., by train on the evening of April 28, 1889, for Elizabeth, New Jersey, where the
President Benjamin Harrison departed Washington, D.C., by train on the evening of April 28, 1889, for Elizabeth, New Jersey, where the official presidential centennial events would begin. Although the White House was not the center of the national celebration, the occasion was nevertheless observed in Washington, D.C. On April 30 all business was suspended, public school children were given the day off, and churches held special thanksgiving services.
ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY
Harrison arrived in Elizabeth on the morning of April 29 and was greeted with ringing bells, a twenty-one-gun salute, and well-wishes from the general public. Shortly after breakfast with the governor of New Jersey, he departed with his party for Elizabethport in a procession of eight carriages. The presidential party was escorted through “two continuous lines upon both sides of the streets composed of the leading organizations of the State, civic and military. Among these a representative body of the Grand Army of the Republic, with stained and dilapidated battle-flags, attracted attention and received cordial salutations from the President.” As the party passed through triumphal arches, forty-nine girls, representing the forty-two states and seven territories,
The route then taken by the president to New York City would follow that taken by George Washington as he traveled to his Inauguration in 1789.
The route subsequently taken by the president to New York City would follow that taken by George Washington as he traveled to his Inauguration in 1789.
ELIZABETHPORT AND THE USS DESPATCH
ELIZABETHPORT AND THE USS DESPATCH
At Elizabethport the president boarded a barge manned by members of the Marine Society of the Port of New York, the society that had rowed Washington from Elizabethport to the foot of Wall Street a century earlier. As the barge pulled away toward the official presidential yacht, the USS Despatch, cannons were fired and spectators cheered. The merriment continued with naval honors once the president reached the Despatch
The Despatch proceeded through the 3 mile Kill Vall Kull tidal strait between Staten Island and Bayonne, New Jersey, as crowds from both the New York and New Jersey sides cheered and waved. At the upper bay, the president watched the naval and merchant marine review, each ship firing a salute as he passed. When Washington had made the voyage, “the United States had no navy, and the only naval salutes fired were from the Spanish corvette Galveston and a merchant-ship; while the only vessels to be seen other than those were a line of barges propelled by oars following the wake of the
At Elizabethport the president boarded a barge manned by members of the Marine Society of the Port of New York, the society that had rowed Washington from Elizabethport to the foot of Wall Street a century earlier. As the barge pulled away toward the official presidential yacht, the USS Despatch, cannons were fired and spectators cheered. The merriment continued with naval honors once the president reached the Despatch. The Despatch proceeded through the 3 mile Kill Vall Kull tidal strait between Staten Island and Bayonne, New Jersey, as crowds from both the New York and New Jersey sides cheered and waved. At the upper bay, the president watched the naval and merchant marine review, each ship firing a salute as he passed. When Washington had made the voyage, “the United States had no navy, and the only naval salutes fired were from the Spanish corvette Galveston and a merchant-ship; while the only vessels to be seen other than those were a line of barges propelled by oars following the wake of the President’s, and a few sloops of small tonnage.” illustration the Benjamin as he the April He
An illustration published in the May 11, 1889, issue of Harper’s Weekly (page 34), captures President Benjamin Harrison as he addresses the crowd on April 30, 1889, to celebrate the presidential centennial. He stands in front of the Sub-Treasury Building (now known as Federal Hall National Memorial), which was built on the site of the original Federal Hall where President George Washington had taken the first presidential Oath of Office a century earlier (page 35). The huge statue of President Washington, seen behind Harrison, was erected on the steps of the building in 1883.
Federal on of Federal Hall where George first Oath Office a century earlier (page 35). Harrison,
right
The cover of the May 11, 1889, issue of Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper features Harrison’s departure from Elizabethport, New Jersey. He waves his hat to the crowd ahead of boarding a barge manned by the Marine Society of the Port of New York, which will carry him to the waiting USS Despatch.
opposite
The USS Despatch carrying President Harrison navigates through a fleet of naval and merchant marine ships toward New York City. The Statue of Liberty seen at top right, had been erected just three years earlier, in 1886.
the coverage of 11,
opposite Captioned A Beautiful Incident from the Centennial Celebration—Girls from the Normal College Strewing Flowers in the Path of President Harrison at the Entrance to City Hall, this illustration continued the coverage of the centennial featured in the May 11, 1889, issue of Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper.
PIER 16
President’s, and a few sloops of small tonnage.”
PIER 16
After anchoring at the foot of Wall Street, the president and his party were carried by steam tugs to Pier 16, where a float decorated in national colors, bunting, and signal flags waited for them. It was reported that the Presidential Flag, “of deep blue, with eagle, laurel-wreath, and insignia,” was displayed for the first time in the city of New York and that “over a thousand policemen were on duty below Chambers Street. Three hundred . . . guarded Wall Street, and held the vast crowds awaiting the arrival of the President in order, and kept clear the approaches to the landing. Never had New York witnessed such an ovation, and never such a body of her citizens gathered at this spot where Washington landed just one hundred years before.”
After anchoring at the foot of Wall Street, the president and his party were carried by steam tugs to Pier 16, where a float decorated in national colors, bunting, and signal flags waited for them. It was reported that the Presidential Flag, “of deep blue, with eagle, laurel-wreath, and insignia,” was displayed for the first time in the city of New York and that “over a thousand policemen were on duty below Chambers Street. Three hundred men . . . guarded Wall Street, and held the vast crowds awaiting the arrival of the President in order, and kept clear the approaches to the landing. Never had New York witnessed such an ovation, and never had such a body of her citizens gathered at this spot where Washington landed just one hundred years before.”
THE PARADE
THE PARADE
As the president reached the float at Pier 16, the crowd cheered with a vigor that was just a hint of what awaited him during his march up Wall Street to the Lawyers’ Club. Accompanied by more than one thousand military men, the president and his party made their way through the Merchant’s Arch, decorated with masses of red, white, and blue silk, for the start of the parade. Buildings with colorful buntings featured windows “gleaming with bright eyes, every cornice fringed with faces.” The marchers paused at the Custom-House to hear its Brokers’ Glee Club sing “America,” accompanied by a cornet. “The march up to Broadway was an ovation; all along the line there was the shouting of the throngs of the people on the streets, and the music of the human voice in continuous chorus mingled with the strains of bands and the pealing of Trinity’s bells, which rang out clear and strong.”
As the president reached the float at Pier 16, the crowd cheered with a vigor that was just a hint of what awaited him during his march up Wall Street to the Lawyers’ Club. Accompanied by more than one thousand military men, the president and his party made their way through the Merchant’s Arch, decorated with masses of red, white, and blue silk, for the start of the parade. Buildings with colorful buntings featured windows “gleaming with bright eyes, every cornice fringed with faces.” The marchers paused at the Custom-House to hear its Brokers’ Glee Club sing “America,” accompanied by a cornet. “The march up to Broadway was an ovation; all along the line there was the shouting of the throngs of the people on the streets, and the music of the human voice in continuous chorus mingled with the strains of bands and the pealing of Trinity’s bells, which rang out clear and strong.”
LAWYERS’ CLUB
LAWYERS’ CLUB
The president was greeted at the Lawyers’ Club by crowds behind lines of military eager to witness his arrival, and a choir from Trinity Church sang hymns as he proceeded into the great hall. At the Lawyers’ Club the General Committee of the Centennial Celebration hosted a reception and banquet. During the reception, the president met with descendants of leaders affiliated with Washington, including the great-grandnephew of John Hancock, and later the doors of the club were opened to other invited guests. After the reception, which was
The president was greeted at the Lawyers’ Club by crowds behind lines of military eager to witness his arrival, and a choir from Trinity Church sang hymns as he proceeded into the great hall. At the Lawyers’ Club the General Committee of the Centennial Celebration hosted a reception and banquet. During the reception, the president met with descendants of leaders affiliated with Washington, including the great-grandnephew of John Hancock, and later the doors of the club were opened to other invited guests. After the reception, which was attended by thousands, the president dined at a
much more intimate banquet. The table was decorated as if it were a “garden of gems and flowers. . . . Fully fifteen thousand roses and over one hundred electric lights were used in decorating the table.”
attended by thousands, the president dined at a much more intimate banquet. The table was decorated as if it were a “garden of gems and flowers. . . . Fully fifteen thousand roses and over one hundred electric lights were used in decorating the table.”
CITY HALL
CITY HALL
Following the banquet, the president processed up Broadway to City Hall, greeted by schoolgirls holding baskets of flowers and representing Washington’s wishes for a common-school system in the new republic. In a double column, the girls lined up along the steps of the portico to the curb where President Harrison left his carriage. After listening to an address, the president proceeded to the Governor’s Room, and after the doors were opened to City Hall, thousands passed before the president. After an hour, the doors were closed again for the president to be escorted with the govof New York to the Hoffman House, a grand hotel on Broadway.
Following the banquet, the president processed up Broadway to City Hall, greeted by schoolgirls holding baskets of flowers and representing Washington’s wishes for a common-school system in the new republic. In a double column, the girls lined up along the steps of the portico to the curb where President Harrison left his carriage. After listening to an address, the president proceeded to the Governor’s Room, and after the doors were opened to City Hall, thousands passed before the president. After an hour, the doors were closed again for the president to be escorted with the governor of New York to the Hoffman House, a grand hotel on Broadway.
METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE
METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE
That evening a ball and banquet were hosted at the Metropolitan Opera House in celebration of the presidential centennial. More than two thousand tickets were given to invited guests or purchased at $10 each, by those who wished to attend. The president and first lady dined with guests before riding to the Metropolitan Opera House, where they were greeted by the director of the ball and “escorted by the Mayor and Governor to the box constructed for him under the center of the proscenium arch.” After watching the dancing, the president and his party went to supper and were later escorted through the opera house back to their carriage.
That evening a ball and banquet were hosted at the Metropolitan Opera House in celebration of the presidential centennial. More than two thousand tickets were given to invited guests or purchased at $10 each, by those who wished to attend. The president and first lady dined with guests before riding to the Metropolitan Opera House, where they were greeted by the director of the ball and “escorted by the Mayor and Governor to the box constructed for him under the center of the proscenium arch.” After watching the dancing, the president and his party went to supper and were later escorted through the opera house back to their carriage.
ST. PAUL’S CHAPEL
ST. PAUL’S CHAPEL
Centennial day opened with services at St. Paul’s Chapel, the same chapel where Washington attended services on his Inauguration Day. President Harrison sat with the vice president in the same pew Washington had used one hundred years prior. Former presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and Grover Cleveland also attended the service. Much like the rest of the centennial celebration, the church service featured beautiful displays of patriotism with flower arrangements, golden eagles, and flags, the most interesting being “two large crossed flags on the choir gallery, facing the chancel, one being the national flag as used a hundred years
Centennial day opened with services at St. Paul’s Chapel, the same chapel where Washington attended services on his Inauguration Day. President Harrison sat with the vice president in the same pew Washington had used one hundred years prior. Former presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and Grover Cleveland also attended the service. Much like the rest of the centennial celebration, the church service featured beautiful displays of patriotism with flower arrangements, golden eagles, and flags, the most interesting being “two large crossed flags on the choir gallery, facing the chancel, one being the national flag as used a hundred years ago, with the thirteen stars arranged in a circle,
above President Harrison watches the dancing during the centennial ball in the Metropolitan Opera House, as illustrated in the May 11, 1889, of Harper’s Weekly. left
The pew in St. Paul’s Chapel used by George Washington on his Inauguration Day in 1789 was used again by President Harrison for centennial day services on April 30, 1889.
right and below
and the other the ancient white silk banner with the royal golden fleur-de-lis of the King of France.”
At the SubTreasury Building President Harrison was shown the Bible used by Washington on his Inauguration Day. The Bible continues to be exhibited at times at Federal Hall National Memorial. Harrison was also shown the mahogany chair in which Washington sat before standing to take the Oath of Office. The chair is now in the collection of the New York Historical. ago, with the thirteen stars arranged in a circle, and the other the ancient white silk banner with the royal golden fleur-de-lis of the King of France.”
The services were concluded by Bishop Henry C. Potter, who closed the service using an “ancient” prayer book formerly belonging to President Washington and used by him when he worshipped at Christ Church in Philadelphia. The next year, on December 7, 1890, a bronze tablet was erected in commemoration of the services that were held that day honoring Washington.
The services were concluded by Bishop Henry C. Potter, who closed the service using an “ancient” prayer book formerly belonging to President Washington and used by him when he worshipped at Christ Church in Philadelphia. The next year, on December 7, 1890, a bronze tablet was erected in commemoration of the services that were held that day honoring Washington.
SUB-TREASURY BUILDING
SUB-TREASURY BUILDING
Following the service at St. Paul’s Chapel, the president and his party arrived at the SubTreasury Building for “Literary Exercises.” There Harrison was escorted to the Washington Chair, the chair Washington had sat in during his 1789 Inauguration. Beside the chair was a table with a blue cushion holding the Bible Washington had used to take his Oath of Office. These objects were intentionally chosen, as were the decorations. The space above the main columns of the front of the building
Following the service at St. Paul’s Chapel, the president and his party arrived at the SubTreasury Building for “Literary Exercises.” There Harrison was escorted to the Washington Chair, the chair Washington had sat in during his 1789 Inauguration. Beside the chair was a table with a blue cushion holding the Bible Washington had used to take his Oath of Office. These objects were intentionally chosen, as were the decorations. The space above the main columns of the front of the building
was filled with a large gilded eagle specially modeled for the occasion, measuring twentyfive feet across its outspread wings, flanked by twelve large American flags tastefully draped. The fourteen square spaces in the main frieze, technically called metopes, were filled by the coats-of-arms of the thirteen
was filled with a large gilded eagle specially modeled for the occasion, measuring twentyfive feet across its outspread wings, flanked by twelve large American flags tastefully draped. The fourteen square spaces in the main frieze, technically called metopes, were filled by the coats-of-arms of the thirteen original States, placed in the order in which
original States, placed in the order in which they were admitted to the Union . . . the only exception being New York, which . . . as host on this occasion, had the place of honor in the center, occupying two spaces. The shields were all painted in colors, the coats-of-arms being treated as panels and backed by the Stars and Stripes. . . . [Underneath] the shield of the State of New York was the national motto, ‘E Pluribus Unum.’ . . . Thus the main cornice with its motto, and the glorious Bird of Freedom with its outstretched wings, represented the original United States at the time of Washington’s inauguration.
they were admitted to the Union . . . the only exception being New York, which . . . as host on this occasion, had the place of honor in the center, occupying two spaces. The shields were all painted in colors, the coats-of-arms being treated as panels and backed by the Stars and Stripes. . . . [Underneath] the shield of the State of New York was the national motto, ‘E Pluribus Unum.’ . . . Thus the main cornice with its motto, and the glorious Bird of Freedom with its outstretched wings, represented the original United States at the time of Washington’s inauguration.
In the middle of the large platform that stretched out from the Sub-Treasury Building stood a huge statue of Washington that was visible behind the speakers.1 First Clarence W. Bowman, a distinguished historian and editor of the publication that recorded the entire centennial, read “The Vow of Washington,” a poem John Greenleaf Whittier had written for the occasion. Then President Benjamin Harrison delivered an address to a crowd of more than ten thousand.
In the middle of the large platform that stretched out from the Sub-Treasury Building stood a huge statue of Washington that was visible behind the speakers.1 First Clarence W. Bowman, a distinguished historian and editor of the publication that recorded the entire centennial, read “The Vow of Washington,” a poem John Greenleaf Whittier had written for the occasion. Then President Benjamin
Treasury
shown the by Washington Inauguration be Hall Memorial. in
Office. The
MADISON SQUARE
Harrison delivered an address to a crowd of more than ten thousand.
MADISON SQUARE
Early that afternoon, President Harrison, joined by former Presidents Hayes and Cleveland, made their way to the reviewing stand on Madison Square for a military parade. According to the New York Times, crowds began to gather at 8:00 a.m. that morning, and by 10:00 a.m. more than two-thirds of the eight thousand seats were filled.2 As the presidential party made its way to the reviewing stand, “the cheers and enthusiasm of the people were overwhelming.” The parade itself included 49,861 marchers, most of whom were uniformed troops, which “wheeled into columns” as the parade began. “The regular army on the right, followed by the navy and marines, and then the troops of the several States as they originally entered the Union, while the left of the column was held by the Veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic.” The New York Times described the contagious enthusiasm of the great spectacle:
Early that afternoon, President Harrison, joined by former Presidents Hayes and Cleveland, made their way to the reviewing stand on Madison Square for a military parade. According to the New York Times, crowds began to gather at 8:00 a.m. that morning, and by 10:00 a.m. more than two-thirds of the eight thousand seats were filled.2 As the presidential party made its way to the reviewing stand, “the cheers and enthusiasm of the people were overwhelming.” The parade itself included 49,861 marchers, most of whom were uniformed troops, which “wheeled into columns” as the parade began. “The regular army on the right, followed by the navy and marines, and then the troops of the several States as they originally entered the Union, while the left of the column was held by the Veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic.” The New York Times described the contagious enthusiasm of the great spectacle:
Looking up Broadway from within the procession at the beginning of the parade a wonderful scene was presented. Everywhere the national colors were visible, and from every point of vantage the national emblem floated. It was a sea of red, white, and blue, set off by an ocean of eager, enthusiastic applauding,
Looking up Broadway from within the procession at the beginning of the parade a wonderful scene was presented. Everywhere the national colors were visible, and from every point of vantage the national emblem floated. It was a sea of red, white, and blue, set off by an ocean of eager, enthusiastic applauding, and patriotic humanity, which no man could number. The influence of the scene and its
surroundings exerted due influences even upon the usually stolid regulars, and their step was more elastic and their stride was more pronounced, while their countenances beamed with appreciation in consequence.3
and patriotic humanity, which no man could number. The influence of the scene and its surroundings exerted due influences even upon the usually stolid regulars, and their step was more elastic and their stride was more pronounced, while their countenances beamed
above, left, and opposite
After the five-hour parade, the crowds were treated
After the five-hour parade, the crowds were treated to a concert presented by two thousand singers and a fireworks display. five hour parade reviewed see
Among the many illustrations included in Frank Leslie’s May 11, 1889, issue are scenes from the enormous five hour military parade that President Harrison reviewed from Madison Square. The paper included a humorous vignette of a “Visiting Countryman” standing on bricks in an effort to see above the crowd and catch a glimpse of the parade.
METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE, AGAIN
to a concert presented by two thousand singers and a fireworks display.
METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE, AGAIN
The president did not attend the concert but briefly rested before arriving at the Metropolitan Opera House, where the ballroom of the previous evening had been transformed to a banquet hall. The tables were adorned with copious amounts of flowers resting on miniature mirrors meant to resemble little lakes in the center of each table and to be admired from the boxes. The president was greeted with applause as the band played “Hail to the Chief.” After dinner, guests of honor delivered speeches, the last of thirteen being by President Harrison, who was met with prolonged applause after its conclusion.
LOAN EXHIBITION
The president did not attend the concert but briefly rested before arriving at the Metropolitan Opera House, where the ballroom of the previous evening had been transformed to a banquet hall. The tables were adorned with copious amounts of flowers resting on miniature mirrors meant to resemble little lakes in the center of each table and to be admired from the boxes. The president was greeted with applause as the band played “Hail to the Chief.” After dinner, guests of honor delivered speeches, the last of thirteen being by President Harrison, who was met with prolonged applause after its conclusion.
LOAN EXHIBITION
On display at the opera house was a Loan Exhibition of Historical Portraits and Relics that featured objects related to President Washington, members of his cabinet and the First Congress, delegates to the Constitutional Convention, and those involved with Washington’s Inauguration. It had opened on April 17, 1889, ahead of President Harrison’s arrival in New York, and remained open until May 8, 1889. The admission fee was 50 cents.4 To create the exhibition, William A. Coffin, its manager, wrote more than one thousand letters to those who might have relics of interest, requesting their loan. He emphasized how Washington’s Inauguration was a grand festival celebrated by many and hoped that the Exhibition “may be worthy of the great occasion,” which could be achieved only through the support of these contributors.
On display at the opera house was a Loan Exhibition of Historical Portraits and Relics that featured objects related to President Washington, members of his cabinet and the First Congress, delegates to the Constitutional Convention, and those involved with Washington’s Inauguration. It had opened on April 17, 1889, ahead of President Harrison’s arrival in New York, and remained open until May 8, 1889. The admission fee was 50 cents.4 To create the exhibition, William A. Coffin, its manager, wrote more than one thousand letters to those who might have relics of interest, requesting their loan. He emphasized how Washington’s Inauguration was a grand festival celebrated by many and hoped that the Exhibition “may be worthy of the great occasion,” which could be achieved only through the support of these contributors.
The exhibition of more than 1,300 objects included some three hundred portraits, illustrations, busts, and photographs; hundreds of autographs, letters, documents, furnishings, items of clothing, pieces of jewelry, china, books, and other personal objects; and more than three hundred silver items. Highlights included President Washington’s medals, sword, knee buckles, locks of hair, a pocket compass given to him by Benjamin Franklin, his mother’s family Bible containing a record of his birth, and his will.
The exhibition of more than 1,300 objects included some three hundred portraits, illustrations, busts, and photographs; hundreds of autographs, letters, documents, furnishings, items of clothing, pieces of jewelry, china, books, and other personal objects; and more than three hundred silver items. Highlights included President Washington’s medals, sword, knee buckles, locks of hair, a pocket compass given to him by Benjamin Franklin, his mother’s family Bible containing a record of his birth, and his will.
of Washington’s is seen on on display
This blue-and-white bordered Chinese export features the eagle insignia of the Society of the Cincinnati.
A selection of George Washington’s china is seen on the lower two shelves of the far right cabinet on display in the Loan Exhibition. This blue-and-white bordered Chinese export porcelain feature the eagle insignia of the Society of the Cincinnati.
The South Picture Gallery of the Loan Exhibition featured Centennial Celebration of the Inauguration of George Washington as First President of the United States, a 673 page, 49 pound, leather-bound account published in 1892. The cover of the large volume features an image of the Washington Centennial Medal designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Two thousand were cast in bronze and sold at the Loan Exhibition for $2 each.
a display of many of the most iconic original portraits of George Washington, including works by Edward Savage, Gilbert Stuart, Charles Willson Peale, John Trumbull, and Joseph Wright. The photograph above is one of hundreds of the exhibition included in The History of the
49 pound, account in large an image of Medal designed by Augustus in Exhibition
below and right
THE FINAL PARADE
1889,
Sam how first Inauguration
New with speeches Street.
A comical illustration in the May 11, 1889 issue of Harper’s Weekly featured an exhausted Uncle Sam at the conclusion of the centennial celebrations wondering how the bicentennial of George Washington’s first Inauguration might be observed in 1989. Sure enough, the milestone anniversary was celebrated in New York with speeches and parades on Wall Street.
preconone
educational organizations congratulating the president on the success of the momentous occasion. A the
On May 1, 1889, the festivities concluded with a civic and industrial parade that was opened by Hugh J. Grant, the mayor of the New York City, who pre sented President Harrison with a silver cylinder con taining an address signed by more than one hundred representatives of civic, commercial, industrial, and educational organizations congratulating the presi dent on the success of the momentous occasion.6 A summary in the Evening World observed, “Those who saw the Centennial naval parade, military and civic processions—the ball and banquet—and the crowds—have found the climax of sight-seeing. All things hereafter will be secondary.”5
APRIL 30, 1989
Harper’s a Sam
The collection of the centennial illustrations featured in Harper’s Weekly includes a weary Uncle Sam wondering what a two hundredth anniversary of Washington’s Inauguration might bring. As expected, the occasion was celebrated once again on April 30, 1989. There was a reenactment of Washington’s Inauguration at Federal Hall National Memorial, where President George H. W. Bush delivered a
rying portraits of early presidents.
speech, and a parade with costumed marchers carpresidents.6
Just as Uncle Sam wondered in 1889, it’s interesting to imagine how future anniversaries in 2089 and beyond will be observed.
notes
Unless otherwise noted, all details and quotations are from Clarence Winthrop Bowen, ed., The History of the Centennial Celebration of George Washington as First President of the United States (New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1892).
1. Harper’s Weekly, May 11, 1889.
2. “The Great Procession,” New York Times, May 1, 1889, 11.
Centennial of Washington First President of United States (New York: Weekly, May 11, York Times, May 1, 11.
3. “Spectators in Review: How the Million Looked to the Marching Fifty Thousand,” New York Times, May 1, 1889, 11.
May 1, 1889, 11. Official Programme of the Centennial of Washington’s First States (New
4. John Alden, Souvenir and Official Programme of the Centennial Celebration of George Washington’s Inauguration as First President of the United States (New York: Garnett & Gow, 1889), 11, online at Smithsonian Institution Library website, www. library.si.edu/digital-library.
World, May 10, , no.
5. “Echoes of the Centennial,” New York Evening World, May 10, 1889, 2.
6. See “New York Moments Offer Fleeting Glimpses of White House History,” White House History Quarterly, no. 69 (Spring 2023): 114.
