President Benjamin Harrison ephemera, 1891-1894, bulk 1891

View only results with digital items
Printable guide [HTML]
Request items

Summary

Creators:
Harrison, Benjamin
Extent:
1.5 Linear Feet (23 items)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

President Benjamin Harrison Ephemera (SC1144). Dept. of Special Collections & University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Background

Scope and content:

The materials consist of of printed ephemera from President Benjamin Harrison's epic cross-country railroad journey, from the papers of E.F. Tibbott, Harrison's private secretary who accompanied him on the trip. The President's train left Washington and proceeded to make a large loop through the country, traveling through nineteen states - Virginia, Tennesee, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The journey covered nearly 10,000 miles, during which time the President made nearly 150 speeches, which were later published in a volume compiled by a correspondent from the New York MAIL AND EXPRESS (item no. 23) who accompanied the President's party. The introduction to that volume claims, "So complete were the arrangements in detail that the train carrying the Presidential party was always on time, and was never once delayed for repairs. Country of all sorts was traversed, all kinds and conditions of mankind seen, and every variety of weather encountered. Still nothing hindered the party from keeping every engagement." Additional ephemera relates to related lectures presented by Harrison.

Biographical / historical:

Born in 1833 on a farm located alongside the Ohio River below Cincinnati, Benjamin Harrison pursued his education at Miami University in Ohio and engaged in the study of law in Cincinnati. He later relocated to Indianapolis, where he not only practiced law but also actively campaigned for the Republican Party. In 1853, he entered into marriage with Caroline Lavinia Scott. Following his service as Colonel of the 70th Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, Harrison became a prominent figure in Indianapolis, further solidifying his reputation as an exceptional lawyer.

Ascending to the role of the 23rd President of the United States from 1889 to 1893, Harrison's election was achieved through a pioneering "front-porch" campaign strategy. He delivered concise speeches to delegations that visited him in Indianapolis. In 1894, Harrison spent several months residing in San Francisco, California, during which time he delivered legal lectures at Stanford University. In 1896, members of the Republican Party who were friends of Harrison attempted to persuade him to once again vie for the presidency, but he opted not to pursue this path. Instead, he embarked on a nationwide tour, making public appearances and delivering speeches in support of William McKinley's presidential candidacy.

Acquisition information:
Purchase, 2013.
Physical location:
Special Collections and University Archives materials are stored offsite and must be paged 48 hours in advance. For more information on paging collections, see the department's website: https://library.stanford.edu/libraries/special-collections.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Materials are open for research use. Audio-visual materials are not available in original format and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.

Terms of access:

While University Archives is the owner of the physical and/or digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.

Preferred citation:

President Benjamin Harrison Ephemera (SC1144). Dept. of Special Collections & University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Location of this collection:
Stanford University Archives, Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-6064, US
Contact:
(650) 725-1022
specialcollections@stanford.edu
Website