Harrison, Benjamin, 1833-1901. Pacific Coast tour photographs and ephemera, 1891-1987

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Summary

Creators:
Harrison, Benjamin, 1833-1901
Abstract:
President Harrison's speech-making tour in 1891 was, at that time, the longest journey ever undertaken by any President while in office. The 9,232 mile rail trip lasted one month and three days. The trip was partly planned and largely financed by the former Governor of California, Leland Stanford. The pioneer railroad builder had invite d the President to his ranch in Palo Alto to discuss a professorship at the newly built Stanford University and to participate in the dedication of that institution. Included in the Presidential party were First Lady Caroline Harrison, her secretary and niece Mrs. Dimmick, Russell B. Harrison and his wife, Mary McKee (the Harrison's daughter), Carter B. Harrsion and his wife, Postmaster General John Wanamaker, Secretary of Agriculture Jeremiah McClain Rusk, and Marshall Dan Ransdell.
Extent:
1.5 linear ft.
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

Collections largely consists of photographs taken during the tour, some of which are arranged in an album; subjects include the visit to Stanford University, San Francisco, Monterey, Sacramento, Salem (Oregon), the Presidential train and its crew, the Presidential party, and crowd scenes at various depots. Other items include the printed itinerary, a presentation copy of Harison's published speeches from the tour, "Through the south and west with the President," miscellaneous research clippings on the tour and the Harrison family, 1959-87, and the wedding booklet of Marthena S. Harrison and Harry A. Williams, 1912.

Acquisition information:
Purchased, 1993.

Access and use

Location of this collection:
Department of Special Collections, Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-6004, US
Contact:
(650) 725-1022
specialcollections@stanford.edu
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