100 Years of U.S. Presidential Inauguration History, McKinley to Clinton Archive

An archive documenting the history of U.S. presidential inaugurations during the twentieth century, from ca. 1897-1997, from 25th U.S. President William McKinley to 42nd U.S. President Bill Clinton. Not all presidents between this period are represented; rather, the material relates to McKinley, FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, JFK, LBJ, Nixon, and Clinton. 17 pieces total, featuring Inaugural Day and Inaugural Gala programs, souvenir tickets, hand-outs, and other ephemera. The scope of the archive highlights one of the most significant changes in the history of American presidential inaugurations: the shift from the inaugurations taking place in March to January after 1941. In mostly good to near fine condition, the largest piece measuring 12" x 9.25."

The archive is comprised of:

1. William McKinley (1843-1901)

Three pieces relating to 25th U.S. President William McKinley and running mate Garret Hobart (1844-1899).

- Two gorgeous Bureau of Engraving and Printing Inaugural Ball programs, one in near pristine condition with original tissue guards, the other showing scattered foxing and isolated chips.

- A Bailey, Banks & Biddle pocket-sized program with gilt-embossed portraits of McKinley and Hobart recto and verso. Extremely visually appealing with magenta ribbon binding.

2. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945)

Two pieces from the administration of 32nd U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and two of his Vice Presidents, John Nance Garner (1868-1967) and Henry A. Wallace (1888-1965).

- An "Official Inaugural Program, March 4, 1933." A little wear to the binding, else near fine.

- An "Official Inaugural Program, January 20, 1941." With minor water stains affecting the top edge and a slightly weathered front cover.

3. Harry S. Truman (1884-1972)

One piece relating to 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman and his second-in-command Alben W. Barkley (1877-1956).

- An Inaugural Ball program listing committee members, patrons, and patronesses. The gilt reflective front cover is sun-stained, else very good.

4. Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969)

One piece from the tenure of 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Vice President Richard Nixon (1913-1994).

- An "Official Program of the Inaugural Ceremonies." A minor upper right corner fold and scuffs to the front cover, else near fine.

5. John F. Kennedy (1917-1963)

Three pieces relating to 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy and running mate Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973).

- An "Official Inaugural Program," with its original transmittal envelope. Lightly toned, the envelope with isolated edge chipping, else very good to near fine.

- An "Inaugural Gala Program, January 19, 1961" containing many full-page black and white publicity shots of the powerhouse entertainment assembled by event hosts Peter Lawford and Frank Sinatra. Expected weathering.

6. Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973)

Five pieces from the administration of 36th U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and Vice President Hubert Humphrey (1911-1978).

- Two identical copies of an "Official Inaugural Program, January 20, 1965," one more heavily soiled than the other.

- An entrance ticket to the Inauguration ceremony corresponding to Stand 26, Section F, Row 4, Seat 17.

- An Inauguration Day souvenir booklet distributed by the Washington Bible College.

- A booklet entitled "Commemoration Ceremony of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Second Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, 1865-1965" with tricolored ribbon binding. An interesting document emphasizing the historical parallels between Andrew and Lyndon Johnson, both assuming the presidency after their predecessors' assassinations 100 years apart.

7. Richard Nixon (1913-1994)

One piece relating to 37th U.S. President Richard Nixon and running mate Spiro Agnew (1918-1996).

- An "Official Inaugural Program, January 20, 1969." Near fine.

8. Bill Clinton (born 1946)

One piece from the administration of 42nd U.S. President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore (born 1948).

- A program entitled "The Presidential Inaugural Gala, 1997," with festive red wrappers embedded with glitter and translucent stock tissue guards. Near fine.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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