Benjamin Harrison 1889 Inaugural Ball Souvenir ProgramA beautifully bound souvenir program commemorating the March 4, 1889, Inaugural Ball of 23rd U.S. President Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901) and 22nd U.S. Vice President Levi P. Morton (1824-1920). The Bailey, Banks & Biddle (Philadelphia) printed program includes three engravings, the first depicting an allegorical scene of Liberty crowning an American farmer overlooking the Capitol; and the other two depicting portraits of Harrison and Morton, with their facsimile signatures. The colorful back cover features an embossed gilt American eagle. An elegant burgundy silk ribbon secures the two textured covers, original pink tissue guard, and three engraved plates within. Expected minor surface wear including a few gentle wrinkles to the tissue guard and minor ink ghost impressions, else near fine. The program measures 7.375" x 9.5." Accompanied by the flap of its original transmittal envelope, moderately weathered; the rest of the envelope is missing. Heavy winter rain did not deter revelers at President Benjamin Harrison's inaugural ball. The soirée was held at the Pension Building in Washington, D.C. (now the site of the National Building Museum), a multi-storied brick building finished in 1887. The cathedral-like interior, with its massive Corinthian columns and 1,200-foot-long Civil War frieze, was decorated in festive bunting, garlands, and shields. Waltzing politicians were serenaded by John Philip Sousa's Marine Corps Band. (See a copy of the hand-colored engraving of the Inaugural Ball by Thulstrup and Graham here included only for reference.)Benjamin Harrison was the Republican presidential candidate in 1888, serving one term, from 1889-1893, in between Democratic Grover S. Cleveland’s two terms. 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.