Harding in His Home Town

Senator Arthur Capper of Kansas visited Harding on Sunday, July 25. Capper was elected to the Senate in 1918 and was a newspaper publisher like Harding. His report on his trip to Marion appeared on the front page of his Topeka newspaper Capper's Weekly on July 31, 1920. Here are some excerpts:

Reaching Marion from Chicago over the old Erie railroad reminds a Kansan of traveling over the Central Branch of the Missouri Pacific. Marion is apparently "crazy about Harding." The thing that impressed me was that Marion's pride in its foremost citizen really was a pride in and affection for Harding himself and was entirely disassociated from the kind of town pride that plumes itself over possessing a distinguished citizen. Marion has known Harding for 30 years. He has been an important factor in building up its industries, in formulating its ideas and ideals... The town talks Harding all day...

It is not that Harding is brilliant. His friends do not claim that. But that the Hardings are genuine. I say "the Hardings" for Mrs. Harding shares the esteem in which Senator Harding is held... Marion has found them genuine in their interest in people, in their ability to do things; genuine in the grasp of big ideas...

The Hardings do not live in the "show place" of Marion. That belongs to a manufacturer. The owner recently offered them the use of this near-palace for the campaign, but they prefer to remain in their own unpretentious but comfortable home...

In the short time I have been in the Senate, I have enjoyed close and friendly relations with his as a man and a senator. It didn't need my recent visit to Marion, where I saw the remarkable esteem and respect in which his own people hold him, to confirm the favorable impressions I already had formed in Washington. 

It is my candid and honest judgment that Senator Harding will make an able and forceful executive--a truly great President. He is an upstanding, stalwart American.

 

Source:

• "Harding in His Home Town." Capper's Weekly. 31 July 1920.

Saturday, July 31, 1920

Harding's front porch campaign is formally opened with an afternoon address to a delegation of 2,000 residents of Richland County, Ohio, which arrives in two special trains, numerous automobiles, and two airplanes. Members of the Harding Marching Club escort the delegation from the train station to the Harding house.

Harding offers a "neighborly talk" of local interest to the delegation.

I feel myself almost a part of Richland County. Our people, early in the last century, settled in a section that was bounded by Richland and Crawford Counties, and my earliest recollections are of grists taken to Lexington for grinding. I recall distinctly the stories of my great-grandmother, who related to me how she had often gone with one bag of wheat on horseback, while the men were busy in the fields, and the cries of the wolves were a frequent accompaniment to the wearied homeward journey. That was in the days when heroes were without fame's acclaim, when a sturdy manhood and womanhood were battling with the wilderness to reveal Ohio to the star of empire, westward marching. Sometimes I am accused of living in the past, but, frankly, I find the story of their making Ohio very fascinating, and drink new inspiration in recalling the paths they trod and the works they wrought.

Men in the delegation wear special hat bands that read "Richland County Harding Club."

The vice president of the Mansfield Aero Club travels from Mansfield in a plan piloted by a former army flier and earns the honor of "being the first woman in America to take greetings to Senator Harding by airplane." She is asked to pose with the Senator then Mrs. Harding for photos and the news cameras. During the parade, another plane drops parachutes attached to small bags of sand on which statements of support for Harding are printed.

A reception is held then the delegation leaves on special trains at 6 p.m. Here's Harding shaking hands with members of the delegation:

According to the New York Times, "Some professed to see a difference in temper between the Senator's speech of today and his statements on political subjects issued during the last month. It was felt that the Senator's first utterance from his front porch to a visiting delegation had not the force and wide public interest of his formal statements and disappointment was expressed that Mr. Harding, who has a reputation in Ohio as a campaign orate, should have confined his remarks largely to local matters."

In Dayton, the Cox campaign announces that "Senator Harding will not draw Governor Cox into a telegraphic debate on campaign issues, at least until after the Democratic nominee's formal speech of acceptance." The speech has been completed, taken to the Dayton News plant to be printed, and sent to the press associations so it can be distributed to then printed in newspapers next Saturday. Cox spends his afternoon playing golf at the Dayton Country Club.

Sources:

• "Cox in Accepting to Answer Harding." New York Times. 1 August 1920.
• "G.O.P. Nominee Shown Opening Front Porch Campaign." Marion Star. 4 August 1920.
• "Harding Greets First Pilgrims." New York Times. 1 August 1920.
• "Harding Meets Friends Today." Marion Star. 31 July 1920.
• "Richland County Folk Are at Marion Today." Mansfield News-Journal. 31 July 1920.
• "Richland County Opens Front Porch Campaign." Mansfield News-Journal. 1 August 1920.
• "Tribute Paid Governor Cox." Marion Star. 31 July 1920.
• "Woman Hs Thrilling Experience in Plane." Marion Star. 31 July 1920.

Images:

• "Warren G. Harding campaign rally photograph." Ohio History Connection.

Friday, July 30, 1920

An interesting editorial cartoon is printed on the front page of the Wilmington (Delaware) Leader. Harding's speech of acceptance is called "a manly document of Americanism."

At home in Marion, Harding receives a few callers in the morning. He again tries to engage Governor Cox on the issue of the League of Nations in a lengthy statement to the press.

At the time of [Cox's conference with President Wilson], I addressed some questions to the Democratic candidate, which he has not thus far seen fit to answer. One of them was whether in his conference with President Wilson he had pledged himself to the ratification of the treaty and League without essential modifications...

Harding's frequent golfing partner, Senator Frelinghuysen of New Jersey denies that "a small group of Senators" at the Chicago convention dictated the nomination: "As a delegate to the convention, supporting General Wood, I affirm that the statement is untrue. Senator Harding's nomination was the untrammeled action of the majority of the delegates to the convention."

 

In Dayton, thousands participate in a "homecoming celebration" for Governor Cox: "It is the first time that Dayton has furnished a presidential candidate for either of the two major parties. It is consciousness of the fact that while the city has not only contributed immeasurably to the scientific and industrial progress of the age, she has now produced a political genius, that adds to the spirit of pride existing in the hears of thousands today."

And in the New York Evening World, readers keep trying:

• If you are made President see that you are an all-American.
• True, noble, intelligent Americans demand honesty, plus reliability, to hasten genuine democracy.
• The porch is enough, the people well know, Harding's known, 'tis well.
• United States for Americans; we like all creation, but our own best.
• No more Wilson, no, not Cox; we want Harding in the box.
• O'er this country send this message: Vote for Harding to the end.

 Sources:

• "Denies 'Clique' Named Harding." New York Times. 31 July 1920.
• "Harding Charges Cox 'Soft Pedals' on League Issue." New York Times. 31 July 1920.
• "Many Readers Play Pens in Writing Their Ideas of 12-Word Slogans." New York Evening World. 30 July 1920.
• "Pottery Men Due August 12." Marion Star. 30 July 1920.
• "Thousands of Dayton and Miami Valley Citizens Join Celebration in Honor of Their Presidential Candidate." Dayton Daily News. 30 July 1920.
• "Uncle Sam - 'I commend him to you, without reservation." Wilmington Leader. 30 July 1920.
• "Would Force Other Issues." Marion Star. 31 July 1920.

Harding in Action

Here's a syndicated series of photographs that shows how Senator Harding "looks when he is driving home a strong point in making a political speech." This version if from the Maysville (Kentucky) Public Ledger as published 100 years ago today.

And here are source copies from the Library of Congress. They were taken on or about June 17, 1920, at (I assume) Harding's Washington home. They are from the National Photo Company collection.

The third photograph in this series may just be my second favorite Harding photograph (my favorite is at the top of this blog.

And here's another photograph from that day showing "Harding in Action" from a side angle:

And Mrs. Harding was also home this day:

Thursday, July 29, 1920

Another quiet day. Harding joins members of the Republic finance committee, who have traveled to Marion from Chicago, at the Marion Club for breakfast. The committee then marches to Harding's home for an informal visit with the Hardings. "Today's party came down simply to call on Senator Harding, pay its respects and to give those who had not previously met him the privilege of getting acquainted," says Fred W. Upham, the committee chair.

The first Harding slogans submitted for the contest in the New York Evening World are printed. (See yesterday for details.)

• Are we in it? Yes, we are; Harding, Harding, Rah, Rah, Rah!
• The Election of Harding and Coolidge: United States Will Again Be Prosperous.
• We're Out of War--Let's Stay Out by Electing Republican President Harding.
• He Is the Man of the Hour and the Country Wants Him.
• Harding here, Harding there, Harding our next President in White House Chair.
• Senator Harding, Senator Harding, you're a better man than Cox, Senator Harding.
• Harding's the man that'll use the pan and fry for Uncle Sam.

Sources:

• "Business Men from Chicago." Marion Star. 29 July 1920.
• "Twelve-Word Slogans for Harding and Cox Sent by Many Readers." New York Evening World. 29 July 1920.

Wednesday, July 28, 1920

On the day after the notification ceremonies for the vice presidential candidate, Senator Harding wires Governor Coolidge:

It is heartening to all America to read your sterling speech of acceptance. It adds to confidence in the Republican purpose to repossess the people with their government and it emphasizes my conviction that as vice president you will be asked to make your official services comport with the second highest place in the government of the republic.

The Hardings travel again to Columbus for a game of golf at the Scioto Country Club and dinner with Dr. and Mrs. Edwin Brown at 1680 East Broad Street.

And I find this amusing: In response to the report that the Harding campaign has landed on a 12-word campaign slogan, yet to be released to the public, the New York Evening World, which has "thousands of readers who can write clever slogans," is giving away $110 in prizes, including $25 each to the best slogan for the Harding and Cox campaigns.

Sources:

• "Dinners." Columbus Dispatch. 29 July 1920.
• "Harding Wires Governor Calvin Coolidge Today." Marion Star. 28 July 1920.
• "Have You a 12-Word Campaign Slogan for Harding or Cox?" New York Evening World. 28 July 1920.

Tuesday, July 27, 1920

Another low-key day, at least in Marion. Harding sends "a word of Godspeed and good wishes" in a wireless telegram to the American athletes sailing to the Olympic Games in Belgium. As for Harding's own exercise routine, the "press of work and inaccessibility of golf courses have led him to consider abandoning his frequent trips to the links."

Harding meets with advisors to discuss a national advertising campaign. According to the Washington Star, "Twelve mystic words, decided up during the conference, which are being kept a strict secret until they are blazoned across the country on billboards and electric signs, are to be the campaign slogan, to be carried with Harding's picture in all advertising."

Details of the first three campaign events are confirmed: the Richland County Harding and Coolidge Club will come to Marion on Saturday, Wayne County Republicans next Wednesday, August 4, and a class in school administration from Ohio State on the 5th.

In Northampton, Massachusetts, Governor Coolidge is officially notified of his nomination as vice president. Twenty-thousand visitors descend on the town that Coolidge has called home since 1895.

Coolidge hosts a luncheon at his home for the notification committee then joins his wife and two sons from press photos in front of the duplex they have rented since 1906:

At the ceremonies on the recreation grounds at Smith College, Governor Edwin P. Morrow of Kentucky officially notifies the candidate: "The west called to the east, north and south heard the call and the nation made the answer."

In his acceptance speech, Coolidge pays tribute to the head of the ticket:

Your presence tells me of a leader and a cause. A leader in Warren G. Harding, the united choice of a united party, a statesman of ability, seasoned by experience, a fitting representative of the common aspirations of his fellow citizens, wise enough to seek counsel, great enough to recognize merit, and in all things a stalwart American...

Additional Information:

• An article about the Coolidge centennial.
• The Forbes Library in Northampton has put together a digital collection to commemorate Coolidge's notification day.

Sources:

• "Coolidge Calls for Rule of People; Back's Harding's Stand on League." New York Times. 28 July 1920.
• "Harding and Golf May Get Divorce." Okmulgee Times. 28 July 1920.
• "National Advertising Campaign for G.O.P." Washington Star. 28 July 1920.
• "Rescue from War Reactions U.S. Need, Says Mr. Coolidge." Washington Star. 27 July 1920.
• "Wireless Sent Yank Athletes." Marion Star. 27 July 1920.

Images:

• "Coolidge campaign banner photograph." Forbes Library.
• "Coolidge family on steps of 21 Massasoit Street on Notification Day photograph." Forbes Library. (This may be the only picture of a smiling Calvin Coolidge that I've ever seen.)

Monday, July 26, 1920

Harding spends today catching up on correspondence and discussing campaign issues, including agriculture with Henry C. Wallace, the publisher of the Wallace's Farmer, an influential farming magazine. Wallace is pleased by his meeting with the candidate: "The farmers in the corn belt States welcome certain things in Senator Harding's speech of acceptance with about the same thankfulness that they would welcome a twenty-four-hour rain after a July drought. They had been greatly pleased with the consideration given to agriculture in the Republican platform and the constructive, forward looking character of the agriculture plan." According to the New York Times, "[S]ome front porch enthusiasts who have been amusing themselves predicting Cabinet selections already have Mr. Wallace slated as the next Secretary of Agriculture in the event of a Republican victory." This turns out to be true.

At Trail's End, his home just outside Dayton, Governor Cox begins work on his acceptance speech.

Sources:

• "Congratulations." Bucyrus Telegraph. 26 July 1920.
• "Harding Obtains Data for Speeches." New York Times. 27 July 1920.
• "Harding Takes Up Easier Stride in Campaign Work." Washington Star. 26 July 1920.

Sunday, July 25, 1920

There are no services today at the Trinity Baptist Church because Rev. McAfee is still recovering from his stroke. Instead the Hardings and Senator Arthur Capper of Kansas attend services at the Methodist Episcopal Church. The sermon is given by Bishop Oldham who filled in for McAfee at the nomination ceremonies on Thursday.

In the afternoon, on the front porch, Harding meets an unscheduled delegation from the Knights of Pythias of Indiana, a fraternal organization that stops in Marion on its way to Cleveland. Harding does not give a speech. Harding has been a member of his local lodge since 1887.

This evening, Harry Daugherty heads to Northampton, Massachusetts to represent Harding at Calvin Coolidge's notification ceremonies, which are scheduled for Tuesday.

Sources:

• "History of Warren G. Harding's Knights of Pythias' Affiliations to be Made Part of Supreme Records." Marion Star. 3 July 1928.
• "Indiana Pythians at Harding Home Sunday." Marion Star. 26 July 1920.
• "H.M. Daugherty Is to Represent the Nominee." Marion Star. 26 July 1920.

Saturday, July 24, 1920

Harding spends the morning catching up on his correspondence, telling the press:

I am gratified over the many expressions of approval which have been spoken. It is very pleasing to be assured that I have correctly spoken the Republican interpretation of the platform.

The Hardings and two friends then travel to Columbus to play golf at the Scioto Country Club.

Harding playing golf somewhere 

(not necessarily the Scioto Country Club)

Also in Columbus, Governor Cox announces what the New York Times describes as a "speaking campaign which promises to outdo any effort put forward by a presidential candidate in the past." The tour will begin after his notification ceremonies, scheduled for August 7. "I shall visit every State which is not Democratic beyond the slightest doubt. There is no other kind."

Sources:

• "'Fore!' Senator Harding Drives a Wicked Ball on Scioto Club Course--and Wins." Columbus Dispatch. 25 July 1920.
• "Greatest Tour of Any Campaign Planned by Cox." New York Times. 25 July 1920.
• "Senator Harding Is Pleased Over Wires." Marion Star. 24 July 1920.

Friday, July 23, 1920

With the notification ceremonies completed, the Marion Star publishes this statement:

Senator Harding has asked the Star to express his very genuine gratitude to everybody in Marion who participate in making so notable a success of yesterday's notification. Senator Harding is really more than grateful, he is very proud of the home town.

The task was no ordinary one, it was not easy. It is very difficult to specify the various contributors, from humblest to the Civic association officials of great responsibility. Men and women alike, boy scouts, service men, city officials—all did the thing so well that this paper is glad to convey the deep gratitude Senator Harding feels.

Telegrams from around the country pour into the Harding campaign headquarters. The laudatory ones are shared with the press, including this one from Massachusetts: "Your acceptance speech was in itself a sermon from Mount Marion, the gospel which will echo across the world and live in the hearts of men, placing our party on the highest run of its progressive ladder and you as the savior of America and the peace of the world. Thank God for giving you to lead us."

Harding spends much of the day at the Westbrook Country Club in Mansfield, the second time he has been there this week. For this round of golf he is joined by Senators Elkins of West Virginia, Frelinghuysen of New Jersey, Hale of Maine, all of whom have played with Harding in Washington. Senator Frelinghuysen was an overnight guest of the Hardings. Mrs. Harding joins them on the golf outing.

The proud citizens of Marion will already be able to see news footage from Thursday: "Moving pictures of the Harding Notification" will be shown tonight at the Grand.

Sources:

• "Are Jubilant Over Address." Marion Star. 23 July 1920.
• "Motor to Mansfield for Golf Game Today." Marion Star. 23 July 1920.
• "Mr. Harding's Gratitude." Marion Star. 23 July 1920.
• "Senator Harding and Fellow Senators Here for Golf Game." Mansfield News-Journal. 23 July 1920.
• "Wires Commending Republican Nominee." Marion Star. 23 July 1920.
  

A Third Harding Book

The next Harding book I have re-read is the newest: Warren G. Harding & the Marion Daily Star: How Newspapering Shaped a President. The author, Sheryl Smart Hall, worked at the Star and is currently the site manager at the Harding Home and Harding Memorial. The book was published by the History Press in 2014.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Other Harding biographers focus on politics and scandals and treat his newspaper career as a "footnote," as Hall points out. This book takes the footnote and develops an intriguing story of how a small-town Ohio publisher used his newspaper to boost that small town and then himself as a state and national politician. Hall provides a history of the paper prior to and after Harding's ownership. Harding bought the paper in 1884 and sold it in 1923 with the intention of remaining a stockholder and editorial writer in his retirement. He died six weeks after the sale was announced. At his funeral in Marion that August, Star employees walked directly behind the hearse.

The cover photograph, taken in summer 1920 and distributed widely to promote Harding's small-town bona fides, continues to show up in image searches today; Hall also includes images from the Ohio History Connection and harder-to-find photographs, most of which are from the collection of Randy and Sandy Winland or the Harding Home. 

Harding's shortcomings as a president are well-documented; his success in newspapering deserves attention as well, which is why this book is essential and should be included in your Harding collection. (I can't be the only amateur historian who maintains one.)

Thursday, July 22, 1920 (NOTIFICATION CEREMONIES)

Notification ceremonies are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at the pavilion in Garfield Park in Marion. According to the Associated Press, "Marion was dressed within an inch of its life for its debut in the great affairs of the nation and was bubbling over with eagerness to make the big day a smashing success. Patriotic frills and flounces draped the city from tip to toe. Business was adjourned and partisanship was forgotten as Republicans and Democrats joined in acknowledging the honor that had come to one of their neighbors."

MORNING

Thousands arrive in the city by special and regular trains, interurbans, and automobiles. Early arrivers include delegations from Chicago and New York.

At 7 a.m., Harding participates in a flag-raising ceremony in his front yard. Notice the crushed stone in place of a lawn.

Here's another photograph from a contemporary newspaper:

The first delegation arrives in front of his house, headed by the Marion Harding Marching Club. "I am going to make my speech later in the day," Harding tells them, "but I cannot let you go without saying how deeply I am touched by this tribute from the home folks."

The Caledonia cornet band in which Harding was a former member reunited after the Chicago convention and were in the crowd to play for the candidate.

Although no details of the date are in the record at the Ohio History Connection, this photograph, based on contemporary newspaper articles, shows a Pennsylvania Republican club in the parade:

The National Woman's Party, including Alice Paul, meets, as scheduled, with Harding at 10 a.m.

The Columbus Republican Glee Club, which will be part of the notification ceremonies in the afternoon, serenades the senator at his home with "He's a Great Big Man from a Great Big State." 

Harding responds, "You have always been so very considerate in your friendship for me and I want you to know the son of a great American for whom you have sung often in the past. Let me present. Colonel Ted Roosevelt." Roosevelt, shown below on the Harding porch, tells the glee club that his wife's grandfather was from Columbus. "All I am going to say I speaking to you on this occasion is this, 'We are going to roll it up even bigger than before.' I thank you."

Harding also poses with Frank Hitchcock, a former chair of the Republican National Committee:

A delegate from Fostoria catches Harding's attention with a sign that reads "My wife is for Harding. First time we ever agreed." The sign is mentioned in numerous news reports:

Estimates of visitors in town run from 40,000 to 85,000, with one of the larger delegations traveling from Dayton, the hometown of Governor Cox. The New York Tribune reports, "In this host of people were thousands who boast that they 'knew McKinley,' scores who 'knew Grant,' and a feeble, white bearded few who 'knew Lincoln.' Each had journeyed here to-day with the earnest desire of adding to their vocabulary the phrase 'I know Harding.'"

Marion provides plenty of food and drink: "Pale lemonade was on sale at all street corner stands during the notification at five cents per glass, and while there was evidence that in some cases the product had been manufactured by dragging one lemon through a tubful of water, nevertheless the price was right and was cheerfully paid."

AFTERNOON

Harding joins members of the Republican National Committee and the notification committee for lunch at the Sawyer farm on the outskirts of town. They travel next to Garfield Park to watch the ceremonies.

Caption: It is expected that the formal notification to United States Senator Warren G. Harding that he has been nominated for the presidency by the Republicans will be made in White Maple pavilion, Garfield park, Marion, Ohio.

Only ticket-holders are seated in the circular Chautauqua pavilion; thousands of others congregate in the park, which was not ideal, according to the Dayton News: "Those not blessed with extreme pedal propensities or alertly-keen auricular appendages could derive little satisfaction from the historic speeches." Despite an invitation, none of the candidates who competed for the nomination is in attendance.

Will Hays (above) presides over the event, which finally starts at 2:27 p.m.:

• "The Star Spangled Banner" – Columbus Republican Glee Club
• Invocation – Bishop William F. Oldham
• Notification – Senator Henry Cabot Lodge
• Acceptance – Senator Warren G. Harding
• "America" – Columbus Republican Glee Club
• Benediction – Rev. Joseph Denning

Harding begins his speech at 2:53 p.m. and finishes it an hour and twenty-seven minutes later. Again the Dayton News: "Those who could not hear a word Harding said admitted he could make good gestures with his right hand, which frequently struck in the vicinity of his heart, only to shoot out into space. The left hand was stationary as it held the speaker's manuscript."

The New York Tribune will summarize the 6,800 word speech in a headline tomorrow: "Harding Urges Immediate Peace, Then Negotiation of League; Demands End of 'Personal Government.'" According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, "It was not a demonstrative audience nor was Harding at his best in delivery, the exigencies of the occasion demanding that he should read from manuscript... His tribute to American womanhood was typically Hardingesque and evoked great applause, second only in volume to the cheers for the league policy and for the enforcement of law and the maintenance of order..."

After the ceremonies, the Hardings and guests return to the Harding home. A large crowd is given the opportunity to meet and shake hands with Senator Lodge.

EDITORIALS

Boston Globe

Senator Harding says nothing startling, is furthest from his desire to startle the country. His purpose is rather to soothe. He would calm those who are worried. To those who scan his words searching for challenges it will be an unexciting hunt.

Cincinnati Enquirer

Other than the unusual length of his address, it is not open to much criticism, except the few instances of partisanship inevitable to a political utterance.

Dayton News

Harding...accepted the presidential nomination tendered him by the Chicago national Republican convention. But that is about all he has accepted. He does not accept the challenge of the nation to define his position on any paramount proposition now before the people of the United States. He does not accept the leadership of the party, unless we have mistaken the tenor of his speech. He does not accept the responsibility for shaping the destiny of the country toward permanent peace... 

New York Times

Mr. Harding's speech of acceptance is that of a United States Senator. Therefore, it is long and verbose. It is also eloquent with the eloquence of the Ohio vintage of about 1891. Several of the positions dimly visible through the Senator's cloud of words invite comment; but he takes only one position that really counts.

Washington Star

Entirely apart from the skillfully worded phrases and well balanced sentences, almost scientifically composed to give the minimum of offense and the maximum of comfort to the great body of voters whose ballots are wanted next fall, the republican nominee revealed a personality of simple but solemn appeal. He pledged himself in prayerful tones not to achieve the impossible, but to do the best he could with the immense job of the presidency if elected.

Additional Information:

Harding's speech is a slog, but you can read it here. The Miller Center mistakenly places the date of the speech in June on the last night of the Republican National Convention. Here's a screenshot of Harding's speech as published in the New York Tribune. It takes up the entire page!

Here's the one paragraph in which "normalcy" appears:

I want, somehow, to appeal to the sons and daughters of the Republic, to every producer, to join hand and brain in production, more production, honest production, patriotic production, because patriotic production is no less a defense of our best civilization than that of armed force. Profiteering is a crime of commission, underproduction is a crime of omission. We must work our most and best, else the destructive reaction will come. We must stabilize and strive for normalcy, else the inevitable reaction will bring its train of sufferings, disappointments and reversals. We want to forestall such reaction, we want to hold all advanced ground, and fortify it with general good-fortune.

For some reason, the original photo of the Fostoria delegate in the Harding collection at the Ohio History Connection does not include the "My wife" line:

The Columbus Republican Glee Club still exists, under a newer name.

Sources:

• "30,000 Try to Hear Harding's Speech." New York Times. 23 July 1923.
• "50,000 Visitors Join Marion in Cheers for Senator Harding." New York Tribune. 23 July 1920.
• "Col. Theo. Roosevelt Says He Has Claim on Columbus." Columbus Dispatch. 23 July 1920.
• "Harding Repudiates Treaty; Peace by Resolution Pledged." Cincinnati Enquirer. 23 July 1920.
• "Harding Scuttles the League." New York Times. 23 July 1920.
• "Harding's Acceptance Speech." Cincinnati Enquirer. 23 July 1920.
• Lawrence, David. "Good Intentions of Harding Plainly Shown in Speech." Washington Star. 23 July 1920.
• Lincoln, G. Gould. "Harding's Speech Brings Harmony to G.O.P. Ranks." Washington Star. 23 July 1920.
• Ludlow, Louis. "Echoes of Notification Celebration at Marion." Columbus Dispatch. 23 July 1923.
• "Notification Parade Sidelights in Marion." Marion Star. 23 July 1920.
• "Senator Harding Raises McKinley Flag at His Home Notification Day." Coshocton Tribune. 25 July 1920.
• "Text of Notification Speech Delivered by Senator Lodge." Washington Star. 22 July 1920.
• "Theodore Roosevelt, Jr." The Sun and New York Herald. 1 August 1920. [via LOC]
• Wilson, T. J. "On the Rim of the Pavilion." Dayton News. 23 July 1920

Photographs:

• "Party meeting with Sen. Harding at his home in Marion, Ohio photograph." Library of Congress.
• "Warren G. Harding presidential campaign photograph." Ohio History Connection.
• "Warren G. Harding's boyhood band photograph." Ohio History Connection.
• "Warren G. Harding female campaign supporters photograph." Ohio History Connection.
• The photos of Hays and Harding on stage at Garfield park were grabbed from a YouTube video posted by the Library of Congress.

Wednesday, July 21, 1920

Harding plans to spend the day "in rest and recognition. He [has] only a few callers on his day's program, which included among other things another long automobile ride and a golf game." (I can't confirm he golfed today, and I only care because golf will become an issue soon.)

Senator Henry Cabot Lodge travels from Columbus to confer with Harding on last minute details for tomorrow's notification ceremonies. After an hour in campaign headquarters, they pose for photographs then eat lunch in Harding's house. Lodge is then taken back to Columbus to meet with the Republican National Committee.

The New Philadelphia Daily Times (and other papers across the country) publishes an illustration of the "Prominent Men in the Political Field Who Will Participate in the Official Notification Program for Senator Harding at Marion on July 22." Harding is in the middle. The others, with quoted descriptions, clockwise from the top middle, are:

• J. Frank Hanley of Indianapolis. Ex-gov. of Indiana. Once presidential candidate for the Prohibition Party.
• Sen. Henry Cabot Lodge of Mass. Chairman presidential notification committee. He delivers the notification speech.
• Gen. Coleman Dupont of Delaware. Head of sub-com. on arranges for the formal notification ceremonies.
• Harry M. Daugherty of Columbus, O. Pre-convention campaign mgr. for Sen. Harding.
• Will H. Hays of Ind. Chairman Republican National Com.

Bishop William F. Oldham, the former pastor of the Broad Street Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbus, will offer the invocation in the place of Rev. McAfee, who is still recovering from his stroke.

Copies of the first Harding biography—Joe Mitchell Chapple's Warren G. Harding - The Man—are now available in Marion. (It's available 100 years later on Google Books.)

Sources:

• "First Biography of Senator W. G. Harding." Marion Star. 21 July 1920.
• "Harding Defines His Stand Today." New York Times. 22 July 1920.
• "Harding to Make League Big Issue in Marion Speech." Washington Star. 21 July 1920.
• "Lodge Confers with Nominee." Marion Star. 21 July 1920.
• "Prominent Men in the Political Field Who Will Participate in the Official Notification Program for Senator Harding at Marion on July 22." New Philadelphia Daily Times. 21 July 1920.
• "Warren G. Harding and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge photograph." Ohio History Connection.

Tuesday, July 20, 1920

Harding meets with a number of dignitaries, including Frank B. Willis, former Ohio governor and candidate for the Republican nomination for his senate seat, to be decided in August. Willis placed Harding's in nomination at Chicago.

Workers lay crushed limestone on the Harding lawn to prevent the yard from turning muddy with the expected onslaught of visitors. Harding's father, Dr. George T. Harding, lends a hand.

In the afternoon, an unannounced delegation of Elks from Findlay, who travel to Marion in 30 automobiles, march to the Hardings' home to invite the candidate to their homecoming. "The senator asked that this be not taken as a definite promise, but that if he finds it impossible to attend he will 'be with you in spirit.'"

Harding shows the "unaffected, easy cordiality that has made him popular with what he terms 'the folks.' He managed to vary his greeting and handshake, occasionally putting his other hand on the man's shoulder, in such a manner that the line passed quickly but without signs of haste."

Harding then holds a meeting in the new press headquarters for the first time.

Harding is asked about "normalcy," a word he used in his homecoming speech (and elsewhere):

I have noticed that word caused considerable newspaper editors to change it to "normality." I have looked for "normality" in my dictionary, and I do not find it there. "Normalcy," however, I did find, and it is a good word.

By "normalcy" I do not mean the old order, but a regular, steady order of things. I mean normal procedure, the national way, without excess. I don't believe the old order can or should come back, but we must have normal order, or, as I have said, "normalcy."

Here's how the press headquarters looks as of Saturday, August 22, 2020:

Additional Reading:

• Merriam Webster: Did Warren Harding Coin 'Normalcy'? [No.]
• Zimmer, Ben. "How Normalcy Went From Misnomer to Safe Ward. The Atlantic. 10 April 2020.

Sources:

• "Delegation of Findlay Elks." Marion Star. 21 July 1920.
• "Elks Make Harding a 'Surprise' Visit." New York Times. 21 July 1920.
• "Local Mention." Marion Star. 20 July 1920.
• "Nominee Sees Willis Today." Marion Star. 20 July 1920.
• "Warren G. Harding and members of the press photograph." Ohio History Connection.
• "Warren G. Harding home photograph." Ohio History Connection.
• "Warren G. Harding's press house photographs." Ohio History Connection.