A Note on My Harding Research

The information I posted during 2020 mostly covered Warren Harding's front-porch campaign from his home on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Marion, Ohio. The campaign officially started on July 31, 1920, and ended on September 25. The plan was to post daily on events that occurred exactly 100 years ago that day, but I shared other information as well. You'll have to read bottom-to-top if you want to follow the campaign from Day 1.

I used the open web for some of my research but also information accessible by using my library card or my subscription to www.newspapers.com. The most useful resource was the Marion Star, which was owned by the Hardings at the time of the campaign. I also browsed online copies of other newspapers like the New York Times, the Washington Star, and the Dayton Daily News, which, in 1920, was owned by Harding's Democratic opponent, Governor James M. Cox. I also posted information from other newspapers that covered Harding's trips away from Marion during the campaign.

Another great resource I used was Dale E. Cottrill's The Conciliator, a 1969 biography of the president that expanded an earlier bibliography of Harding's speeches. An online version is available at the Internet Archive, but I used a hard copy borrowed from the State Library of Ohio.

Readers should not construe anything posted here as a political statement on my part. I just like Harding as a historical topic.

10/13/2020

Wednesday, October 13, 1920 (TENNESSEE)

From the Marion Star: "Senator Warren G. Harding carried the gospel of Republicanism and opposition to the Paris league of nations into 'enemy' territory today. Confident that this year will see the fulfillment of that long-cherished Republican dream--the breaking of the Solid South--Senator Harding invaded Tennessee for a single speech."

Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Harding special arrives at 8:15. The day will include a sight-seeing trip to Civil War battlefields, a luncheon, a public reception, and the speech.


"Senator Warren G. Harding's visit to Chattanooga...was at least a personal triumph. His supporters were insistent after the day's demonstrations were over that it was a political triumph as well. Nobody will know as to that, it is assumed, until after the votes are counted in Tennessee on Nov. 2... The candidate's party arrived in Chattanooga almost on schedule... A large crowd was at the station, but not so large that the arriving visitors were put to any discomfort... Automobiles conveyed the entire party to the Hotel Patten, where another big crowd gave the nominee a noisy welcome. And throughout the day the candidate's reception was all that any man, no matter how distinguished, could wish. The tour of battlefields was apparently a source of enjoyment to the large party that went on the trip..." (Chattanooga Daily Times)

Here is Harding at Lookout Mountain:


Harding speaks at Billy Sunday's Tabernacle, a temporary building that had been built to host a six-week revival in November 1919.

"Senator Harding, unheckled, last night preached his 'gospel' to Chattanooga and the democratic south - a gospel of protection, isolation, and materialism. The throngs that greed the republican candidate for president were enormous... But it was not a crowd of partisans. The applause was not long, and not loud. Many of the speaker's points, doubtless telling in republican cities, fell flat. The crowd was eager to see, and to listen, but not to applaud or commend." (Chattanooga News)

The Hardings return to the train which remains in the railroad yards over night.

Sources:

  • "Chattanooga Gives Welcome." Marion Star. 13 October 1920.
  • "Harding Outlines G.O.P. Policy if Elected; 'Never Going into League'; Says South Needs Tariff." Chattanooga News. 14 October 1920.
  • "Harding's Reception Cordial; Makes Bid for Break in South." Chattanooga Daily Times. 14 October 1920.

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