Today Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.
In the summer of 1923, Seattle had a six-hour visit from President Warren Harding.
During this cross-country “Voyage of Understanding,” he became the first President to visit Alaska.
Vintage Seattle reader Jana Robertson wrote in with this snapshot, from her husband’s Grandmother, showing Harding on parade route through Seattle.
That same day Harding made the last speech of his life at the University of Washington Stadium before dying of either a heart attack or a stroke the next month. Thanks for the submission, Jana.
 |
| President Harding in Seattle. July 27, 1923. Photo courtesy Jana Robertson. |
Interesting to note (perhaps not interesting at all)… Harding was a Freemason, raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason! Gotta’ like those Freemasons. Almost as much as the Odd Fellows.
Any possible way to figure out what street he’s on in this shot?
Looks like First Avenue.
Nice contribution, Jana!
I have a picture of Harding in the Stadium with the crowds, standing in the car. Appreciated your photo as it verified the date. Also it confirmed that he was indeed in Seattle and why.