Description:

Harrison, (President) Benjamin

Benjamin Harrison souvenir program from the March 4, 1889 Inaugural Ball. The Bailey, Banks & Biddle (Philadelphia) printed program consists of three engravings, two depicting 23rd U.S. President Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901) and 22nd U.S. Vice President Levi P. Morton (1824-1920). Accompanied by a matching oversized envelope. In near fine condition.  Minor discoloration to covers around ribbon holes and faint reverse impression of first engraving on pink tissue paper. Expected minor surface wear to covers and envelope. The program measures 7.375" x 9.5".


An elegant orange silk ribbon secures the two textured covers, pink tissue paper sheet, and three engraved plates within. The front and back covers feature gilt embossed lettering and an eagle carrying an American flag. The first patriotic engraving depicts Liberty crowning a prosperous American farmer seated on the banks of the Capitol. Harrison's and Morton's portraits feature their auto signatures in stone. The envelope features a gilt embossed and red presidential seal. 


Photos of Harrison's inauguration ceremony show the statesman shielded by an enormous black umbrella; heavy winter rain did not deter revelers at the inaugural ball that followed. The ball was held at the Pension Building in Washington, DC (now the site of the National Building Museum), a multistoried brick building designed by Montgomery C. Meigs and 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. (See the period print from the Library of Congress here attached.) Waltzing politicians were serenaded by John Philip Sousa's Marine Corps Band.


Benjamin Harrison was the grandson of 9th U.S. President William Henry Harrison (1773-1841). The Ohio-born younger Harrison relocated to Indiana during his young adulthood, and indeed, this midwestern state featured prominently in his future military and political career. Harrison served as a Colonel of the 70th Indiana Volunteers during the Civil War, seeing action in Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign, and eventually reaching the rank of brevet brigadier general of volunteers in the Union Army. After the war, Harrison became increasingly interested in state politics. He represented Indiana in the U.S. Senate between 1881 and 1887. Harrison was the Republican presidential candidate in 1888, serving one term in between Democratic Grover S. Cleveland’s two terms.


Levi Morton's political career was wide-ranging. The New York Congressman and Governor served as U.S. Minister to France between 1881-1885, and in this capacity also accepted the Statue of Liberty on behalf of the United States. The pinnacle of his political career was his four-year vice presidential term.


WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!
Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000