The Statesman May-August 2016

The Statesman

May - August 2016

A Conversation with

RON CHERNOW 11th Annual Mary Tucker Jasper

Speaker Series

& Advancing American Democracy Award Thursday, September 15 . Columbia Club Benefitting the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

Reserve Your Tickets Now at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org

President at the Crossroads A Publication of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

Lest We Forget

Board of Directors ADVISORY CABINET William Browne Robert H. Everitt James Wallis, Chair Jamia Jasper Jacobsen Andrea Neal, Vice Chair J. Scott Keller Susan Bradford, Treasurer James Kirsch Howard J. Lacy IV, Secretary John L. Krauss Michael W. Wells, at large Susanah M. Mead David Sease, Past Chair James Morris HONORARY DIRECTORS Kimball Harrison Morsman Eugene M. Busche Carolyn E. Anker Virginia Z. Willkie Stan Hurt Steve Campbell Boris Meditch Mariama Carson EX-OFFICIO Andrew J. Paine, Jr. Daniel F. Evans Diane Crabtree Susanne Ridlen Thomas P. Ewbank George W. Geib PRESIDENT & CEO Brian Hewitt Charles A. Hyde

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Eric J. Holcomb Jason T. Konesco Michael C. Peek Julian Ridlen Peter Rusthoven Ed Simcox Nikki Woodson

Special thanks to the more than 100 volunteers who make our work possible!

David Pleiss Director of Learning Resources

Margaret Sallee Director of Operations

Stacy Clark Special Events Manager

Jennifer Capps Ashleigh GravesVP of Curatorship Roesler & Exhibition VP of Development

Julio Zepeda Facilities Manager

Gary Larreategui Weekend Supervisor

There is an exceptional story concerning Benjamin Harrison’s legacy as an American president—by historical accident, it was almost never fully told.

The tale is so unusual that historian Harry J. Sievers occupied nine pages of preface in his three-volume biography to recount it. After a sudden illness, Benjamin Harrison died of pneumonia on March 13, 1901 in his Indianapolis home on Delaware Street.

Condolences came from across the globe to his widow, Mary Lord Harrison, and 4-year old daughter, Elizabeth. President McKinley and other national dignitaries attended the full state funeral.

Plans for a Harrison memorial were soon underway.

Led by vice-president Charles W. Fairbanks, these efforts were fruitful and work was completed on a monument by 1908. At the dedication, he asserted: “As chief executive of the Republic he made a record characterized by statesmanship of the highest order, and by a mastery of the problems which challenged his consideration, which gave his administration place among the best the country has ever had. His occupancy of the highest office within the gift of his countrymen did not exalt him. He exalted the office.

He will stand in the history of this country, when it is impartially written, as one of the nation’s great presidents”.

Presidential Site Staff

Charles A. Hyde President & CEO

Roger Hardig VP of Education

Lukas Ramey Volunteer Experience Mgr.

But getting Harrison’s story “impartially written” was a bigger challenge than any of his contemporaries might have imagined. The first would-be biographer, Everard “Frank” Tibbott started work in 1901, but by 1904 had to turn his notes over to Indiana lawyer John L. Griffiths. Griffiths in turn threw himself into the project, telling President Theodore Roosevelt that “the work will require about a year and a half, I think.” But his active diplomatic career turned two years into ten. When Griffiths died unexpectedly in London in 1914, the work remained incomplete.

Mrs. Harrison and many of Harrison’s friends and admirers were distressed. After recovering Griffith’s archives on Harrison from overseas, six different biographers marked the next decade. In 1926, A.T. Volwiler was given exclusive permission to access Harrison’s papers in the Library of Congress, and

From the President spent the next two decades accumulating and assimilating the relevant materials—but without published work.

Finally, in 1945 Mrs. Harrison rescinded Volwiler’s privileges as a sole researcher and made the Library of Congress’ Harrison papers “generally open for the use of students.” This was 44 years after Harrison’s death, and 57 years after he assumed office. Until that moment, any other historian, researcher or student who wished to study Harrison was effectively “locked out” and had to rely on a limited body of primary sources and the incomplete assessments of political foes and friends. Think of how astonishing this is—it’s the equivalent of historians only just being given access to John F. Kennedy’s archives today.

Mrs. Harrison died in 1948, and historian Harry J. Sievers accepted a commission from the Arthur Jordan Foundation the following year to write a definitive biography. This effort was successful, with Hoosier Warrior published in 1952, Hoosier Statesman in 1959 and Hoosier President in 1968.

So why does this matter? Because it speaks volumes as to why Harrison’s significant presidential legacy remains lesser known than it should. At the Presidential Site, we’re working to right this historical wrong. The current exhibit, “President at the Crossroads”, is a survey of some of Harrison’s greatest areas of impact—including conservation innovation, African-American civil rights and signing the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. These issues mean as much to our country today as they did to Harrison a century ago.

With “Hamilton” dominating Broadway, there’s clearly a national hunger to understand what made— and still makes—this country great. To this end, we’re proud to carry forward Harrison’s important legacy in action. It’s a story still worth sharing today!

Very sincerely yours,

Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO

Plan Your Visit

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Calendar Wicket World of Croquet June 4 1pm Naturalization Ceremony July 1 10am Independence Day Social July 4 1pm-3pm

Harrison Still in the News

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Presidential Power It is appropriate that the first president to bring electricity to the White House shines new light on the importance of energy conservation!

The house, originally lighted by natural gas and later converted to electricity by Harrison, is now illuminated by efficient, environmentally friendly bulbs provided by Indianapolis Power and Light. Special thanks for their support!

Taking the Oath

Benjamin Harrison’s Birthday August 20 10am-3:30pm Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker Series September 15 6pm-9pm “The Witching Hour,” Presented by Candlelight Theatre October 14, 15, 21,22, 23 Performances starting at 6pm

Congratulations to Indiana’s 51st lieutenant governor (and Presidential Site Board Member) Eric Holcomb, who was sworn-in this spring using Benjamin Harrison’s inaugural Bible.

This is the fourth time the Harrison Bible has been used to swear in a prominent official.

Harrison himself was the first, followed by Governors Mitch Daniels and Mike Pence.

Coffee with the Curator

First Friday of Each Month • 8:30 - 9am

Free for Presidential Site members & guests • $6 non-members Kick off your first Friday in style with this stimulating 30 minute event. Enjoy a quick cup of good coffee, nibble on a doughnut hole and get a glimpse of some of the Presidential Site’s most interesting, amazing…and unexpected collection items.

We promise to satisfy your curiosity, have you well caffeinated and on your way to the office by 9am sharp! Upcoming themes will be: “From Sea to Shining Sea” in May, “President at Play” in June, and “Wave Your Flag” in July. More to come!

Space is limited so reservations are recommended. Find out more by calling 317.631.1888 or visiting PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.

For his inauguration, Harrison’s bible was provided to the chief justice by the Clerk of the Supreme Court. It now resides in the Presidential Site archives.

The First Lady of Interior Design First Lady Caroline Harrison was featured in Real Estate People’s online newsletter. Our curator, Jennifer Capps, discussed the forward-looking attitude of the first lady, who sought to renew the White House by drafting her own visionary expansion plans with bedrooms, additional office wings and an art room. Her petition to Congress preceded all others by a First Lady, and later helped inspire the Roosevelt’s expansion of the West Wing.

Harrison’s Legacy in Action: Conservation

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2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. It is also the 125th anniversary of the National Forestry Reserve Act, the first step ever taken to empower the president to actively preserve our natural forest resources.

Did You Know?

HRRSON

While serving in the Senate in 1882, Benjamin Harrison introduced a bill to set apart land on the Colorado River. The bill failed, but in 1919 the Grand Canyon National Park was finally created.

New legislation in 2016 has jointly renamed The Indiana Heritage Trust and the Bicentennial Nature Trust funds. They will now be called the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust Fund.

His efforts really ramped-up when he was president. In 1890, he asked Congress for legislation to provide protection for the great forests of the United States. After the act’s passing, Harrison set aside land in Wyoming to form the nation’s first forest reserve. He proceeded to use the act 17 times, protecting land in Colorado (including Pikes Peak), Oregon, California, Washington, New Mexico Territory, Alaska Territory, and Arizona Territory.

In 1907, forest reserves were renamed “national forests.”

As a boy, Harrison was educated in a log cabin school in a North Bend, Ohio farming community.

He grew up surrounded by nature, and fishing was his favorite childhood activity.

As an adult, it was difficult for him to slow down and he rarely gave himself permission to stop working. After laboring to the brink of exhaustion, nothing was more rejuvenating for him than a walk in the woods. Perhaps it was his own childhood beckoning him back to draw peace from the wonders of the natural world.

Conservation was a matter of course for Harrison, even at a time in our nation’s history when nature itself was at odds with the American spirit of innovation, construction, and expansion.

General John W. Noble spoke of Harrison’s policy:

“The policy of conserving the nation’s natural resources arose from President Harrison’s quick appreciation of the danger there would be to the national life by the destruction of our forests. The first impressive appeal for such a policy came when he, in January 1890, transmitted to Congress a memorial from the “American Association for the Advancement of Science,” and recommended that adequate steps be taken to prevent the rapid destruction of our great forest areas and the loss of our water supplies. There was need of immediate action, and six reservations were created within the term by presidential proclamations, embracing an area of more than three and a quarter million acres.”

While Theodore Roosevelt deserves many accolades for transforming lands into parks, no president did more to make this possible than Benjamin Harrison.

--- Jennifer Capps, VP of Curatorship & Exhibition

The new name reflects Indiana’s pride in Harrison’s pioneering conservation efforts and will be used to preserve significant natural resources in our state for generations to come.

Did You Know?

Harrison opened our second, third, and fourth national parks, set aside the first military park, the first urban park, and the first prehistoric Indian Ruin to come under federal protection, Casa Grande, in Arizona. On September 25, 1890, Sequoia National Park was created. The Yosemite Reserves Act was passed on October 1, 1890 and signed into law by Harrison, creating Yosemite National Park. That same day, Harrison added land to Sequoia and created General Grant National Park. Sitka National Historical Park has the distinction of being the oldest federally designated park in Alaska. It was designated as a federal park

by Harrison on June 21, 1890.

As president, Harrison took afternoon walks after rising early and working all morning. No wonder he signed legislation creating Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C.! A wooded valley through the nation’s capital, the park is a rare example of natural preservation in an urban setting. It is still enjoyed by public officials and visitors alike.

Special Exhibits

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A Moment in Time: 1889

President at the Crossroads Special Bicentennial Exhibit . March - December 2016

Photo Courtesy of Larry Endicott

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In HisThe O wn WBenjamin ords : “I Love This Harrison City”

Presidential Site

Harrison’s remarks on departing Indianapolis for Washington, D.C. “I cannot tr ust myself to put in w what I feel ords at this time.

Every kind thought that is in your minds and ev good wish th ery at is in yo u r hearts for m finds its re e sponsive wis h and thoug my mind and h t in heart for ea ch of you.

I love this city. It has been my own cherished hom e. Twice be fore I have it to dischar left ge public d u ties and retu to it with g rned ladness, as I hope to do again.”

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Benjamin Harrison is honored in New York City as the Centennial President of the United States.

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The Daimler wire-wheel car is introduced at the World’s Fair in Paris

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Van Gogh paints his magnum opus, “Starry Night,” depicting the scenery outside a sanatorium window at night.

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Auguste Rodin finishes “The Thinker,” inspired by the poetry of Dante’s Inferno.

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German Ferdinand von Zeppelin patents his “Navigable Balloon”

Photo courtesy of Susan Fleck Photography

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

Mr. Vice President’s Brush with the Law

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How a future vice president of the United States learned his lesson after impetuously penning a piece of Wabash student journalism that nearly cost him $20,000.

“Young man, if I had an enemy that I wanted to libel and could hire you to look after the job, I would not hunt further.”

One day he’d practice law, be elected governor of Indiana and, later, vice-president of the United States, but as a student at Wabash College, Thomas Riley Marshall, Class of 1873, was best known for a newspaper article that landed him in civil court. An editor for the College’s bimonthly publication, The Geyser in 1873--a period, Marshall noted, “when journalism was in its incipient stage”--the Wabash senior wrote an article ridiculing a visiting temperance speaker and “teacher of elocution” named Ida Leggett. Zealous, but lacking a credible source, Marshall reported a scandalous breach of etiquette-an alleged game of “footsie” the married lecturer played under the table with students at the boarding house where she was staying.

“Mrs. Leggett hath shown her cloven foot at last,” he revealed with glee in the March 19, 1873, issue of The Geyser.

“Though the cause of her departure was kept a secret for several days, it leaked out at last. She was caught tramping on the feet of the boys boarding at her house and was immediately kicked out. We have nothing to say, however, as she gave us the worth of our money in her entertainments.”

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Marshall took Harrison’s scolding with characteristic good nature. He also developed a generous respect and fondness for Harrison, and he concludes his version of events surrounding his brush with the law by defending his legal champion: “This convinced me, as I thought of it later, that all the talk of the cold-blooded nature of President Harrison was false and unfounded. He and Senator Turpie were, in my judgment, the two greatest lawyers that the Indiana Bar has produced. The general was too busy thinking, reasoning, seeking the right, to be a light-hearted man such as I am, but when in full and profitable practice he could waste four or five days on a bunch of foolish college boys, seeking to save them from the punishment of their folly, whatever anyone else may think of the President, I think his heart beat true to all the finer and nobler instincts of our nature.”

This article first appeared in the Winter 1999 issue of Wabash magazine, the

Marshall also took Harrison’s advice to heart, as he proclaims in quarterly journal of Wabash College. his autobiography: “I have never again been sued for either slander Special thanks to editor Steve Charles. or libel.”

Did You Know?

In 2004, the American Bar Association included Benjamin Harrison as one of only four presidents on its “all star law firm,” ccncluding that he may have been the best lawyer president, possessing a “brilliant mind, extraordinary memory, unusual power of analysis and great speaking ability.”

The First President to Ride in a Car Like Benjamin Harrison, Charles H. Black of Indianapolis was a man of many “firsts.”

In 1893, he gave Harrison the distinction of being the first U.S. President to ride in an automobile. There is no descriptive account of the ride, although it likely occured on Delaware Street. And Black may be the first documented driver of a gasoline powered car in America.

Ten days following the article’s publication, Marshall and the rest of The Geyser staff were served “with a summons to answer the charge of libel, with a demand for $20,000.”

Marshall recalls in his autobiography, A Hoosier Salad, that his codefendants urged him to take the article to General Benjamin Harrison, then practicing law in Indianapolis, to ask his opinion on the merits of the case. Marshall recalls his encounter with this man who twenty-six years later became president of the United States: “After much difficulty I found myself in his presence, submitted the article to him and asked if it was libelous. He read it carefully and then looked up and said: ‘Young man, if I had an enemy that I wanted to libel and could hire you to look after the job, I would not hunt further.’”

Black had 12 witnesses who corraborated with his story in a 1913 issue of Indianapolis News:

“I told him that I was a minor and could not raise 20,000 cents, let alone $20,000. He said I would have to justify the article by proof of the truth of what I had written or have a big judgment which some time I would have to pay or have it everlastingly hanging over my head.”

Sufficiently convinced of his precarious situation, Marshall asked Harrison to represent the students against Leggett’s attorneys, General Lew Wallace and Indiana Senator Joseph McDonald. “I asked him if he would represent us and he said he would,” Marshall recalls. “The details are not necessary [and aren’t to be found in the historical record]; it is sufficient to say that after the testimony was taken in New York, and after the jury was sworn, the plaintiff dismissed her case, and this set of college boys breathed far more freely. I took the General aside and asked him what I owed him, saying that I would write my father and get the money and pay him. His answer was: “Not a cent. I wouldn’t think of taking anything from you. You have been foolish boys and this will be a great lesson to you.

Never hereafter in life charge anybody with wrongdoing or crime that you do not have in your hands undoubted proof that it is true before you make the charge, and even then don’t make it unless you

are quite satisfied that by the making of it you are either defending yourself or performing some real public service.’”

Black in his motorcar in front of the Harrison memorial.

“In 1891, after making most of my parts in my blacksmith shop and having others made for me, I was ready with my first machine. I tried it out on the streets of Indianapolis, using the Circle and Delaware Street mostly as they were paved.”

Other firsts for Black include the first Chicago automobile license (issued in 1892 by the 23rd president’s cousin and Chicago Mayor Carter Harrison) and the first claim for an auto accident upon driving into the window of an Indianapolis business with a German-made Benz. On another occasion, he frightened a horse pulling an ash cart and had to pay for a broken harness.

Recent Donations to the Presidential Site 1

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Volunteers in Bloom

The Presidential Site grounds have begun to show signs of warmer weather, and it is all thanks to our hardworking volunteer gardeners. Our gardeners are here every Wednesday planting, weeding, mulching, and everything in between. You might also notice a new arbor in the north lawn. The arbor was assembled with help from the volunteer gardeners, in memory of Steve Neal. Steve was a valued member of the volunteer gardeners who strove to beautify the Presidential Site grounds for many years.

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Miniature campaign jug (1888) Brown clay pottery jug with glaze jug with glaze. The black paper label says “Harrison / Morton” in dark letters.

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Glass hat toothpick holder (circa 1888) This campaign memento is both a glass hat and a toothpick holder. The hat band has a buckle design around the rim. The texture of the glass is reminiscent of silk. On one side is the campaign quote THE SAME OLD HAT, and on the other side is HE’S ALL RIGHT.

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Walking stick /cane This cane or walking stick has two colors of stained wood. It is hand craved with a hand shaped handle. A small silver plate indicates that it was a Christmas gift: “M. L. Haines / from General Harrison / DEC 25, 1898”.Campaign motifs with a Capitol like building at the top, Indiana Seal, log cabin, “Gen. Benj. Harrison” (wraps around cane), “Nominated / for / President / at / the / Chicago / Convention / June / 1888.” A metal tip at the bottom is 1 1/2.” Small silver plate indicating that it was a Christmas gift: “M. L. Haines / from General Harrison / DEC 25, 1898”.

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Letter This letter from Benjamin Harrison was written to Haines on November 7th,1895.

Annual Meeting

Special Thanks

The Benjamin Harrison Volunteer Association will be hosting its annual meeting on July 29, and is looking forward to recognizing the invaluable contributions of the volunteer corps. Special honors will be awarded to a select few volunteers who went above and beyond their duties and have shown exemplary dedication towards the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and shared knowledge of Benjamin Harrison’s legacy in action over the past year.

Bicyclists now have a safe haven for their bicycles on the Presidential Site grounds. Riders can park their bikes at our brand new bike rack!

The Volunteer Association generously funded the construction of a bike rack that is a replica of Harrison’s famous campaign fence. The Volunteer Association also graciously funded the repairs to the lamp located in the President Harrison’s library.

VP of Education Roger Hardig with the Future Presidents of America class of 2015 as they raised the flag for the Naturalization Ceremony last July. Over 300 people, including new citizens and their families, were in attendance.

Future Presidents of America

Spring Grant Partner Spotlight

Now accepting applications for Class of 2016, June 27 - July 1

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is thankful for the support of our funders and partners. This spring, three special grants are supporting educational programming for children and students: Indiana Humanities, Junior League of Indianapolis, and the Ball Brothers Foundation.

Future Presidents of America youth leadership camp is a fun and innovative one-week summer camp for smart, engaged young adults that builds individual confidence, civic literacy and good citizenship.

Young leaders (ages 12-16) will learn firsthand through special interactive sessions, conversations with preeminent civic leaders and statesmen, up-close experiences with historic artifacts and thought-provoking discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing every president— from our country’s heroic 18th century origins through the 23rd president and into the 21st century.

Future Presidents of America helps to reveal the exceptional qualities of character that make for great presidents and great leaders - yesterday, today and tomorrow.

• • • • •

MONDAY (June 27):

TUESDAY (June 28): WEDNESDAY (June 29): THURSDAY (June 30): FRIDAY (July 1):

Confidence and Qualifications Duty, Honor & Sacrifice Poise & Policy Communitas & Civitas E Pluribus Unum

• A Humanities Initiative Grant from Indiana Humanities with support from the National

Endowment for the Humanities is underwriting some of the costs associated with our 2nd annual Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camp. After a very well-received pilot program last summer, the Presidential Site will be selecting 20 students, ages 12-16, to participate in this week-long institute focusing on civic responsibility and leadership.

• With their gift, the Junior League of Indianapolis has made it possible to expand our collaboration

with AYS, a before and after school program in Central Indiana, and to offer programming at five sites as part of Indiana’s Bicentennial celebration. JLI’s grant will provide age-appropriate educational and civic engagement activities for the students.

• Finally, a gift from the Ball Brothers Foundation will underwrite a renewed year of Delaware

County public school participation in the Presidential Site’s In Pursuit of Pride: A 4th Grade Field Trip to Remember. This free program builds civic pride and shares hands-on history adventures with students through a day-long trip to visit the Presidential Site, the Indiana Statehouse, and the Indiana State Library.

Find out more at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org/visit/future-presidents-of-america Thank you to all of our generous supporters for helping us educate Indiana’s next generation of leaders!

Coming Soon

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Coming Soon

Independence Day Social Saturday, July 4 1pm - 3pm

FREE P r e s e n t e d by t h e L ac y F o u n dat i o n

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This Independence Day, join us for a patriotic celebration that’s fun for the whole family. Enjoy first floor tours of the home of the 23rd President of the United States and try your hand at vintage games on the south lawn. Kids will enjoy crafts and a Passport to History Treasure Hunt. Plus, cool off with a dip of ice cream for just $3 a scoop.

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The 22nd Annual Wicket World of Croquet presented by the Lacy Foundation is almost sold out! Visit PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org now to register your team of two.

Looking for another way to enjoy this day of historic elegance and modern indulgence? Buy a ticket to the porch party! Show off your fabulous dress whites. Enjoy food from Three Days in Paris, Foundry Provisions and drinks from Rettig Hill Winery and Sun King Brewery. And enjoy partying on the porch while watching the croquet action and playing yard games all for just $30.

Benjamin Harrison’s Birthday Celebrations Saturday, August 20

All proceeds will benefit civic education at the Presidential Site.

FREE

Primary Day & Election Day

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Tuesday, May 3 & Tuesday, November 8

The Presidential Site is proud to be a polling site!

President Obama will honor President Harrison by having a wreath placed at his gravesite on his birthday.

Come to Crown Hill at 10:30 and follow the white line to Section 13 for the ceremonies. Visit the Presidential Site from 10am to 3:30pm on this special day for a complimentary tour of the first floor of the museum.

Frightful Fun This Fall!

On both days, the museum will be open for voting in our precinct.

We encourage you to fulfill your civic duty in your own neighborhood, or register today for the general election this fall.

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Naturalization Ceremony Friday, July 1 Time: 10am - 11am FREE

On this day, the Presidential Site hosts the summer Naturalization Ceremony for people who have qualified for United States citizenship. Join with the families and friends of these celebrants who will be present to witness this court ceremony that will take place in a tent on the south lawn. Find out more at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.

The

Witching Hour

Presented by Candlelight Theatre October 14, 15, 21, 22, & 23

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site