INAUGURATIONS, CELEBRATIONS AND OTHER BEGINNINGS

By

Yolanda M. Deen

Presented to:

The Chicago Literary Club

On The Occasion of the Opening of the Club Year 2006-2007

October 9, 2006

Copyrighted

As a girl I was quite enamored by celebrations. Yes, I loved a celebration---whether attending one or reading about one or imaging my presence at a historical one. Yes, I loved a celebration!

Not only small celebrations, mind you, particularly those on a grand scale, large and exciting. I loved celebrations that sparked my imagination. For an example, I yearned to attend a Presidential Inauguration some day. That seemed the ultimate thrill when I was fourteen or fifteen. It would be an event, I thought of resounding joy and celebration. Yes, I would definitely put this on my list of events to attend when I grew up.

But then, more serious things entered my mind, schoolwork, university, starting my first job and taking on a career as a banker.

Early in my career I was assigned the work of producing the Annual Report for the Bank. This became an annual project for me. The Bank where I worked at the time was the Madison Bank and Trust Company located, where else-- but on Madison Street in Chicago. I never gave much thought to Madison Street---and, in my mind, I preferred to connect it with Madison Avenue in New York that seemed infinitely more glamorous to a young woman in her twenties .

Some years later, while on a trip to Atlanta I decided to stop in Savannah to visit some antique shops. It was there that I happened upon a very old shop behind a large Victorian house. The shop, most likely, had been an old horse barn at one time. I made two visits to the shop. On returning the second time, the shop owner, a very elderly and rather distinguished appearing woman asked where I lived. When I said Chicago, she perked up and asked “Isn’t that where the streets are named after Presidents of the United States? Do you know these streets? “ “Oh, yes, I replied, in fact, I work on Madison Street named after James Madison, as you know. And there is Randolph Street, Washington Street, then Madison, next Monroe, Adams, Jackson and Van Buren. These are all Downtown,” She looked delighted at my answer.

And, I continued, how could I forget, there is a street that runs diagonally through the city, Lincoln Avenue named after President Lincoln. Suddenly, her face turned ashen. “Please, she said, in a very stern voice,

do not speak Lincoln’s name here in the South!”

I was caught short for a moment. Why--she was clearly carrying the Civil War remembrances with her. Maybe, I thought, she had a Confederate flag hidden somewhere in her shop! I quickly made my purchase, thanked her and left still musing over her reaction!

The very next year, 1976, was the America’s Bicentennial Year. At Annual Report writing time, it was suggested that we feature President James Madison on the cover of the report. This led me to do some extensive reading and research about his life and times. When completed, the Annual report was published, we had a good year at the Bank, a feature was included with the highlights about Madison’s life and the cover bore a handsome picture of Madison.

As for me, unexpectedly, the research had rejuvenated my interest in Presidential Inaugurations and celebrations. And, as part of my research I had read about Dolley Madison, as well.

To be sure, I was intrigued, once again, with Presidential celebrations!

But, by now, I knew what I did not realize at age fourteen, that not all Presidential Inaugurations are joyous, untarnished celebrations. But, no matter. Even if laced with undertones of political uncertainty and discord, family strife, jealousies and intrigue, inaugurations were still celebratory, historical events with speeches to be recorded, fashions to be noted and balls to be attended. Yes, inaugurations were definitely back on my list of events to attend some day!

In 1789, with the seat of the government in New York, General Washington would have to leave his beloved Mount Vernon and to start a new life in

New York as the President of the United States.

It is hard to imagine a President of the U.S who did not campaign for the office. After emerging from the rigors of the Revolutionary War, then playing a central in crafting the Constitution, Washington had greatly looked forward to his retirement. He spent the next few years tending to his estate in Mount Vernon, assuming his duties as land owner in the Shenandoah Valley and the Ohio lands that he had acquired as a land surveyor as a young man, fox hunting with friends, concerning himself with the growing controversy affairs over the power of the Society of the Cincinnati which he did not approve. He had no active interest in becoming the head of our government.

But, this was not to last long. In 1783 he was enjoying his retirement. By 1789, the Senate and the House was trying to decide on the name for the office of the leader of our government and after lengthy discussion finally decided on President of the United States. But, as undecided as they were about the title of the office, they were not undecided or in any disagreement whatsoever about who should be elected to the office of the first President of the United States—it was General Washington.

Washington had not uttered a single word nor sent a single communication expressing his interest in the office. He had not revealed to anyone including Madison that he would or would not accept the Office of President if he were elected. The only clue that he even slightly considered this inevitability was his purchase of a new, modestly decorated carriage for himself and a woolen riding habit for Martha. But these he might have needed anyway in the normal course of his daily life. He remained a quiet person of virtue and humility and recoiled at the thought of having to accept the Presidency. Madison a close confidant of Washington urged him to accept the office if it were offered. He remained silent! He much preferred to stay in retirement.

On April 14,1789, Washington heard the clatter of hoofs as the Secretary of the Congress arrived at Mount Vernon with the news that he had been unanimously elected by the Electoral College. He had been unanimously elected. The question was put to him---would he serve? He reluctantly and resolutely accepted.

It is unclear as to who was more saddened by the news, George or Martha.

Imagine, the Father of our Country elected by the Electoral College without a direct election by the people because the Founding Fathers were afraid of a direct election to the Presidency, without a campaign since George Washington was the only candidate, without any stump speeches, accepting an Office without any established protocol, without any defined duties of the job of the President, without any orderly method for receiving visitors, without the proverbial “family decision” for him to run for President and without a permanent house in New York in which Martha could entertain.

Martha, a widow, was first married to XXX Custis a man 25 year her senior. After being widowed at age 25, she was then married for a second time to George Washington. It was often conjectured that this was a somewhat loveless marriage, even being, perhaps, a marriage of convenience for both since George had already had a harmless but nevertheless affair of the heart with his first great love, Sally Cary Fairfax, the wife of one of his neighbors and Martha was a cultured woman of means who needed a father for her two children.

Martha had been used to having an open door at Mount Vernon for entertaining in a style that she was accustomed to and was even more reticent than George to move to New York. At Mount Vernon she was an accomplished, well recognized and socially celebrated woman in her own right who had managed Mount Vernon by herself while George was fighting the Revolutionary War. When George returned to his estate to retire, Martha settled down into the comfortable role as mistress of Mount Vernon enjoying morning exercises on horseback often accompanied by George and giving well-attended tea parties and dinners set with the French plated tableware that George had received from the French.

Go to New York for the Inauguration of George Washington as our first President. No! Martha stayed home. He would summon her later! Reluctantly she would come to New York and later when they would go to Philadelphia, she would assume the role of cultivated hostess while ever longing to be back at Mount Vernon. Entertaining foreign dignitaries at State dinners was not her cup of tea.

And so on April 16, 1789 there was George setting out into the unchartered waters of the first Presidency without Martha, virtually without funds, having had to borrow 600 pounds to make the journey to New York. Celebrations were far from his mind. Quote Washington, “ I bade adieu to Mount Vernon, to private life, to domestic felicity and with a mind oppressed with anxious and painful sensations than I have words to express and set out for New York”.

In great contrast to his gloomy feelings, as he left Mount Vernon, the peoples celebrations began. The festivities began with a farewell dinner at Wises Tavern in Alexandria, followed by a ride across the Potomac in his modest carriage, then on to Georgetown, on to Spurrier’s Tavern and on to Baltimore—with spontaneous celebrations bursting out at each stop.

All along the way, Washington was met with columns of Veteran’s of the Revolution and delegations including the City Troops of the Light Horse. Everywhere people came out shouting hurrahs and giving salutes! There was not a single sign of opposition---a bit of jealousy by some but no opposition.

Making the journey on horse back and in his carriage, as Washington approached the bridge over the Assunpink Creek, Jersey a post where he had deployed troops and won in the face of the German and British advances—he suddenly saw the bridge transformed from one of wartime to one of celebration. A huge arch of greenery had been placed on the bridge, twelve feet long and twenty feet high with words painted on it “ The defender of the Mothers will also defend the Daughters”.

Then, starting across the bridge came little girls in white and young ladies in spring costume led by the most prominent matrons of Trenton, New Jersey. They had composed and sang a song for the occasion ending with ‘ Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers; strew your Hero’s way with flowers’. Then girls carrying baskets of blossoms stepped forward and strewed flowers in the General’s way. Oh, how I wished I could have been in that company of girls!

Washington did not disappoint the well wishers. He proceeded across the bridge on a great white horse. He bowed and thanked them from his heart. But he was not yet truly caught up in the joy of these celebrations. To record the event, artists have captured this famous scene in engravings and prints—for after all, no press photographers existed then to snap this great photo op!

At Elizabeth Town Point, a barge with a keel of 47 feet appeared with a great mast, a sail and an awning---festooned with red curtains and 13 oars representing the 13 states. On arriving at the New York landing, thousands and thousands came out to cheer him.

Washington could no longer contain his emotion in spite of all of his misgivings at having accepted the Presidency. History recorded that he was overwhelmed at these receptions as he moved toward New York and Inauguration day.

New York, however, was to pose a serious problem for Washington as hoards of visitors clamored to visit him on government business. He immediately began to think of ways to control this uncomfortable situation since his central concern was how to best attend to his undefined business in a reasonable and responsible manner. This phenomenon was to plague him throughout his Presidency.

On April 29, 1789, the first Inauguration Day of his first term, Washington arose, had his hair powdered and dressed himself in a suit of brown broadcloth that he had purchased for himself after much negotiation due to his lack of funds. The suit, complete with buttons with wing spread eagles was meant to advertise American industry. His stockings were of the best white silk, his shoe buckles made of silver. He wanted there to be no doubt---all were “ Made in America”.

And what of his inaugural address? He had originally written a long statement pointing out much needed pieces of legislation. Most likely, this address had considerable input from his friend Madison. And, no doubt, it was a good and somewhat practical speech. But, in the end, he thought his Inaugural Address would not be of particular consequence –and discarded it! He replaced it with a short paper that he read in twenty minutes. This was more a simple message and was largely personal with but one reference to legislation.

He was ready now! He folded the message and placed it in the coat pocket of his new brown suit. The speech was never recorded in it’s entirety since only fragments remained after bits and pieces of it were torn away over the years by historians and others attempting to capture a piece of history written in Washington’s own handwriting.

That morning a grand carriage now replaced his modest one. It was led through the Battery to Federal Hall overlooking Wall and Broad Streets for the swearing-in. When inside he saw an armchair and leather covered Bible on a small table. Accounts differ as to whether the swearing–in took place indoors in Federal hall or outdoors on a small balcony of the Hall. However, most historical accounts record the event with Washington on the balcony in an outdoor swearing in which prevails to this day.

Years later, President Hardy should have taken a queue from Washington and given a short speech---which might have prevented him from literally catching his death a cold after giving a two hour inaugural address and dying six weeks later.

The moment had arrived. After taking the oath of office from the Chancellor of the State of New York, he leaned forward without prompting and kissed

a Masonic Bible. Cheers arose---and Washington raised his hand for silence and read his inaugural address with great humility. It was said that he was noticeably moved, fumbled with his papers and uttered the simple words with sincerity and a complete lack of rhetorical tricks. He delivered a simple, warm straightforward highly personal speech. The Congress was entranced by his humble presence.

Leaving Federal Hall, Washington walked with Congressman and guests to St Paul’s Chapel to bow his head in prayer---the same St. Paul’s Chapel that still stands today at Fulton and Broadway Streets across from the tragic site of the fallen World Trade Center. He had assumed a grave, melancholy composure---perhaps, thinking about the challenges of the new government or thinking about his valiant troops that had fallen during the war or, perhaps, thinking about the absent Martha or, perhaps, thinking about his great affection for Sally Fairfax whom he had corresponded up until four months before his sensible marriage to Martha. We shall never know because Washington did not reveal much of his personal emotions in his diaries or papers.

After the business of the day and the crush of visitors, Madison managed to enjoy a private dinner in his own chamber in the rented building that he and Martha would occupy before moving to Philadelphia for the duration of his Presidency. Finally, after dinner, he decided to join the spontaneous peoples celebration in the streets. There was no Inaugural Ball—only the citizenry celebrating and dancing in the streets of New York.

Together with a few friends, he rode in his carriage to view the city lighted by pyrotechnics. Between the Old Fort and the Bowling Green was a large transparency bearing the portrait of the President. The crowds jostling about his carriage and were so great that the carriage could not move forward . Washington decided not to remain in the carriage. Instead, he and his friends got out and walked back through the crowds to his rented quarters. And, so the first Inauguration Day ended.

We can only surmise how Washington felt that day for his own diaries are missing from February 2, 1789 to September 30, 1789 so we have no account of the Inauguration Day in Washington’s own hand. These, however, if kept, might not have revealed much of Washington’s emotion for his other diaries record the names of the many people with whom he met, the many places he visited and the many dinners and celebrations that were given for him over the years---but very little was revealed about his personal thoughts.

What a pity there is no Washington Library to this day. After his death, his papers from his days as a surveyor, his days as Colonel Washington and later as General Washington, his extensive diaries and financial records, some 185,000 in all, were left in the care of his nephew, Pushrod Washington. George had hoped to build a library for his papers after his retirement but this was not to become a reality. Finally, the papers fell into the hands of an overzealous nineteenth century Harvard President who liked to share many of Washington’s papers with friends and collectors until they became strewn over America .The many, many letters he had written to Count Rochambeau and other French officials –would be scattered across Europe and abroad. Periodically the remaining papers were mercifully rescued over the years and published in various editions. At this moment, many are housed at the University of Virginia being examined, preserved and archived. The project is estimated to be completed twenty years from now but many will be lost to history forever.

The last pieces of evidence that might have revealed more about the private Washington were also lost to history. Upon his death, Martha burned their private letters to her in a last attempt to keep their lives private forever. A few remained, however, and were found later—perhaps in a hidden cupboard at Mount Vernon. One was signed “ Your Dearest Martha”, leading one to think that, perhaps, their marriage was not simply a sensible marriage of convenience but rather a hidden love of two very private persons who reluctantly became the first President of our country and his First Lady.

When our fellow Chicago Literary Club member, Robert Todd Lincoln, was elected to the Club on February 21, 1876, perhaps, members hoped that he would present a paper some day about his memories of his Father, Abraham Lincoln.

There is no evidence, however, that he ever attended meetings or presented a paper. We might assume or at least hope that he attended at least one meeting upon joining the Club. In any event, over his lifetime, he shunned writing about his Father and protected himself and the Lincoln Papers from the hundreds of inquiries made by writers, historians and friends to probe into the papers.

It is a little known fact that Robert played a central role in the events leading up to the Inauguration of Lincoln a President of the United States. Robert’s part would unfold when he joined his Father on Lincoln’s trip east which began on February 11, 1861 in Springfield, Illinois, a journey of 12 days that took them by train through Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, east to Albany, south along the Hudson to New York City, down to Washington D.C. by way of Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Baltimore.

Upon departing Springfield he made an impromptu farewell speech---without a prepared script but simply from the heart. Listen to these poetic words “ My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. Here I have lived a quarter of a century and have passed from a young man to an old man. Here my children were born and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater that which rested upon Washington”.

The train that would carry Lincoln and the family to Washington, D.C was one of the first Pullman sleepers. It was pulled by a Hinckley locomotive and was to go on the first leg of the trip to the Indiana border carrying Lincoln without his family for security reasons. There an anxious Mary and the boys would join them in Indianapolis.

Robert was enamored by the train and spent much of the time upfront with engineer. Perhaps this was Robert’s first great interest with trains since later we would become President of the Pullman Company having become disinterested in his career as a lawyer. Mary and Willie and Tad spent their time looking out the windows at the countryside and the gathering crowds who cheered “ Show us the children”. This must have please Mary greatly and she looked forward to presenting her best foot forward as First Lady. She was thrilled at the public’s interest in herself and the children. The children preferred hiding under the seats in the elaborate coaches.

Part of the joy for Robert was that he saw more of his Father on the train east than he would during the next four years while he attended Harvard. Their Father and son relationship had been loving but somewhat distant as Lincoln had spent so many years touring up and down Illinois on trips while building his business and political connections while Robert was growing up.

On this journey, Lincoln was called upon at every stop, city by city, to address the crowds. Never had he made so many speeches in such a short length of time. In his mind, however, the two most important speeches were coming up. The first was the address to be delivered at Independence Hall on his birthday on February twelfth. His subject was the sacredness of our Declaration of Independence. The second was his Inaugural Address.

As we know, Lincoln’s speeches were remarkable—be it his House Divided speech given before the Illinois State Convention or to the some 200 speeches given during his campaign for the Presidency or to the seven famous Lincoln Douglas debates. Yes, Lincoln had established himself as the best stump speaker in the West as pronounced publicly by none other than Douglas himself.

A somewhat typical reaction to Lincoln’s speeches was recollected by a sophisticated easterner at Lincoln’s Cooper Union Hall in New York. The eyewitness began his account by first registering his disappointment at Lincoln’s wrinkled clothes and strange looks. Quote, “ You won’t do (Mr. Lincoln); it’s all well for the Wild West but this will never go down in New York”. Then Lincoln straightened up and began to bear down on the subject matter. His face lit up as if on fire. Quote the eyewitness, “ I forgot his cloths, his personal appearance, his individual peculiarities. Forgetting myself, I was on my feet with the rest, yelling like a wild Indian, cheering this wonderful man”.

In contrast to Washington’s casual approach to his Inaugural speech that he deemed of little consequence, most likely, Lincoln understood the importance of his forthcoming Inaugural speech. Surely he knew he was a great writer and orator. After all, he had used that facility to garner the nomination of the Republican Party and to win the election. No doubt, Lincoln gave grave and considered thought to each word he would write.

Thus the train carrying Abe, Mary, Willie, Tad and Robert and a few other confidants and friends rolled on. Lincoln’s car was festooned in red, white and blue with lavish interior decorations. Most likely, Lincoln hardly noticed for he was fixed on his Inaugural Address which he began writing shortly after leaving Springfield. One could imagine his energy intently fixed on the address. Honing every phrase, deleting all extra verbiage until the final poetic product of precise, spare, deeply moving words were ready to be delivered.

By 1861 the Inaugural journey and celebrations had taken on definite pattern. At this point in American history, inaugurations had included the pre-Inaugural journey to the seat of the government, the swearing in, the Inaugural Address, the Official Parade and the Inaugural ball.

This pre-Inaugural journey was different, however. As the train advanced, extra trainman and spare locomotives were stationed with visual distance of one another ready to be called on if trouble erupted. Lincoln was ready to be smuggled into Washington. He had resisted crazy offers to protect him-- such as wearing a special silk covered gold plated suit of armor to be worn beneath his undershirt. There were rumors that Lincoln would be assassinated before he could be inaugurated or that train was to be blown up. Lincoln’s only concession to these scares was to place himself in the care of the already famous Pinkerton agency for protection. Pinkerton has arranged for a special car to take Lincoln and his party to Baltimore. From there, under secret plans, Lincoln was transported safely to Washington.

But wait, was the Inaugural Address completed and ready in spite of the interruptions of speeches along the train route and the intrigues that tried to divert his attention? Yes, he had painstakingly written each perfect word and phrase. Carl Schurz, the German born abolitionist was on board the train for part of the journey and had read and critiqued the first draft. His friend, Orville Browning was asked for forthright comments. Lincoln, then satisfied with the address, had carefully placed it in a special black gripsack and entrusted it to Robert Todd. There was Robert, carrying Lincoln’s most precious piece of work. The party then made a train stop at an unidentified town and proceeded to a local hotel for rest.

Then in a turn of fate, Lincoln wanted to read the speech again. Robert had, however, disappeared for the time being to play with some young men that had come to greet him. When Robert return from his playful excursion with new found friends-- Lincoln asked Robert for the gripsack-- but Robert had to admit that gripsack was nowhere to be found. Lincoln asked Robert for the whereabouts of the gripsack again and again until Robert finally confessed that he had handed it off to a hotel clerk.

Most of us have, in our minds, a picture of Lincoln, brooding, gentle, pensive, sometimes humorous. But this time, Lincoln exploded at Robert for misplacing the satchel with what Lincoln called his “ certificate of moral character”.

The hunt began! Robert, Lincoln and his personal secretary Lamon began searching through the luggage at the hotel and came up again and again with empty hands until finally the gripsack was found. Robert, needless to say, was not entrusted with the gripsack or the Inaugural Address again.

Lincoln and the family were successfully and safely smuggled into the Willard Hotel where they lived for ten days. On Inauguration Day, Lincoln gathered the family together in their suite of rooms at the Willard for a reading of the document before the final presentation.

Sometimes I would stay at the Willard Hotel, and would always go the Xth Floor where the original Lincoln’s suite was supposedly located. The hotel had undergone a long period of disrepair and been closed in 1968 for a period of eighteen years. Finally, it was renovated and reopened in 1986 as the Willard Inter-Continental. It is still unclear if that was truly the suite where Lincoln had stayed and read his speech to his family that day. But, in my imagination---that was the original suite. I would walk past the suite, pause and could swear I was hearing a few of those historic words coming through the door. I would walk down the first floor corridor of the Willard on my way to dinner and imagine the Lincoln family entering the great baroque Dining Room and ordering a cup of turtle soup listed on the menu at the time for $XXX.

And, so Inauguration Day went for Lincoln. Leaving the Willard Hotel, he proceeded by train carriage through a boarded tunnel for security purposes and emerged onto the Capitol’s East Portico on a cold and blustery day. The Inaugural Address preceded the swearing-in administered by the Chief Justice . Lincoln read the words in a high-pitched voice that pierced across the crowds. The crowds were mesmerized by his words and his delivery.

There was no Inaugural Parade. Yes, there was an Inaugural Ball held in a temporary structure dubbed the “Palace of Aladdin” by the press. Mary Lincoln had planned for her triumphal entrance wearing a dress of blue, her hair arranged in her favorite way combed flat against her head with a ringlet of flowers around her head. Her mood was one of gaiety and anxiety.

Lincoln was hardly in the mood for the ball. Mary danced the quadrille with the quests. Lincoln did not. When the Inaugural festivities ended, that very night Lincoln received word in the quiet of the White House that Fort Sumter was in grave danger.

It was no wonder that after Lincoln’s death, when Robert had been entrusted with the famous Lincoln papers, he took such great care of them. The Inaugural Address had momentarily disappeared with the gripsack on the journey to Washington. Now the precious Lincoln papers would not disappear for even a moment in Robert’s hands.

Having settled in Washington, Robert and his family would go to Hiledene, Vermont each spring and would return to Washington in the fall. He would go by private rail car and would do so for many years---each time carrying eight large trunks containing the Lincoln Papers. Finally in 1919, after much gentle prodding, he finally became convinced that the papers would be safe only in the hands of the Library of Congress. He relinquished the Papers to the Library with the caveat that they would remain sealed until twenty one years after his own death in 1926.

It was April, 1989, when my phone rang.. It was the then President of the Madison Bank asking for a minute of my time. When I arrived in his office he had a glint in his eye, He said to me “ I just received a call from Governor Thompson. He wants me to Chair the Board of Directors of the USS Abraham Lincoln Commissioning Committee, the newest aircraft carrier in the Naval fleet. I told the Governor that I would think about it. Well--- I have and if you will do the work, I’ll take the appointment. What do you say Deen? I didn’t hesitate. Call him back right now and say “yes”!

What a celebration this could be, I couldn’t resist. Planning for a celebration that would launch the ship that bears the name of Lincoln—I wouldn’t miss the chance. Thus began several months of planning for the Commissioning of the USS Abraham Lincoln to be held in the Naval Yards at Norfolk, Virginia.

Thinking of Lincoln in a naval context seemed a bit unlikely but, in fact, he had a strong interest in naval affairs. As a leading patent attorney in Illinois, he had made modest contributions as an inventor including many mechanical devises---one of which was a devise designed to lift vessels over shoals.

During his Presidential years, he had great interest in naval artillery. He often visited the Washington Naval Yard, perhaps carrying his spyglass that he had personally packed when he left Springfield. There he would view demonstrations of naval ordinance and other weapons. His interest and intervention in naval planning during the Civil War was credited with making the blockade of Confederate ports and rivers into a reality. It was Lincoln who had realized that a strong Union navy must be created. It was Lincoln, in fact, that had given support to the very idea of naval aviation involving a proposed corps of observatory balloons to fly over the Potomac---an idea whose time had not yet come and would have to wait another 50 years.

But now for the fun! Three ideas emerged for the pre-Commissioning celebrations. The first, in conjunction with the U.S. Historical Society, was the reproduction of the table china that Mary Todd Lincoln had chosen for the White House. The china was to equip the ship when entertaining dignitaries at ports around the world. Additional place settings were also produced to be sold to friends of the Commissioning project as a fundraiser. All who saw the china, an exact reproduction in all aspects of the original set housed in the White House Presidential China collection, loved it immediately. Even as a girl on public tour of the White House, I remembered it. The elegant plates with slightly scalloped edges—of an unusual purplish border, gilt edges and in the center an American eagle with the words IXXXXXXXXXXX. When the Committee placed the order with Haviland of France by the permission of the US Historical Society, I could hardly await its arrival. Of course, I ordered several sets for my own table.

Then the idea emerged to give a pre-Commissioning Dinner the evening before the Commissioning ceremony. To my delight I was asked to make the arrangements. This had to be special---but what to do? This was to be a gala evening and I had hoped for some historical content to be included. A tall order—a gala celebration in Norfolk with historical ambiance.

I placed a call to the Virginia Historical Society and was delighted to learn that a group of theatrical players exist who performed in costumes of various periods and styles. Yes, they could perform in formal costumes of Lincoln’s

Time. I had no idea of how or what they should perform—but I engaged them immediately, sight unseen for the time and date of the gala and hoped to be struck with an idea as to how hey would perform the evening of the gala.

Pre-celebration planning called for me to arrive in Norfolk a few days prior to the gala dinner to complete the plans. We had chosen the hotel where the gala would be held, hired an orchestra and sent out the invitations. Some 400 persons had responded to attend the dinner and the Commissioning the following day.

On my arrival, a Naval officer had been assigned to assist with the final plans. My plane touched down around mid-day. I wanted to quickly check into the hotel and immediately look at the hotel ballroom where the gala would be held.

To my horror, there it was—a large but very plain room, big enough to hold the 400 quests but a seriously plain room. My heart sank. What could be done to turn this into a very special event—with a limited budget, at that! People were coming from Maine to California---I did not want to disappoint. The came the idea! Why not incorporate the Virginia historical players directly into the evening festivities.

The assigned naval officer was to proceed on an excursion with me at 10 bells the next day. We were going to visit any and all antiques shops in Norfolk, Virginia. The mission was to create an historical tableau in the ballroom. Never had a U.S. Naval Officer had such a unique assignment. We hunted for, rented and moved all of the treasures for our tableau to the hotel for the gala.

As the evening of the gala began the doors of the ballroom were closed until the last moment. As the doors opened the guests saw a dimly lit room with purplish flowers on each table. A spotlight was trained on the center of the room. On it, was a raised platform with a dinner table set for eight complete with lace tablecloth, antique cut crystal, ornate silver plate, and antique silver candelabra all aglow. A flower arrangement with hints of purple was in the center of the table. Service for eight of the Lincoln china completed the table. Seated at the table was the Virginia historical players dressed in formal period costumes, make-up and beards.

The guests were escorted to their reserved seats by naval escorts while the players engaged in conversation. When, everyone was seated,

a special dinner of XXXX was served. During dinner, the orchestra arrived and readied themselves for the first dance. As the orchestra struck up---the Virginia players arose and stepped out on to the dance floor and danced the quadrille.

Most likely, if Lincoln had been there, he may not have danced the quadrille on that occasion either. But, we can only hope, that he might have taken pleasure in it as he looked forward to the Commissioning ceremony and celebration the next day.

And so it was that on November 11, 1989, the 350 ton super structure the USS Abraham Lincoln was commissioned amid speeches by the Commanding Officer William B. Hayden USN and the Secretary of Defense. It was a brilliant, clear day as we were seated before the ship. The ships motto taken from the Gettysburg address on November 19, 1863, “ Shall Not Perish” was emblazoned on a banner on the gangplank. The ship was fully manned and waiting for the opening out cry! The Atlantic Fleet band played America the Beautiful. Vice Admiral John K. Ready, Commander, Naval Air Force, US Atlantic Fleet spoke. The Officers and crew stood motionless on the edge of the decks in absolute silence. Then the cry came---“Ship Come Alive”. The crew began to run along the deck to their stations on the ship. Others ran up the gangplank. Planes flew overhead----a reminder of the aircraft carriers that would go to sea on this floating strip ready for the take-off and landings of the F-14 Tomcats and the F/A-18 Hornets in times of peace and war.

The guests were then invited to climb the gangplank themselves and tour the ship and planes carried on the ship. I climbed the gangplank to the ships landing deck.

For a moment, I imagined that I saw Lincoln standing on the bow of the ship holding his spyglass to his eye looking over the waters of the Norfolk Naval Yard. Yes, I thought, it was the very eyeglass that he had personally packed with great care when leaving Springfield for Washington.

The last time I heard of the whereabouts of the USS Abraham Lincoln was three years ago when it went to sea headed for Iraq.

Over the years, the Inaugurations and celebrations have evolved just as the times have changed. It was not until 1809, when Dolley Madison invited guests to the Inaugural ball at Long’s Hotel in Washington that the Ball reached official status. Attendance at the Ball cost $4. The first official Inaugural Committee was not formed until 1873 to plan the Inauguration of Ulysses S. Grant.

The Inaugural Ball was suspended twice. President Wilson chose not to have a ball because he felt such festivities did not befit such a solemn occasion. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first Inauguration revived the tradition---only to be discontinued because of the Depression and the Second World War. In 1949 President Truman reinstated the Ball. Four years later, First Lady Mamie Eisenhower introduced the idea to hold the Ball in two venues to accommodate more attendees. As for Inaugural parades, what began as an impromptu, spontaneous outburst of joy and celebration in the streets of New York at the first Inauguration of George Washington has grown into a highly organized commercial production of the highest order. Yes, times have changed.

It was January 1989 and I was at O’Hare in security checkout. “ Oh madam, what a lovely gown, said the security person looking into my carry on hanger bag. Where will you be wearing it?” “ To the Inauguration”

I replied. Yes, at last, I was going to a Presidential Inauguration.

Sitting on the plane I imagined what it would be like. I had made many trips to Washington over the years and no longer had any silly schoolgirl illusions. There would be no any little girls in white dresses spontaneously prancing about singing tunes to the President. No quadrilles would be danced, but nevertheless, it would be a celebration to remember and maybe, to talk about when I am old while giving a family dinner party with the table set with the Lincoln china.

19989 being the year of the American Bicentennial for the Presidential Inaugural , I was sure that it would hold great promise for a memorable Inauguration. I had signed up for a full event program and had my tickets for the Inaugural events in hand. I wanted to attend as many events as possible!

On my arrival at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, my room seemed a bit plain and the hotel did not look as festive as I had hoped—but no matter, this would be a very festive event!

The calendar of events officially began on Wednesday. By this time, four Official Inauguration dinners were held to accommodate the great numbers of participants that had arrived, seven performing arts presentations were held and Mark Russell, the comedian was playing at the Ford Theatre. Hmm, I wondered-- wouldn’t this be a bit irreverent? Well, no matter!

Thursday’s events focused on the States invitation only receptions. There was the Illinois State Society Buffet Dinner and Dance, white tie optional and, of course, glittery Texas State Ho Down and several pageants, one of which was actually free to the public. I had chosen to go the Official Inaugural Gala to be held at the Union Station. The gala was not to be confused with the Inaugural Ball to be held after the Inauguration.

Finally the day arrived. Surely, I thought, one should wear a smart ladies hat for the occasion. I had carefully considered my choice—something nice but not too frivolous on this occasion. I finally settled on a beautiful brown felt with a wonderful ribbon. I could almost imagine Martha Washington wearing it on her morning exercises with George in their carriage. Something dignified but very nice.

The swearing in was held at the West Portico ---out of doors just as the first swearing in of George Washington in New York. The instructions to attendees were to wear warm clothing. I started out early—after all, I did not want to miss a single moment. I arrived with anticipation---and to my amazement---not a single lady was wearing a hat. As the presidential party took their seats---not a single lady was wearing a hat. Not Mrs. Bush, none of the official Presidential party and, not, it seemed as I looked over the crowd, anyone of the thousand or more attendees. What on earth, I thought, had happened to decorum?? Well—no matter these are different times.

The swearing-in by Chief Justice Rehnquist was followed by the Inaugural Address of George Herbert Walker Bush. President Bush placed his hand on the very same Masonic bible that George Washington had kissed and was only the second President to place his hand on that Bible since 1789. The speech, of course, was read with the help of the teleprompter. Being out of doors, the massive numbers of people attending were having a hard time hearing the words of the President. Somehow the speech had not exactly set the crowd on fire as the onlooker had been at Lincoln’s Cooper Union address. Afterwards, I was trying ever so hard to remember the significant parts of the Address and finally recalled the reference to the “ Thousand Points of Light” which he had made in his acceptance speech. It seemed a bit contrived, I thought. But, it was clear that President Bush was wishing for a kinder and gentler world---one in which he envisioned, “ In man’s heart, if not in fact, the day of the dictator is over”.

I wondered how much of a role the speechwriters had played and decided to not think about that at the moment. But, the one thing that was sure about the address, it would be preserved in its entirety in The George Bush Library housed in the campus of Texas A & M University in College Station, Texas---for now all President will have their papers preserved for posterity in these official Libraries.

That afternoon I began walking down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the parade stands where the Official Parade would be held. I had my preferred seating ticket for the parade and proceeded along Pennsylvania Avenue looking for the stand with my number on it. Past the U.S. Court House, past the national Archives, past the Dept. The stands were filling up and I was getting anxious to find my seat, After all, I did not want to miss a minute of the parade. I walked and walked. Maybe I had the wrong location or had past my seat. Whoa is me! I kept on, Finally, there it was the stand with my seat! It couldn’t be! But it was! Right in front of the White House and fifteen feet from the Presidential reviewing stand—albeit enclosed in bulletproof glass. So it was that I was virtually watching the parade with President and Mrs. Bush and the Presidential party. When the parade approached the reviewing stand President and Mrs. Bush had left their car (just as Washington had done with his carriage, I thought) and walked into the shelter of the reviewing stand for the duration of the parade. Yes, I could see very smile and wave to the marchers from the President—and every joke he seemed to share with Bob Hope who was seated next to him. Hmm---I thought, a bit of a different group than the colleagues who might have accompanied Washington in his carriage after his swearing in and private dinner, perhaps, Madison and Adams.

I stayed in the cold as the sun went down and until the last of the parade groups had strutted by. Since it was the American Bicentennial Presidential Inaugural Year the parade included groups from all 50 states, the 5 U.S. Territories and the District of Columbia.

Staying to the end seemed the respectful thing to do—because after an hour or so most of the parade watchers had left. It seemed such a shame—many of the onlookers had left and the finally towards to end the Bushes had left for their private dinner and to dress for the ball.

It was getting very cold. I was glad I had on my nice brown felt hat. A few times I glanced over my shoulder at the White House. Not a single guard was in sight. It seemed very quiet considering the importance of the day. In my imagination it seemed I could just hop over the White House fence, walk across the lawn to the great house and enjoy a cup of tea with Dolley Madison or Mary Todd Lincoln in one of the Lincoln china cups and saucers..

Now it was time to go to the Ball. Well, actually to the Ball to which I had been assigned to at the Washington Convention Center. It was crowded with people waiting for the appearance of the President and Mrs. Bush We waited and waited. It became later and later. At which of the 10 balls had the Bushes already arrived? The crowd was getting a bit restive. My feet were starting to hurt. People were chatting, the band was playing but no one was dancing. Certainly not the quadrille! What a shame I thought. I chatted with a Senator whose lady friend sported a full-skirted gown with a pronounced décolletage and a gigantic gaudy bow on her derriere. How tasteless I thought---after all, this was an Inaugural Ball. Where has decorum gone? Probably a paid lobbyist! Well, I reminded myself, we are in different times!

Finally, the President and Mrs., Bush arrived after what seemed an eternity. They danced a single dance on the stage and waived good-bye. We all thought Barbara looked perfect! That sentiment was unanimous!

As soon as the Bushes left, the crowd immediately began to disperse. The lights in the hall seemed a bit eerie. It was time to go. The streets of Washington had been cleared of all foot traffic and automobiles except for a very few official limousines. No spontaneous street celebrations permitted here!

The guests at the Balls had to board buses to go back to their hotels. It all seemed a bit anti-climatic. I looked across the aisle of the bus. There was a couple from Illinois that I had known for some years. They looked a bit bedraggled and even a bit sad. Did you enjoy the day, I asked. Yes, they had gone to the swearing-in but had a hard time hearing the Inaugural Address. And now they had gone to the Ball. It seemed, they said, a bit disappointing for the price. “ Did you go to the parade”, I asked. “No,” they said, “we watched it on T.V”. Oh, I thought, they missed the best part!

How on earth had the Inaugurations become such a production? No spontaneity any longer. What on earth had Dolley Madison started when she charged $4 to attend James Madison’s invitation only Ball. The prices for the 1989 Inaugural events had escalated indeed!

The Official Wednesday Inaugural Dinner---$1,500

The Official Salute to the First Lady---------- $ 50

The Texas Ball------------------------------------$ 200

The Thursday Inaugural Gala-------------------$ 250

The swearing-in--- free of charge, some areas reserved by invitation only

Preferred Parade Seating------------------------$ 100

The Inaugural Balls-------------------------------$ 175

I wondered what President Washington would think. Well, no matter—I loved the parade. It will stay in my memory forever!

Here we are tonight—making our own bit of history on the occasion of the Inauguration of the 133 season of the Chicago Literary Club. I was reminded of this when Messer’s. Thomas and Barnhart both asked me some time ago as to the subject of my Inaugural Address. I had quite forgotten that historically we had called it the Inaugural Address on the occasion of the opening night of each new season. So I began to search my mind for a topic both of historical nature and, perhaps, related to the history of our own illustrious past.

When Robert Collyier founded the Club in 1874 and became our first President, I wondered if he could imagine that we would be here all these years later?

The Club has such a great history. One hundred and thirty three years of literary pursuit by intellectual Chicagoans. Unlike the early Presidents of the United States, our papers are assured a place in history at the Newberry Library and the Chicago Historical Society. What a rare honor for all of us. Now our papers are now archived on our website due to the efforts begun by Manly Mumford and now continuing under the very able efforts of Frank Lackner bringing us firmly and permanently into the 21st Century.

What else I wondered could we do to assure our place in the history of Chicago? Over the years, the Board of the Chicago Literary Club has repeatedly addressed itself to the continued growth of the Club.

And so tonight, the Board of Directors of the Club and I propose the inauguration of a new member recognition program to honor those Literary Club members who introduce new members to the Club. This recognition program is to be named the Collyier Circle after our founder. This honor goes to those who, recognizing our sense of history, want to assure the life of the Club in the years ahead.

Each member who introduces a new member to the Club will be recognized and honored in our Yearbook as a member of the Collyier Circle. A member who introduces five new members to the Club over the years will receive the Collyier Award.

Those installed for the 2005-2006 Club Year, and I would like them to stand and be recognized by all here tonight, are Teresa Conway, Tony Batko, Clark Wagner, Charles Shepherd, Edward Quattrocki. I am proud as your President to have them seated at our head table tonight.

And so, on this Inaugural Day for the Chicago Literary Club Year 2006-2007, I now invite you to join me in a toast to the beginning of the Collier Circle and to honor the first inductees! Please raise your glass and give a “here, here”. In closing, as we embark on an exciting season of stimulating and interesting presentations, as Dolley Madison may have said on Inauguration Day in 1809 “Let’s Have a Ball”!

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