Name/Title
Panoramic photograph of McKinley Memorial dedicationEntry/Object ID
1995.1.15Tags
1910sDescription
This panoramic photograph provides a view from the south (Park Avenue) of the crowd gathered to hear former President William Howard Taft speak at the dedication of the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial on October 5, 1917. Thousands were in attendance observing the ceremonies from the grounds, the streets, and from the roofs and windows of nearby buildings.
Another address, "McKinley the President," was delivered by George B. Cortelyou, who had served as a private secretary to President McKinley. One of the emotional highlights of the day was when Miss Helen McKinley of Canton, unveiled the courtyard sculpture of her brother. As with the cornerstone laying ceremonies two years earlier, President Woodrow Wilson was unable to attend due to the United States' involvement in World War I.
Construction of the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial building was completed in 1917. The memorial was conceived by Joseph G. Butler Jr. and financed by contributions from around the world. Built of white Georgian marble, the structure consists of two wings joined by an open-air Italianate court of honor, at the center of which stands a thirteen-foot-tall marble sculpture of President William McKinley. In addition, the front facade and perimeter are supported by 28 Doric columns. One wing of the structure houses a museum and auditorium; the McKinley Memorial Library occupies the other half of the building.Acquisition
Accession
1995.1Source or Donor
General Museum CollectionAcquisition Method
Gift