Name/Title
The Story of the McKinley CarnationEntry/Object ID
2010.1.2075eDescription
Four page booklet telling the story of the McKinley Carnation. The text reads as follows:
"The McKinley Carnation adopted in 1904 as the official flower of the State of Ohio, finds its origin in an act of sportsmanship (1876) when Dr. Lester Lamborn (Democrat) opposed William McKinley (Republican) for election to Congress.
Dr. Lamborn was a florist and owner of a private conservatory in Alliance. William McKinley was Prosecutor of Stark County. The two men were opponents-and friends.
During the campaign, Dr. Lamborn sent gifts of carnation to his Republican opponent McKinley, who wore them constantly as boutonniere. The gesture created deep admiration in the mind of McKinley for his Democrat friend and the carnation became his favorite flower.
This admiration rose to high esteem and when Republican headquarters were again opened in Canton, with McKinley the candidate for President, thousands of carnations were distributed as campaign emblems.
McKinley was elected (1896) and the carnation became a Washington tradition. He was re-elected in 1900.
When the Buffalo Exposition was opened in 1901, thousands were seen wearing the 'presidential flower.' At this exposition, a tragedy ended the career of William McKinley-a highly honored and beloved President of the United States. When the train bearing the cortege of the President arrived in Canton, carloads of carnations were strewn along the tracks.
Being without a floral emblem, the state of Ohio, by act of the General Assembly (1904), adopted the McKinley Carnation as the Official Flower of the state of Ohio. Careful research was made to determine the exact color specified on the resolution. The color adopted was scarlet.
Excerpt of Resolution: 'Be it resolved by the General Assembly, the Governor approving; That the scarlet carnation be adopted as the flower of the State of Ohio, as token of love and reverence for the memory of William McKinley.' Zella M. Villard
Printed in Congressional Record January 29, 1947. Note to teachers-Permission Granted to Reproduce this story for Classroom Use."
Text on the back of the pamphlet reads as follows:
"Chronology William McKinley 1843-1901
1843-January 29-Born at Niles, Trumbull County, Ohio
1849-Became a student in the district school at Niles
1852-Removed to Poland, Mahoning County, Ohio
1852-Entered Union Seminary of Poland
1859-Joined the Methodist Episcopal Church of Poland
1860-Entered Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
1860-Left college on account of illness. Taught at the Kerr District School near Poland, Ohio
1861-Assistant Postmaster in the Poland Post Office
1861-June 11-enlisted as a private in company 'E' of the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry
1862-April 15-Promoted to Commissary Sergeant
1863-Feb. 7-Promoted to First Lieutenant
1864-July 25-Promoted to Captain of Company 'G'
1864-Oct. 11-First vote for President cast, while on march, for Abraham Lincoln
1865-March 13-Commissioned Major by Brevet in the Volunteer United States Army by President Lincoln
1866-Entered the Albany School of Law
1867-March-Admitted to the Bar at Warren, Ohio
1869-Elected Prosecuting Attorney at Stark County, Ohio
1871-January 25-Married Ida Saxton, Canton, Ohio
1876-Elected to Congress
1878-1880-1882-1884-1886-1888-Re-elected to Congress
1888-Delegate-at-large, Chicago Convention
1890-Defeated for Congress
1891-Nov. 3-Elected Governor of Ohio
1892-Delegate to Minneapolis Convention
1893-Re-Elected Governor of Ohio
1896-June 18-Nominated for President
1896-Nov. 3-elected President
1897-March 4-Inaugurated President
1900-June 21-Renominated for President
1901-March 4-Second Inauguration
1901-Sept. 6-Assassinated
1901-Sept. 14-Died at the home of John G. Milburn, Buffalo, N.Y."Collection
BechtelAcquisition
Accession
2010.1Source or Donor
Mr. BechtelAcquisition Method
Gift/PurchaseCredit Line
BECHTEL