Monday, December 27, 2010

The photo above shows President Benjamin Harrison's reception at Santa Ana Station in 1891. (Click image to embigulate.) The image below is a closeup detail from the same photo, showing Harrison on his whistle-stop in Orange County. Note the eagle-topped arbor at left.
This photo was one of a number of images our friend Lisa Ackerman discovered for the Orange County Archives at a recent estate sale. They were among a number of photos by local photographer B.F. Conaway, and the Archives ended up with the whole set.
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For those who napped through their U.S. History classes, Benjamin Harrison was our 23rd president and served one term: from 1889 to 1893. A Republican, he was best remembered for various pieces of economic legislation. (Remember why you napped through U.S. History yet?)
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The economy was tanking during his years in office. Moreover, he was held responsible for the first federal budget to reach a billion dollars. He had his ass handed to him in the next election.
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During his administration, six states were admitted to the union: North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho and Wyoming.
Odd Fact: Benjamin Harrison was the grandson of our 9th president, William Henry Harrison.

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