*Presidential Fun Fact of the Day

Tidbits from William Harrison's inauguration:

1. Before the inauguration, Harrison had to journey from Ohio to Washington, D.C. As the oldest president yet elected, he was determined to demonstrate his stamina. He made speeched and attended dinners and receptions throughout the journey. He was often outside without the proper attire despite the bad winter weather that followed him east.

2. Thousands of Harrison's supporters joined his procession to the Capitol. This cemented the custom of the pre-inaugural parade.

3. Also involved in the procession was a new sight: parade floats. People crowded along Pennsylvania Avenue to see the spectacle.

4. After an hour of shaking hands with his well-wishers, Harrison's hand was so sore that he refrained from shaking any more hands. Instead, he nodded and said hello to those who greeted him.

5. Harrison was the first president since George Washington to dance at his own inaugural ball. No president would dance again until Lyndon B. Johnson.

6. As most everyone knows, Harrison died of pneumonia shortly after taking office. He should have worn a coat and hat for his outdoor inaugural.

Posted by Jennifer at March 2, 2004 01:57 PM

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