William Howard Taft Trio of 48-Star Parade Flags

Lot 304

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6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States

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About Auction

American Historical Ephemera and Photography by Cowan's Auctions

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American Historical Ephemera and Photography

By Cowan's Auctions

Nov 19, 2020

Set Reminder 2020-11-19 10:00:00 2020-11-19 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : American Historical Ephemera and Photography https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/american-historical-ephemera-and-photography-5894 Cowan’s Auctions, a Hindman Company, is pleased to present the November 19 Fall Auction, featuring over 400 lots of historically significant photography, manuscript material, artwork, and other ephemera dating from the 18th through the early 20th century, including the Civil War. Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com

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Lot Description

Lot of 3 flags waved at rallies celebrating William Howard Taft, ca 1908-1912. Printed flag on silk, 8 x 12 in. Staggered star pattern. Inscription on accompanying envelope: "Don’t Open Until President Taft Is Called Upon To Speak. Then Use It!"

William Howard Taft was born in 1857 and after graduating from Yale University returned to Cincinnati to study and practice law. He rose in politics through administrative appointments serving as Chief Civil Administrator of the Philippines under McKinley and Secretary of War in the Theodore Roosevelt administration. He was elected President in 1908, defeating William Jennings Bryan, but was unsuccessful in his bid for reelection in 1912.

It was during Taft’s Presidency that the size, proportions and star arrangement of the United States flag were mandated by federal law.

This flag was folded inside an envelope and distributed to Taft supporters to wave at political rallies.Printed flag on cotton, 10.75 x 17 in. Staggered star pattern. Ink inscription written on lower white stripe: "Taft Parade Oct. 27-1908."

It was a busy day of campaigning as Judge William Howard Taft appeared at rallies in several Hudson Valley towns, ending in Troy, NY, the ninth stop of the day. At Yonkers, while riding in his automobile to Blaney’s Theatre to address a large gathering, Taft was met by two or three thousand enthusiastic onlookers who lined the streets along the way. Similar crowds filled the streets in Poughkeepsie as the presidential candidate made his way to the Opera House to speak to supporters who were gathered there.

The inscription on this flag was written by someone who was part of the crowd that lined the streets along the route taken by candidate Taft as he made his to one of a number of speaking engagements that day.Printed flag on cotton, 7 x 11 in. Staggered star pattern. Ink inscription: "Taft at Denver Sept 21 – 1909."

On the evening of September 21, 1909, President William Howard Taft appeared in the Denver Auditorium where he was met by a welcoming and enthusiastic crowd of thousands. The president was joined by Secretary of the Interior Richard Ballinger who would accompany Taft on part of his trip through the Far Northwest.

Rather than talk about the conservation of natural resources as originally planned, the president decided to take up the corporation tax that was recently passed as part of the Payne-Aldrich Tariff bill. He also touched on budget deficit and reiterated his support for passage of an excise tax of 2% on the net income of all corporations as well as ratification of the Sixteen Amendment to the Constitution authorizing the federal government to levy and collect an income on individuals.
Following his Denver appearance, the president and his party planned to spend the next two days in Salt Lake City and then travel on to Spokane, Washington.

The original owner of this flag is unknown but whoever it was thought it important enough to commemorate President Taft’s visit to Denver that day and to attend his rally.

Provenance: J. Richard Pierce Collection of American Parade Flags

Condition

Flag with envelope: toning to silk flag, one small stain. Otherwise very fine condition. Fold in envelope, and some toning. Flag professionally mounted using stitch on board, envelope in plastic tabs on same board. Denver flag: minor toning along left and right edges. Professionally mounted using stitch on board. Taft parade flag: Loss along hoist end, just below canton. Toning to flag, some light staining. Professionally mounted using stitch on board.
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