Elva Ferguson Reports on Advisory Commission Meeting from Philadelphia
In the January 28, 1926 edition of The Watonga Republican, Mrs. Ferguson filed a report on her visit to Philadelphia as a member of the Advisory Commission for the Sesquicentennial. The Sesquicentennial celebrated 150 years since the Declaration of Independence. The commission advised on the celebration planned for the summer of 1926. Only 45 of approximately 96 Commission members from 34 states attended the meeting (1) https://www.facebook.com/fergusonhomemuseum.org. Mrs. Fergusson also planned a government-service stop in Washington, D.C.. https://fergusonhomemuseum.org/ferguson-features/elva-ferguson-plans-advisory-commission-duties-for-sesquicenntial-in-philadelphia/
Independence Hall: One of the “off-site” Exhibits
A Feeling of awe
The morning of January 20, 1926, the group of advisors visited Independence Hall, one of the Exhibits of the “Sesqui” as it was known. Mrs. Ferguson relates the feeling of awe standing “where Patrick Henry emerged with his eloquence (sic) shout “Give me Liberty or give me death”. Benjamin Franklin gave an “immortal address which seemed almost inspired, in speaking for the signing of that document which gave the world the greatest nation on earth – the Declaration of Independence.” Mayor Kendrick arrived 45 minutes late while attending to City business (1).
Carefully maintained to Continental and Constitutional Times
“The high-backed chair in which sat Washington while the signers came forward in the all the solemnity of the occasion and affixed their names still stands in its place”
“The Hall is preserved as far as possible as it was on this momentous occasion – the same chairs, desks, chandeliers and the same boards in the floor, which were trod by men who laid the foundations for our nation”
First meeting of the Advisory Commission
“The Sesquicentennial Advisory Board held its first meeting in this room. James M. Beck, (former Solicitor General appointed by President Coolidge), the chairman of the board presided. The members answered to roll call and heard several talks. “Our hosts gave the commission the opportunity to visit this historic spot under the escort of the guards. The Liberty Bell resides as the center of interest in the wide corridor leading from Independence Hall to the rooms of the Continental Congress. The two buildings are connected by a covered hallway or corridor and are built of brick.
Saturday Evening Post and Ladies Home Journal
Across the street is a whole block covered in buildings of the Curtis Publishing Company’s publications – the Saturday Evening Post, Ladies Home Journal, etc. The Saturday Evening Post has developed from the original paper printed by Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac.”
Moving pictures on the steps
“On the steps of Independence Hall, Public affairs took moving pictures of the Advisory group and notables present. From here, a luncheon at the Bellveu (sec) Stratford where speeches were made by Senators, Congressmen and many other noted men. (To be continued)
“Sesqui: Greed, Graft, and the Forgotten World’s Fair of 1926” by Thomas H. Keels
