Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2017.006.001 |
Object Name |
Commemorative |
Collection |
Matt Dole Collection |
Title |
Commemorative pin |
Date |
1906 |
Description |
This commemorative pin was distributed at the Ohio Statehouse on September 14, 1906 during the dedication of the William McKinley Monument on the West Plaza. It features a metal pin back at the top that has a paper image affixed to the front. A red, white and blue ribbon hangs below and attaches an Ohio buckeye nut to the pin. The buckeye has 1906 written on it in gold and has a small golden bell at the bottom of the nut. The text at the top of the pin reads: "McKINLEY MEMORIAL / Columbus, O. SEPT. 14th" |
Dimensions |
H-3.5 W-2.25 inches |
Material |
Metal/Paper/Wood |
Notes |
The Ohio Statehouse memorial to Ohio's 39th Governor and America's 25th President, William McKinley, was dedicated in 1906, five years after the assassination of the president at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. The sculpture was designed by New York sculptor, H.A. MacNeil and includes three pieces: the statue of McKinley and two groups of people on either side of him. The allegorical figures flanking McKinley are meant to represent peace and prosperity. McKinley's actions quickly resolved the Spanish-American War and brought the country back to peace, and his leadership led to prosperity during the economic recovery from the Panic of 1893. The location of the monument was chosen due to the tradition McKinley held with his wife, Ida, while he was serving as Governor of Ohio. The Neil House was the former residence of the governor and stood where the Huntington Bank tower stands today. Every morning, McKinley would stop after crossing High Street and wave to his wife, who would be watching from the window of their suite. Every day at 3:00pm, he would again exit the West entrance of the Statehouse to "check-in" with Ida. She would again be in the window, waiting for him to come out and wave to her. The public began to expect this very visual display of affection between the Governor and First Lady so much that crowds used to gather on the west side of the building anticipating the interaction between the McKinleys. It became an expected practice and McKinley was known to carry on even when Ida was not in Columbus. At the dedication of the monument on September 14, 1906, a record number of on-lookers came to Capitol Square. It's estimated that 50,000 people came with the hope of catching a glimpse of Mrs. Alice Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of McKinley's Vice President, Teddy Roosevelt. As a celebrity of her time, her presence created frenzy and injuries were reported by several attendees. |
Provenance |
Matt Dole donated this commemorative dedication pin to the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board museum collection in 2017. The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board took over the care of the Statehouse and its collections in 1988. |
People |
McKinley, William, 1843-1901 |
Search Terms |
Buckeye McKinley Monument |
Subjects |
Dedications Memorials Presidents |