Former President Taft paid Albion a visit in 1920
By Bill Lattin
Orleans County Historian
ALBION – Former U.S. President William H. Taft paid a visit to Albion on March 8, 1920. Here, third from the left in the front row, is Taft pictured in front of the Orleans Hotel with members of the Albion Chamber of Commerce. (The Orleans Hotel was located at the corner of Platt and East Bank streets.)
Others in the photo include: Herbert Reed, Spencer Tanner, Wm Karns, Bernard Ryan, Thomas A. Kirby and County Judge Gerald Fluhrer at a far right.
Taft was given a reception at the Elks Club and later gave a forceful address in the High School Auditorium on why the U.S. should join the League of Nations.
Taft and Teddy Roosevelt are the only two former presidents who have visited Albion.
