Former U.S. president visited Albion in 1920

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 February 2017 at 7:56 am

ALBION – In honor of Presidents Day, we’re digging into the Orleans Hub archives for an article that former Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin wrote for his “Vintage Orleans” column.

Lattin, in an article posted on April 14, 2014, writes about former U.S. President William H. Taft paying a visit to Albion on March 8, 1920. Taft is pictured third from the left in the front row. The group is 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 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,” Lattin wrote. “Taft and Teddy Roosevelt are the only two former presidents who have visited Albion.”

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