Ohio History
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| "Inaugural Plank" |
Rutherford B. Hayes ran for President in 1876 while he was still governor. It was a very close election—only a difference of 250,000 votes between him and his Democratic contestant Samuel Tilden. A special commission had to be formed to make the final decision, and Mr. Hayes won by only one electoral vote, just three days before inauguration!
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| Presidential Oath Bible |
President Hayes took the oath of office at a private dinner in the White House a day early. Since Inauguration was on a Sunday, and thus would be observed on Monday, they did not want to leave the nation without a President for a day. He was also a little wary of Samuel Tilden, who was bitter about losing the election. Above is the Bible Mr. Hayes used to take oath of office. The black arrow marks the exact place where he put his hand!
2 comments:
I wonder if presidents today could get the planks they stand on!
I guess they had to get another plank so the inauguration platform wouldn't have a hole in it!
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