Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 24 Aug 1911, Thu, Page 1
In keeping with our Presidential Visits series (BELOW), on August 23rd, 1911, President William Howard Taft (27), starting what became a two month tour, attended the 45th annual Grand Army of the Republic encampment in Rochester. (Taft’s address at Convention Hall)
Democrat and Chronicle 01 Nov 1908 Sun Page 19
Taft would later visit Rochester as an ex-President in 1915. In BIG BILL, BIG BELL AND SCHOOL BELLS: An ex-president, the Liberty Bell, and several thousand school teachers come to town. Michael Nighan provides a lavish and comprehensive look at that memorable day.
Taft also spoke at Convention Hall in his successful 1908 campaign against the Democrat William Jennings Bryan.
Aug 24, 1911
According to the Democrat and Chronicle headline, the visit drew Rochester’s biggest crowd. However, crowd estimation can vary widely. Personally, I doubt the event surpassed the 100,000 who watched as General Elwell Otis passed through the Otis Arch in 1900. (see Remembering General Elwell Otis on his Day, June 15th: Rochester’s imperial war hero )
Interesting, according to the headline, Taft mentioned extremism among reformers. During the 1912 election, Theodore Roosevelt felt Taft was weak on reform. Roosevelt split with the Republican party and ran as the Bull Moose candidate, effectively dooming Taft’s chances at re-election. (see 1860/1912 Redux? from Michael Nighan )
Taft in Rochester, 8/23/11
Taft in Rochester, 8/23/11
Taft in Rochester, 8/23/11
Taft also campaigned in Rochester before becoming president. On October 31st, 1908, he spoke at Convention Hall. In the Fall election, Taft handily defeated the Democrat William Jennings Bryan. Taft’s running mate, Roger S. Sherman, also spoke at Convention Hall five days earlier.
Democrat and Chronicle, 01 Nov 1908, Sun, Page 19
Democrat and Chronicle, 27 Oct 1908, Tue, Page 11
First, ROYALTY ON THE RIVER: A KING (and maybe a second king, and even an emperor) COME TO ROCHESTER
Then, when a Frenchman was in Rochester and a plaque for Lafayette.
In When President John Quincy Adams visited Rochester on July 27th and 28th, 1843 and toured Mt. Hope Cemetery, the grave of Nathaniel 
Rochester.
In On Abraham Lincoln in Rochester from Michael Nighan, a plaque and a train station.
In Memorial Day, 1892, when President Benjamin Harrison dedicated the Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument in Washington Square Park with Frederick Douglass. And Occupy Rochester, Benjamin Harrison, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass in the same park Occupy would occupy.
In October, 26th, 1898: the Rough Rider on his way to the Governor’s mansion. TR Comes to Town, again…and again…and again… by Michael Nighan., a statue of Teddy in School 29.
In BIG BILL, BIG BELL AND SCHOOL BELLS: An ex-president, the Liberty Bell, and several thousand school teachers come to town. it was William Howard Taft.
In FDR’s first visit to Rochester as a national candidate, September 23rd, 1920. And the League of Nations., Rachel in Washington Square Park.
In October 21st, 1920 in Rochester and Governor Harding’s return to normalcy. And the school named after him., a school in North Gates.
In Governor Roosevelt’s triumphant return to the Convention Hall, October 18th, 1932, a luncheon with Eleanor Roosevelt.
In FDR in Rochester en route to a New Deal landslide, October 17th, 1936, an unfinished portrait.
In When President Truman campaigned in Rochester en route to his upset win over NY Governor Thomas Dewey, a thruway sign.
In October 23rd and 24th, 1952 when Ike and Adlai were in town back to back. And School 29., the Adlai E. Stevenson School.
In 56 years ago when JFK spoke at the War Memorial. Two days after his debate with Nixon. Nine days after RFK was here., the War Memorial.
In LBJ and RFK in Rochester, October 15th,1964, LBJ and RFK at the airport.
In November 3rd, 1964: When Rochester’s Senator Keating lost to RFK in the wake of LBJ’s landslide. a Federal building.
In 45 years ago when President Nixon visited Rochester. And 3 days later when East High School erupted in racial violence a media briefing at the Landmark Hotel in Pittsford.
In When Carter stumped Rochester in ’76. And Howard the Duck. it was Howard for Prez.
In October 31st, 1976: Gerald Ford two days before the unelected president’s comeback falls just short., a Playboy
In October 29th, 1980: Carter at a rally six days before the Reagan revolution. And when Bernie Sanders campaigned for Barry Commoner, the Citizen’s Party.
In November 1st, 1984: Ronald Reagan five days before his 49 state landslide. And Jesse Jackson at MCC. And a liberal enclave. it was two rallies.
In 27 years ago today when President George H. W. Bush visited Wilson Magnet High School, a signed chalkboard.
In May 24th, 2005 when President Bush spent political capital in Greece. it is Dr. Bruce Kay
In 11 years ago when President Bush met J-Mac. And the judgment of history., J-Mac.
In 5 Meliora Weekends ago when President Clinton spoke., Great Books with President Seligman.
In On October 19th, 2012 when Bill Clinton campaigned for Louise Slaughter. And a Socialist at the public market, Peta Lyndsay.
In , A seat at the President’s table four years later soup and a grilled cheese sandwich at Magnolia’s and an eyewitness account.
In Next stop Albany. On the road with the Trumprenuers, the Trumprenuers at the airport.
In Memories of presidential visits on Election Day in Brighton, a vote for Talker.
