The War Memorial in downtown Rochester
In keeping with our Presidential Visits to Rochester Series (BELOW),

Vice Presidential candidate Henry Cabot Lodge II with his wife campaigning in Rochester, Democrat and Chronicle, Thu, Oct 20, 1960 — page 1
in a charged moment during his campaign against Kennedy, on November 1st, 1960 — only one week before election day — Vice President Nixon spoke at a campaign rally at the War Memorial Auditorium to a full house.
Previously, on October 19th, Nixon’s Vice Presidential candidate Henry Cabot Lodge II, former UN Ambassador, spoke to 5,000 outside the Manger Hotel.
One day after Nixon’s November 1st visit, the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Lyndon Baines Johnson and his wife Lady Bird would campaign in Rochester before tens of thousands also outside the Manger Hotel. Johnson criticized Nixon’s speech at the War Memorial.

Rally for Vice Presidential Candidate Henry Cabot Lodge II outside the Manger Hotel Democrat and Chronicle, Thu, Oct 20, 1960 — page 1
In 1960, New York was still considered “in play,” having voted Eisenhower/Nixon in 1952 and 1956. In his speech, Nixon promised to win Monroe County. He did, but lost New York by 5 points — and also the closest presidential election in U.S history.
In Six Crises (1962), Nixon mentions the visit in his account of the frenzied last week of the campaign in which he lost the popular vote by .017%.

Election of 1960. Red = Nixon; Blue = Kennedy. Nixon easily won Monroe County, but Nixon won New York, 52 – 47 %
In 1964, Nixon shrewdly stayed out off the Republican presidential race that LBJ won in a landslide. See “The Agony of the GOP”; The Cow Palace, July 1964 Nixon would triumphantly return to Rochester as President in 1971. See 45 years ago when President Nixon visited Rochester. And 3 days later when East High School erupted in racial violence
THE SERIES
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.
When Taft spoke at Convention Hall on August 23rd, 1911, the Grand Army of the Republic
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.