02 Nov 1892, Wed, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
In keeping with our Presidential Visits series (BELOW), on November 1st, 1892 Ohio Governor William McKinley campaigned for fellow Republican President Benjamin Harrison in his re-election bid against Democrat Grover Cleveland. According to the Democrat and Chronicle (then a Republican-leaning newspaper), McKinley was greeted enthusiastically by a crowd of 3,000 at the Washington Park skating rink.
Harrison was popular in Rochester. That May, Harrison– with Frederick Douglass at his side — dedicated the Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument in Washington Square Park. Harrison was generally seen as a racially progressive candidate whose stances resonated with a fair number of Rochester voters. SEE 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
Red = Harrison; Blue = Cleveland. 1892 New York results
Two days after he was in Rochester, he advocated for Harrison in Bath, NY (covered approvingly by the Democrat and Chronicle). November 4th, 1892
McKinley’s campaigning did not quite carry the day in Rochester. Harrison did win Monroe County but lost New York state and the national election.
McKinley remained popular in Rochester. In his 1896 and 1900 victories against William Jennings Bryan, he twice carried Monroe County.
According to a 1976 Democrat and Chronicle article, then President McKinley made a three minute visit to Rochester in 1897. We have not been able to find reports of that visit.
Democrat and Chronicle, November 1, 1976
1896 McKinley = Red; Bryan = Blue
1900 McKinley = Red; Bryan = Blue
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 When Wilson spoke at Convention Hall and the Shubert Theatre four days before becoming President , the Convetion Hall
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 FDR in Rochester three days before he won a third term, a speech at the train station.
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 Nixon at the War Memorial one week before he lost a razor thin election to JFK ,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.
