When President Taft Came to Battle Creek (1911)

President William Howard Taft’s 1911 stop in Battle Creek drew a massive crowd — and this postcard captured the flags, bunting and excitement on the platform.

by Michael Hardy37 seconds ago24 seconds ago

President Taft at Battle Creek, Mich. Sept. 21, 1911

President William Howard Taft addresses a packed crowd in Battle Creek on Sept. 21, 1911, with patriotic bunting and American flags draped across the building behind him. The postcard-style scene appears to show Taft speaking at the Michigan Central Depot, a major stop on the rail line through town.

A large crowd watches a man speaking on a platform in front of a building decorated with American flags and bunting, labeled “President Taft at Battle Creek, Mich. Sept. 21, 1911.”

Accounts from the era note that Battle Creek’s leading figures often turned out for big visits like this — including health reformer Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and cereal magnate C.W. Post — but who’s seated on this platform isn’t confirmed from the photo alone.

40,000 People to Cheer President Taft at Battle Creek, Mich. Sept. 21-1911

Do you have family stories, scrapbooks, or local lore about “Taft Day” in Battle Creek?

#BattleCreek #MichiganHistory #CalhounCounty #PresidentialHistory #VintageMichigan

Post Views: 0

Michael Hardy

Michael is the owner of Thumbwind Publications LLC. It started in 2009 as a fun-loving site covering Michigan's Upper Thumb. Since then, he has expanded sites and range of content and established a loyal base of 60,000 followers.

View all posts by Michael Hardy →