Woodrow Wilson's Visit to England

Although the Armistice of World War I ended the fighting, the peace treaty still needed to be negotiated and signed. President Woodrow Wilson had earlier outlined his ideas in his Fourteen Points speech.  Hoping to include as many of these ideas as possible in the treaty, Wilson decided to represent the United States himself instead of sending an envoy.

After an enthusiastic send-off similar to this Columbus Day parade in New York, he boarded the George Washington at the docks in Hoboken, New Jersey on December 4.

Wilson in Columbus Day parade

Wilson in Columbus Day parade

After landing in Brest, France on December 13, he was greeted by throngs of cheering people. He then traveled to England.

An account of that time by Corvallis resident Don Beery, a corporal in the 162^nd Infantry, is included in the Benton County Historical Museum's archives.  Beery wrote:

“December 28- I am on guard duty at Buckingham Palace, London, for President Wilson during his visit with the King of England.  This was an historical event.  It was the first time a President of the United States had visited a foreign country while in office.  We felt highly honored to be chosen for this occasion.”

December 28 was also President Wilson's 66^th birthday. Imagine celebrating your birthday in Buckingham Palace with the King of England!

By Martha Fraundorf, Volunteer for Benton County Historical Society, Philomath, Oregon

 

Christmas Greetings

Christmas Greetings from the collection of the Benton County Historical Museum!

The practice of sending commercially-printed Christmas greeting cards began in England in 1843 and became popular in the United States after 1875. Many of these are postcards, not folded greeting cards. 

1914

1915

1915

1917

1921

1922

Circa 1920-1925

1925

 By Martha Fraundorf, Volunteer for Benton County Historical Society, Philomath, Oregon



 

Christmas Toys: Featured Artifacts

It's the time of year when people are busy shopping for holiday gifts.  What did children of the Circa 1920 era receive as Christmas gifts? The Benton County Historical Museum collection contains several toys which the donors said they received as gifts.

“Santa” brought this doll-sized toy stove at Christmas in 1914 or 1915. It was originally silver in color.

As a child in 1914, Winnibeth McDowell received a gift of this coin bank in the shape of a 20-story building.

Educational toys are nothing new. This slate, with letters and numbers that could be moved around onto the central groove, was patented in 1917.  It was a gift to donor Ivan Burkert in 1922.

This doll carriage was a Christmas gift to Bird Johnson in 1923.  She played with it as did her children.

Happy shopping! Which of today's toys do you suppose will end up in a museum in the future?

By Martha Fraundorf, Volunteer for Benton County Historical Society, Philomath, Oregon