President William Howard Taft is seen throwing out the first ball on opening day for baseball, to start the season for the Washington Senators in 1912.

By the time President Barack Obama steps into Anschutz Sports Pavilion Thursday, it will have been 103 years, 3 months and 29 days since KU’s last visit by a sitting United States president.

A century ago, William Howard Taft rode the rails across the Midwest and stopped in Lawrence on Sept. 24, 1911.

President William Howard Taft is seen throwing out the first ball on opening day for baseball, to start the season for the Washington Senators in 1912.

The 27th president gave a speech at old Robinson Gymnasium (of KU basketball fame), traveled to Haskell Institute, then attended the Baker Inaugural in Baldwin before heading elsewhere in the state.

Two presidents visited KU’s campus before Taft, but none has since. That’s according to the folks at KUhistory.com, who compiled a great list of future, former and sitting presidents who hiked the Hill.

The LJW archives offer a time capsule of sorts from KU’s last presidential visit. I found the edition of the Journal-World (then the Daily Journal-World) from the day after Taft’s visit.

It’s fantastic.

Some of my favorite finds are below, followed by the full (lonnnng) article detailing Taft’s visit, and a digital copy of the eight-page edition that you can browse through at your own leisure.

And if you love this kind of Lawrence history, check out our “100 Years Ago,” “40 Years Ago” and “25 Years Ago” features daily on LJWorld.com.

Enjoy!

• – –

The day before Taft’s visit, Sept. 23, 1911, the Daily Journal-World published two info boxes on its front page.

One detailed Taft’s route through town, and the other welcomed the president to Lawrence.

“Lawrence is right glad to have the President of the United States with us tomorrow for a short time.”

“President Taft measures up to our ideals of what a President should be. Big of body, big of heart, big of mind, he is a typical American.”

“Lawrence welcomes President Taft to the city. When Mayor Bishop grasps his hand at the depot, he will extend a welcome for every resident of the town and country.”

Elsewhere on the front page, it was noted that …

“A careful estimate was made today and it is found that there will be about 850 seats for Lawrence people. This is after all the students have been provided for.”

• – –

A few days earlier, preparations were made and warnings issued toward those with “questionable tendencies.”

From Sept. 20, 1911:

If there are any anarchists in Lawrence or other parties with questionable tendencies, these will all be watched on Sunday morning, September 24, when President Taft stops at Lawrence. In order to protect the president from cranks who may mingle with the throngs, every precaution is taken to see that ever suspicious person is kept under surveillance during Mr. Taft’s stay in each place, and in some instances, a list of men of questionable tendencies — especially with anarchistic proclivities — is obtained and these men are either held in restraint until the President has concluded his visit or are constantly watched by detectives.

From Sept. 21, 1911:

When President Taft arrives in Lawrence it is expected that the greatest crowd of people ever gathered in Lawrence will be present to get at least a glimpse of the highest official of their country. Mayor Bishop when seen by a Journal-World reporter said: ‘President Taft is the highest official in this country. He is the most honored man and it is a great distinction to Lawrence that he will stop here. It is my heartiest desire that Lawrence do credit to the coming here of the President, that this town express its appreciation of that visit by showing the President that it is glad he comes to this city. For that reason I desire that all the people of Lawrence assemble at the depot next Sunday.’ This is little less than a proclamation to the people to be on hand when the President’s special comes in at the Santa Fe depot. As the President will not leave the station there is no necessity of having decorations uptown, but it is expected that the depot will be handsomely decorated for the occasion.

• – –

The Lawrence Daily Journal-World ‘s headline on Sept. 25, 1911 read:

Taft’s Visit To Lawrence Was One Grand Success

Big Crowd Greeted Him at The University Gymnasium

Told of Y.M.C.A. Work

Indignantly Resented the Attack Made on American Colleges — President Was in Lawrence for Just About One Hour — There Were No Jars in Arrangements

The meat of the president’s speech isn’t very interesting by today’s standards. At the urging of Chancellor Strong and the governor, Taft spoke at length about the YMCA and the ways it helped university men through “the fool time in life.”

• – –

The front-page article on Taft’s visit makes today’s long-form journalism look like a brief. Every step of his visit was recorded:

The President’s special train arrived from Kansas City at 9:22 and a moment later the reception committee boarded it to greet the town’s distinguished visitor. There was a moment of silence while greetings were exchanged within the President’s private car and then there was a burst of cheers as the President himself appeared in the door of the coach.

“There he is,” came the shout from the crowd.

Yes it was he no one could mistake that smile that greeted the assembled crowd. There was a moment of intense silence as the president extended a greeting to the citizens of the town. It was only a few words and a smile but it satisfied the people, they had seen the President of the United States and heard him speak. Then again standing in the auto that was to take him up the hill the President spoke a few more words to the people.

• – –

About his arrival on campus, page 4:

… there came over that great audience the hush that always attends the presence of the Distinguished, of the Great. There may have been those in the audience who are not Taft followers, who scoff at honoring a president, but over the vast auditorium there swept an expectant wave. With the audience on its feet, the Presidential party entered at the south west corner of the room and proceeded to the platform.

For the first time William H. Taft, President of the United States was before the people of Lawrence. It was as if he had stepped from one of his pictures, for face and appearance of the President are just as the people picture him.

• – –

About his departure from campus, page 6:

It was over. Robinson gymnasium has been visited by a President of the United States. All the planning of the past week, all the waiting, all the anxiety, they were all over. It was a day that made history for the University of Kansas, a day that the students now enrolled in school can never forget. William Howard Taft president of their country had been one of them.

• – –

A series of notes followed the main article, on page 6. There were some gems in here, but unfortunately, the type was indistinguishable in places. I did my best to transcribe around the missing bits.

President Taft is of the people. There is no [?????] about him. He talks distinctly and loud enough for everyone to hear.

I loved this quote about “the KU boys” …

Taft could not have “struck [???]” better than when he upheld the American colleges. The K.U. boys know they are not bad, bad boys at all.

Awesome anecdotes …

Outside at the door there was a crowd waiting before it was time for them to be admitted. They were mostly women, though and some of the comments were interesting. “I haven’t had any breakfast,” said a pretty little girl. “But what’s breakfast compared with Taft. I can have breakfast every day, but maybe just Taft once in a life time.”

… and observations.

He was just a little fellow, about eight years old, but he made his way down to the very front of the gymnasium. There wasn’t a seat there for him, but he looked around patiently. Finally he walked across the room and stood. He doesn’t see a president every day.

A tale about one Jayhawk’s lost opportunity for the souvenir of a lifetime …

They may say all they want to about “set speeches” but the one that the President delivered here yesterday wasn’t a “set” one at all. He had a few notes on a piece of paper, and when he began to speak the paper floated out of his hand and down on the floor. A student seated nearby picked up the paper and handed it to the President when he said “I guess I better have those, I might forget.”

And finally, this incomplete note about the president’s seat and the audience’s anxiety. I couldn’t make out the most important word:

Considerable anxiety was displayed on the part of some of the audience as to whether the chair on the platform designated for the President was not a little “[????????]” It is true that the President only sat on the edge of it.

• – –

With that much text, there were bound to be errors. And there were, throughout. But one gaffe in particular made me cringe.

In big, bold text after the jump on page 4:

• – –

According to a note from the editors, Lawrencians “acquitted themselves with the greatest credit” and put on “the most satisfactory entertainment the President has had anywhere.”

Page 4:

• – –

The society page (more of a gossip page) included this crack at the president’s figure.

Page 5:

A Lawrence girl who attended the Taft address was heard to say: “Yes I had a good view of Taft. I sat right in front of him, and I had a peach of a view. Only it was mostly waistcoat.”

• – –

There was even a note on the back page about Taft’s admiration of a certain sport in Lawrence.

Which sport? Golf, of course:

President Taft is said to have paused in his discussion of reciprocity, tariff and other minor subjects as he was motored up the hill and past the Oread golf links. “My what a splendid place for a game.”

• – –

There were likely other great quips from the last presidential visit from KU, so look through the paper for yourself:

• – –

Full text of main story from Lawrence Daily Journal-World, Sept. 25, 1911:

Taft’s Visit To Lawrence Was One Grand Success

• • •

Big Crowd Greeted Him at The University Gymnasium

• • •

Told of Y.M.C.A. Work

• • •

Indignantly Resented the Attack Made on American Colleges — President Was in Lawrence for Just About One Hour — There Were No Jars in Arrangements

• • •

President William Howard Taft spent just one hour in Lawrence yesterday morning but in that hour the chief executive addressed the throng that had assembled to the depot to greet him, visited Kansas University, addressed the students and townspeople that had gone up the hill and then from the back of his train bid the town farewell as he left to continue his long trip over the United States.

A visit to Haskell Institute and an address to the students there was also included in the President’s visit to Lawrence.

The President’s special train arrived from Kansas City at 9:22 and a moment later the reception committee boarded it to greet the town’s distinguished visitor. There was a moment of silence while greetings were exchanged within the President’s private car and then there was a burst of cheers as the President himself appeared in the door of the coach.

“There he is,” came the shout from the crowd.

Yes it was he no one could mistake that smile that greeted the assembled crowd. There was a moment of intense silence as the president extended a greeting to the citizens of the town. It was only a few words and a smile but it satisfied the people, they had seen the President of the United States and heard him speak. Then again standing in the auto that was to take him up the hill the President spoke a few more words to the people.

From the train the president and his party were taken to the University in autos. In the first machine rode President Taft, Governor Stubbs, Major A. W. Butt, Secretary Hillis and secret service men. The reception committee composed of Chancellor Frank Strong, Mayor S. D. Bishop, Senator J. L. Brady and Secretary Harry Herman, several newspapermen and other citizens followed in the other autos. The route taken by the party was west on Winthrop to Massachusetts, south to Warren, west to Indiana and then south to the University hill and Robinson Gymnasium.

All along the route citizens had assembled to see this great man and do honor to them. The machines were driven slowly so that all might have the opportunity of seeing him. Members of Co. H, K, N, G and of the university military company were stationed at all of the cross streets to preserve order and see that the streets remained clear of vehicles. As the president passed the militiamen came to attention, it was an inspiring sight to see that nation’s chief executive riding down the broad streets between the two lines of blue clad soldier beyond they certainly appreciated the honor bestowed upon them. It was the first time that most of them had ever done similar duty and they did their best. The local police were at the depot to avoid any of the accidents that are so incident to such affairs but everything went off smoothly. There was not a sign of disorder and the people showed great respect for the President’s wish that there be no loud demonstration, there were cheers and clapping of hands which could not be restrained but the order was perfect.

The train came into Lawrence on the mainline and the President dismounted on the west platform of the depot but while he was on the hill his train was transferred to the Southern Kansas branch and he returned to it at the east platform.

“I don’t know whether you have observed the attack on Harvard or not made by Mr. Crane who sent a detective there to investigate conditions. I haven’t any patience or sympathy with that kind of investigating. Wickedness unearthed by a spade should be kept under a clod.”

That was President Taft’s climax in his speech made yesterday morning in Robinson gymnasium and with the uttering of that sentiment there came back to him the ringing applause from hundreds of hands. It was the expression that would be sure to strike home to the hearts of those loyal college people. It was Taft’s “come back” at Crane, the millionaire who has been attacking the heart of the American colleges by saying they are centers of degeneracy and debauchery.

Going on to speak of conditions in the colleges today the President said “I know New England’s sister college Yale well and I am glad to hear of the Yale men and the importance of Yale men as contributing to the success of the University of Kansas. It makes me feel an old man to hear your Chancellor say that he graduated six years after I did. I know however that the standard when he graduated was even better than when I left school. But to return to my subject. Universities don’t differ much. Geography, or location makes some difference. The thing that strikes you is the homogeneity. You can tell a southerner or a northerner by the accent or if they tell you how to pronounce d-o-o-r. They are all pretty much alike, and that is what adds solidarity to the nation.

I know what Yale was in my day and I might add something to Mr. Crane’s investigation (applause). I do know that the school is better and that it has been made so by the public opinion in the college. I resent scandal making and muck raking of schools. They are molding men of high models and higher ideals every year.”

It was a direct compliment to the Young Men’s Christian Association that President Taft made yesterday in his address, a compliment that shows what that organization has done for the world today, its far-reaching influence. It was the Y.M.C.A. that President Taft spoke of and it was the Y.M.C.A. that received the compliment.

“Young men and young women of Kansas University, ladies and gentlemen and all my fellow citizens” the President began, “I am glad to be here and to receive so cordial a reception and greeting. When it was decided that I should come here, Governor Stubbs and Chancellor Strong suggested that I should talk to you about the Young Men’s Christian Association. This I am glad to do, because of the relation of that association to the world at large and to college life. The truth is I had to travel 7000 miles away from home and be four years in Manila to appreciate the Young Men’s Christian Association. I attended the dedication and inauguration of Y.M.C.A.’s all over the world. In Dayton, Ohio; in Omaha, in Seattle, Hong Kong, and elsewhere. In the Navy, in the Army, in everyone of those cities it filled a long needed want. You take young men away from home at an age in the formative period, when they have finished their business occupation, they naturally seek recreation and pleasure. The Y.M.C.A. furnishes this enjoyment without vice or leading them downwards.

“In a settlement or place like Manila the Y.M.C.A. plays a conspicuous part. Young men 7000 miles away from home we find released or with weakened restrain. At home we fear the criticism of our neighbors or the neighborhood. This is so. We are often prevented from doing things by what people might say. But in the Philippines far away from home young men in that tropical country often become devitalized. The suggestion of regaining this vitality is often offered by John Barleycorn, and then, having nothing else to do they take another, and this has been the means of putting many young men in the gutter. The Y.M.C.A. has been the means of replacing the benefits of their restraint of home. The merchants of Manila, not from religious motives alone but from a desire to retain the character of their young men, have contributed much money to the establishing of the Y.M.C.A. In Shanghai, China, the Chinese, the Mandarins, contributed $150,000 to the Y.M.C.A. From officials, Buddhists, these contributions came who had seen the effect of the Y.M.C.A. on their own men.

In the Army we use it at the Posts. There are secretaries who make it an effective separate profession to become Y.M.C.A. secretaries. They know how to run these associations, how to carry on the hospitality and to confer the benefits, without making the young men think they are receiving the benefits of charity.

I have been struck the world over with the importance of that profession. In Panama many young Americans are engaged in stopping the demoralization of many.

“In the Navy the Y.M.C.A. in working has representatives on many of our battleships. This institution that worked so well with young men in the world, works just as well in college communities. I would not minimize the educational, mental discipline of University life. After you have finished college, after you are along fifteen or twenty years and look back, I venture to say, you will think of the greater value of formation of character by association in the college community. That it has taught you to exercise restraint to stand well with men whom you serve.

There are temptations in the life of every University young man. It is the ‘fool’ time in life. It is when enjoyment seems the most important thing. The Y.M.C.A. furnished the stimulus to look ahead, it is the uplift of the community.”

It was then that the President told of the attack that has made on American colleges, and it was in no mild tone that he denounced Crane and the others who have dared to say that the conditions in American colleges are disgraceful.

It was after the denunciation that the President said, “I carry a military man and a learned secretary with me both of whom are engaged in pulling at my coat tails, telling me to hurry up, — Another feature of the Y.M.C.A. is that connected with its non sectarianism. It makes its members feel at home. That there is no distinction. It is governed so well, because there are men back of it who stand for so much in the world. There is John B. Mott, one of the great missionary spirits, the man whom we attempted to secure as dean of the Yale Theological school. Once he had a meeting in Washington to raise money for the Y.M.C.A. I gave them the East room at the White House. It was a millionaires’ meeting, although the papers never said so because we had them there to get them to contribute. One of the gentlemen came to me with a ‘kind of medicine’ I could use when I spoke. Mr. Mott said that he would make that man give $100,000. This I heard later that he did.

“They raised a million dollars at that meeting for the Y.M.C.A. in the Orient, in India, Ceylon, Java, Snez.” That was all the speech, except for a few concluding words in further praise of the U.Y.M.C.A. “I congratulate you,” he said “on the showing that your school makes on the representation of your Young Men’s Christian Association.”

Long before it was time for the Presidential party to appear on Oread the cars were filled with people. All the walks leading to the college were thick with those who hoped to secure good seats by going early.

Janitors of the college were put on guard at the doors of the gymnasium with strict orders not to let anyone in until 8:30. The crowd soon collected and in spite of orders not to have any congestion about the doors the crowd surged in and about the entrances waiting for the doors to be thrown open.

Inside the Gymnasium it was an interesting scene before the crowd led in. All around the balcony was the red, white and blue bunting of the United States. This was also used about the platform, while from the pulpit there hung a large United States flag. Extra seats had been put in and there it was as silent tribute waiting for the presence of the greatest man in the United States and a man who ranked with the royalty of other nations. It wasn’t long though before every seat was taken and before every available standing space was filled.

Those invited to sit on the platform arrived early and there was no confusion, no hurried crowding by people for places. It was all that it should be. The wait did not seem long for the people. It was Ralph Spotts who gave them their first talk, telling the people that there was to be no loud demonstration, merely hearty hand clapping; that the Presidents party would enter at the southwest corner of the room, and requested the audience to rise when the president entered.

A little later, and there came over that great audience the hush that always attends the presence of the Distinguished, of the Great. There may have been those in the audience who are not Taft followers, who scoff at honoring a president, but over the vast auditorium there swept an expectant wave. With the audience on its feet, the Presidential party entered at the south west corner of the room and proceeded to the platform.

For the first time William H. Taft, President of the United States was before the people of Lawrence. It was as if he had stepped from one of his pictures, for face and appearance of the President are just as the people picture him.

The exercises of the regular University chapel, First came the Doxology, then a scripture reading, and the Lord’s Prayer. It was then that the Chancellor said that Governor Stubbs then would welcome the President.

“I feel very highly honored” said the Governor “to introduce to you the man who holds the highest office in the world. I hope that Kansas regardless of church, parties or factions will give him a royal reception. President William Howard Taft.” As the President rose to speak a great demonstration greeted him.

Following the President’s address the entire audience sang “America.” Back of that shining thought there was a greater sentiment than ever before, for before the people stood the man at the helm, the man who is directing that land that is meant by “My country ’tis of thee.”

Immediately following the singing, the party left the gymnasium while the audience was seated. They went at once to automobiles and were taken to the station. On either side of the walk to the road were lines of college militia while carpets had been put down over which the President walked to the waiting automobile. It was over. Robinson gymnasium has been visited by a President of the United States. All the planning of the past week, all the waiting, all the anxiety, they were all over. It was a day that made history for the University of Kansas, a day that the students now enrolled in school can never forget. William Howard Taft president of president of their country had been one of them.

Ascending to the rear platform with his party the President greeted the people who had gone to the depot to get a last glimpse of him. “Goodbye” said the President as he hesitated on the platform and the farewell was taken up by all who were present. The President entered his car but when it started away he returned to the platform and more “Goodbys” were exchanged. President Taft remained on the platform until the train was entirely out of sight, his face wreathed in smiles and waving his hand to his entertainers for only a few minutes [???]. The people lingered at the depot until his train had disappeared in the distance and the visit of President William H. Taft to Lawrence was concluded.

People began to come down town much earlier than the President had been expected but there were unwilling to risk missing him. The President’s train had been advertised to arrive at 9:20 but by 8 o’clock there was already a large crowd at the depot and many more arriving every minute. By the time the train pulled into the depot there was scarcely standing room on the platform or on the streets surrounding it. All carriages and automobiles were prohibited from going down to the depot instead of those that were to carry the party up the hill. Those were lined up at the depot platform ready for their passengers when they arrived. The car in which the president rode was the large J.B. Watkins car driven by Clyde Constant. Other cars in the party were that of Governor Stubbs, the Smithmeyer, Henley and cars.

Following are those who accompanied the President’s party that accompanied him to Baldwin.

[most names ????]

President William Howard Taft
President’s private secretary Hillis
Major A.W.Butt
Stenographers W.W. Miseider and C.C.Wagoner
Secret Service Agents: —
James Sloan Jr.
Joseph F. Murray
Richard S. Jarvis
Newspaper men:
Robert Small and Robert Duggan, with Associated Press
F. R. Sartwell, United Press
Sevellor Brown, New York Sun
John B. Pratt, Hearst papers
Royal Kent Fuller, New York Herald
R.O. Scallon, New York World
George G. Hill, New York Tribune
Gus J. Carger, Cincinnati Times and Star
H.T. Taff, Western Union Telegraph Company
State Officers and others: —
Senator J.L. Bristow
Senator Charles Curtis
Congressman P.P. Campbell
Governor W.R. Stubbs
Ex-Governor E.W. Hoch
Judge Nelson E. Case
Henry Allen
J.N. Dolley
J.L. Brady.

Haskell Institute was also included in the President’s visit to Lawrence and there the President addressed the students and faculty who had assembled on the campus at the Indian school. The President’s train left Lawrence at 10:20 on its way south, but was stopped at Indian station for about 20 minutes while the President made the trip to the Indian school. He was met by autos that took the party to the school where all preparations had been made for his visit.

Governor Stubbs introduced the President after several selections had been played by the Indian school band.

Standing in the auto the President spoke to the assembled students. He urged them to take advantage of the opportunities offered them and become good citizens of the country in return of the money that Uncle Sam was spending on their education. The President expressed great surprise when he saw what a large institution Haskell Institute is and the number of students whom the government is taking care of there. His address was but a short one, but the fact that the President accepted the invitation to visit the school shows the interest that is taken in the Indian affairs of the country.

The party then returned to the train and journey to Baldwin was continued.

President Taft is of the people. There is no [?????] about him. He talks distinctly and loud enough for everyone to hear.

• • •

President Taft is a Psi Upsilon, a national Greek Letter fraternity and also a Phi Alpha Delta, a law fraternity. The latter has a chapter at the University.

• • •

Senator Charles Curtis sat in the front row with the Taft party.

• • •

“Teddy” has the [????????] while President Taft has a [sort???] of chuckle.

• • •

Taft could not have “struck home” better than when he upheld the American colleges. the K.U. boys know they are not bad, bad boys at all.

• • •

Outside at the door there was a crowd waiting before it was time for them to be admitted. They were mostly women, though and some of the comments were interesting. “I haven’t had any breakfast” said a pretty little girl. “But what’s breakfast compared with Taft. I can have breakfast every day, but maybe just Taft once in a life time.”

• • •

If shoes are an indication of character, then there was an interesting study yesterday of shoes on the platform. Taft’s shoes were just plain, sensible shoes, comfortable looking. But Taft was not ahead of the others, for a glance down the line of men revealed that Mayor Bishop, Stubbs, Senator Curtis, all of these men had on shoes exactly like the President.

• • •

He was just a little fellow, about eight years old, but he made his way down to the very front of the gymnasium. There wasn’t a seat there for him, but he looked around patiently. Finally he walked across the room and stood. He doesn’t see a president every day.

• • •

They may say all they want to about “set speeches” but the one that the President delivered here yesterday was “set” one at all. He had a few notes on a piece of paper, and when he began to speak the paper floated out of his hand and down on the floor. A student seated nearby picked up the paper and handed it to the President when he said “I guess I better have those, I might forget.”

• • •

Taft carries his glasses in a beautiful eye glass case. The case is a costly “trinket.”

• • •

Everyone of the men in the Presidential party looked yesterday as if they were “on guard.” Everyone of them looked as if he was on duty and there wasn’t a relaxed expression on any side of their faces.

• • •

The management who had the exercises in charge are to be congratulated on the smoothness with which everything went. Special mention is due Prof. Briggs, head [?????] in charge of room arrangements.

• • •

It was fun to listen to the comments. The [?????]

• • •

Considerable anxiety was displayed on the part of some of the audience as to whether the chair on the platform designated for the President was not a little “[????????]” It is true that the President only sat on the edge of it.