William McKinley had a garden of red carnations at the White House and would hand them out to guests.
As the comic says, he wore one every day of his life after being given one by Dr. L.L. Lamborn, McKinley’s friend and opponent in the 1872 Congressional election for the 18th district of Ohio.
While greeting people at the Pan-American Exposition at the Temple of Music in Buffalo, New York, he gave his red carnation to a young girl in the crowd (who said, based on a report much later by the girl-then-80-year-old-woman, Myrtle Krass née Ledger, “in that case, I must give this flower to another flower”). Not being able to replace the carnation like he would normally do, he was approached by the anarchist Leon Czolgosz minutes later without being equipped with his good luck charm.
Czolgosz fired two shots from a .32 caliber revolver hidden underneath a handkerchief and McKinley would die eight days later, thus ushering in the age of Theodore Roosevelt.
Since 1905, the state flower of Ohio is the red carnation.
I have read that while the assassin was being beaten (subdued), wounded McKinley told them not to harm him. Does anyone know how accurate that is, or is this a case of post-mortem sainthood?McKinley is also on the now-defunct $500 bill.
The story of what TR was doing at that time and how he made his way to Buffalo is one for the books. And I seemed to have mislaid that book. I think it was “Assassination Vacation” by Sarah Vowell (Hi, Sarah) In that book I read that a Robert Lincoln, Abe’s son was present at McKinley’s and Garfield’s assassinations as well as being at his father’s side when he died. If he could have lived to the 1920s he might have been in San Francisco when Harding succumbed to the poison.
Brian Carroll creator over 5 years ago
William McKinley had a garden of red carnations at the White House and would hand them out to guests.
As the comic says, he wore one every day of his life after being given one by Dr. L.L. Lamborn, McKinley’s friend and opponent in the 1872 Congressional election for the 18th district of Ohio.
While greeting people at the Pan-American Exposition at the Temple of Music in Buffalo, New York, he gave his red carnation to a young girl in the crowd (who said, based on a report much later by the girl-then-80-year-old-woman, Myrtle Krass née Ledger, “in that case, I must give this flower to another flower”). Not being able to replace the carnation like he would normally do, he was approached by the anarchist Leon Czolgosz minutes later without being equipped with his good luck charm.
Czolgosz fired two shots from a .32 caliber revolver hidden underneath a handkerchief and McKinley would die eight days later, thus ushering in the age of Theodore Roosevelt.
Since 1905, the state flower of Ohio is the red carnation.
Masterskrain Premium Member over 5 years ago
Another fascinating History Lesson, Brian! Thanks!!
richsolano over 5 years ago
I have read that while the assassin was being beaten (subdued), wounded McKinley told them not to harm him. Does anyone know how accurate that is, or is this a case of post-mortem sainthood?McKinley is also on the now-defunct $500 bill.
Godfreydaniel over 5 years ago
It’s standard shtick for a standup, after telling a Lincoln joke, to ask the audience, “Too soon?” This just MIGHT be too soon for McKinley, Brian!
Fenshaw over 5 years ago
What this nation needs right now is a Czolgosz. Unfortunately, anarchy is mostly confined to the White House these days.
benjamineyal over 5 years ago
I am disarmed!
AndrewSihler over 5 years ago
Ah, yes, and who was it who said, “NOW see what you’ve done! That damn cowboy is president!”
Teto85 Premium Member over 5 years ago
The story of what TR was doing at that time and how he made his way to Buffalo is one for the books. And I seemed to have mislaid that book. I think it was “Assassination Vacation” by Sarah Vowell (Hi, Sarah) In that book I read that a Robert Lincoln, Abe’s son was present at McKinley’s and Garfield’s assassinations as well as being at his father’s side when he died. If he could have lived to the 1920s he might have been in San Francisco when Harding succumbed to the poison.
tudza Premium Member over 5 years ago
Oh man, you’ve got me singing it now: https://www.allmusicals.com/lyrics/assassins/balladofczolgosz.htm
Smitty over 5 years ago
Leon Czolgosz is a bane of my crossword puzzle existence. Damn his vowel-filled name!