Souvenir WELCOME PRESIDENT HARDING July 1923

Group of 3 silk ribbons (in 3 different colors) welcoming President Warren G. Harding, from the President's fateful trip to the West, 1923. Each measures about 2 1/4 x 5 1/4" and are in generally excellent condition. These ribbons were worn by greeters of President Harding during his visit to Alaska, Washington, and California in the summer of 1923 while embarking on a cross-country "Voyage of Understanding" trip in which he planned to meet ordinary people and explain his policies. Harding became the first President to visit Alaska. At the end of July, he developed what was thought to be a severe case of food poisoning. After arriving at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, Harding's condition rapidly deteriorated and he died on the morning of August 2.