LINCOLN PENNY: Our daily look through Bradford Eras of 100
years ago brought forth this interesting piece of trivia.
It was during the month of February 1909 that President
Roosevelt ordered what the newspaper account of the time called
“the most startling innovation ever made in the coinage of the
country.”
That, of course, was his approval of a design for a 1-cent piece
that would bear the figure of Lincoln’s head instead of the
so-called Indian head that had been used since of the coinage of
copper cents had begun.
The article in the Era reads, “Hitherto, the metallic coinage of
the country has never borne the figure of any particular person.
Instead of following the European coinage habit – that of having
all coins bear the head of the reigning monarch – American mints
have produced pieces bearing the heads of either Liberty or the
American Indian.
“The portraits of eminent deceased Americans have been engraved
on bank notes, treasure notes and stamps, but not before this on
coins.”
We were struck by the extensive coverage in the February 1909
papers on the celebration of Lincoln’s centennial. This year, of
course, marks his 200th birthday.
Back in 1909, Bradford’s mayor issued this as a proclamation for
the occasion:
“Let the children in our schools, the children whom Lincoln
loved so well, upon that day welcome to their schoolhouse the
survivors of the Civil War that made it possible for our country to
be the great nation that it is today.
“Let the children hear the words Lincoln spoke at Gettysburg and
unite in singing the ‘Star-Spangled Banner,’ ‘The Battle Hymn of
the Republic,” “America” and other patriotic songs.
“Let the national flag be displayed from sunrise to sunset from
public buildings, business houses and homes.
“And may all men on this centennial of Lincoln’s birth, pause
for a moment and give thanks to God for sending us the founder of
our liberties.”
OTHER NOTES: Before leaving the Era of 100 years ago, we
noticed an article about a new fad taking hold of Bradford women –
dancing on roller skates!
Mention was also made about Bradfordians fear of having an
“anti-expectoration law” pass: “Tobacco chewers will have to go
outside of the city’s limits to thoroughly enjoy an old-fashioned
‘chaw,’ ” the article noted.
