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Canfield Historical Society hosts President Harding exhibit
By Susan Tebben
CANFIELD
When the great presidents come up in history class, Warren G. Harding is not at the top of the list.
But the president from Ohio who is said to have coined the phrase “Founding Fathers” will get his recognition because of a Trumbull County man’s passion for the Republican 29th president.
John McDonald went to the Canfield Historical Society to do research and got to talking with curator Laura Zeh.
“We started talking, and I found out about his collection,” Zeh said. “A few weeks later, I asked him if he would like to bring his collection for an exhibit.”
The exhibit seemed timely to Zeh, with talk of conservative fiscal policies all over the news.
McDonald started his collection six years ago with a diamond ring that was handed down through his wife’s family. The ring is one given to Harding a few days before he was inaugurated in 1921. The ring inspired him to research the history, and McDonald found out the ring was worn by Harding until the day he died. “There are a lot of mysteries that go with these rings,” McDonald said.
McDonald also has a tie clip he said was worn at a Masonic parade by the president.
When he went to the Smithsonian Institution and discussed his artifacts with experts there, McDonald took the advice to start protecting his collection.
A carpenter by trade, he built showcases with ultraviolet glass, which he brings every time he displays his collection. Along with showing his collection around the state, the new fascination with the history of Harding led McDonald to gain a new interest in research. He eventually wants to publish a book of his research.
“It really changed my life, this collection,” McDonald said.
McDonald will be at the exhibit today and Saturday to talk about the history, Zeh said. She hopes the exhibit will broaden historical horizons.
“Kids learn about Washington and Lincoln in school, so it’s good to have an opportunity to learn about a lesser- known president,” Zeh said.