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Motor Cars Comes to the White House: Harding Administration

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  • Motor Cars Come to the White House; White House History (Number 28) - Photo 1

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    The American Automobile Association was positioned above the Presidential Coat of Arms on the front of President Warren G. Harding’s Pierce Arrow, 1922. The number “100” was reserved for this White House vehicle.

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  • Motor Cars Come to the White House; White House History (Number 28) - Photo 13

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    President-elect Warren G. Harding and Mrs. Florence Harding wave to crowds from the Packard Twin 6, provided by the Republican National Committee on March 4, 1921.

    Library of Congress

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  • Motor Cars Come to the White House; White House History (Number 28) - Photo 14

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    President Warren G. Harding auto-camping with Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and others in 1921. A 1921 Lincoln Cook car was used on their many camping trips.

    Library of Congress

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  • Motor Cars Come to the White House; White House History (Number 28) - Photo 15

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    President Warren G. Harding used this Locomobile, pictured in 1921, while he was a senator and brought it to the White House from Marion, Ohio.

    Library of Congress

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  • Motor Cars Come to the White House; White House History (Number 28) - Photo 16

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    President Warren G. Harding is greeted by his military aides as he leaves the Pierce Arrow limousine in 1923.

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About this Gallery

"America’s acceptance of the automobile as the official and ceremonial mode of presidential transport was completed in the inaugural parade of President-Elect Warren G. Harding. In 1921, the flamboyant Harding rode to the Capitol in a Packard Twin 6 supplied by the Republican National Committee. Automobiles were now the way forward. They had transformed the landscape, economy, and society of America." — Hillary Mannion

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