HARDING PROMISES TO WEAR WHITE CARNATION EVERY DAY
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 28, 1921, President Warren G. Harding promised Ferdinand W. Peek* that he would "wear a white carnation every day for the next four years."
The Washington Herald reported that this custom marked "another step toward 'normalcy'" as President William McKinley wore a red carnation every day.
*Ferdinand W. Peek of Chicago was Commissioner General of the United States to the Paris Expo of 1900. FWP suggested the idea to President McKinley to wear a red carnation & to President Harding to wear a white carnation.
The Paris Exposition of 1900 was officially known as the Exposition Universelle. It was held April 15 - Nov 12, 1900 to celebrate the achievements of the last century & accelerate developments into the next.
SOURCE
"Harding to Wear Carnation Daily For Four Years," The Washington Herald, March 29, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
