We are having a 250th birthday celebration to honor William Henry Harrison.
This event was double spectacular as the recently recovered Harrison sword was on display and the Cincinnati Civic Orchestra performed for the audience in attendance.
The William Henry Harrison Sword
At 7 PM on February 21st members of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution posted Colors in the Bruce and Margaret Knapp Performing Arts Center in the Taylor High School where the Cincinnati Civic Orchestra were assembled for the first production of the “Ode to the Sword”; all, in order to honor William Henry Harrison’s 250th birthday.
The Henry sword was placed on the auditorium stage to permit the attendees to see at close range to view the beautiful sword
After the Civic Orchestra opened the event with the ”Stars and Stripes Forever”;
The Cincinnati Civic Orchestra put on a wonderful performance
Posting the Colors was performed by Bob Bowers, Tim Madden, Ed Bonniwell and Michael Gunn all in Revolutionary War era uniforms.
The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution served as honorary guards with the Hamilton County Sheriffs Department.
The music continued with the “National Emblem March”, followed by “the Star Spangled Banner”, with the Color Guard at Present Arms and all 150 attendees.
Harrison Symmes Memorial Foundation member Bev Meyers explained the order of the nights Program, then introduced Three Rivers School Superintendent Ault our host for the evening and then the Foundation Committee members. Superintendent Ault welcomed everyone and thanked the Orchestra for their time and talent.
Committee members gave a brief description of the history of the Sword carried by our ninth President of the USA and several other of his family ancestors.
A close up of the sword and scabbard. Both were engraved.
This sword has a very colorful history, having been stolen from Hamilton County Ohio around 1979. As a matter of good fortune, the missing sword was seen being offered for sale at an auction in Windsor Connecticut by Judge Mestemaker in 2019. Various committee members sought assistance from the Cleves Ohio Police Department & Hamilton County Ohio Sheriff’s personnel who met with the Connecticut Sheriff’s who secured it to be returned to Hamilton County.
Hamilton County Sheriff representative holding the recovered William Henry Harrison sword
We were blessed with having this famous sword being returned and the attendees able to view the sword. Hamilton County Sheriff representative was present during the viewing. Cincinnati Sons of the American Revolution – Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard also assisted in guarding the sword. Pleased to note that no visitors were harmed during this service.
The program is below:
2023 Harrison Ceremony Program – Cover Page and Participants
2023 Harrison Ceremony Program – Story of Sword and Program
Everyone in attendance was invited to come up to the stage and view the Sword as the Orchestra played an overture of music from Showboat.
Attendees viewing the Harrison sword while Orchestra plays Show Boat Overture
The sword now resides in the Harrison-Symmes Memorial Foundation Museum where the sword and other artifacts of historical importance may be viewed by appointment. The link to the Museum is: https://hsmfmuseum.org
Thanks to all who participated and put on an outstanding and special performance.
