"Plymouth Day" - President Day - August 1, 1921 - The Parade

The highlight of the Plymouth Tercentenary Celebration took place on August 1, 1921, when (to quote the front page story from the Old Colony Memorial on August 5, 1921) "Plymouth had the honor of entertaining an active President of this country for the first time in 300 years and President Harding had a completely good time all of the hours he passed in Plymouth as the official guest of the town."

President Warren G. Harding arrived in Plymouth via the presidential yacht, The Mayflower, accompanied by a naval escort.  After disembarking at the town pier and participating in a brief welcoming ceremony, the president and Mrs. Harding were seated in an open automobile to lead the grand parade, which kicked off at 11:30.

The parade was made up of five divisions, including 30 bands and drum corps.  Leading the procession were cars transporting the visiting dignitaries. Military units, including sailors and marines, followed.  The second division consisted of veterans from the Civil War, the Spanish American War, and World War I.  Fraternal organizations ranging from the Boy and Girl Scouts to the Ancient Order of Hibernians comprised division three.  In the fourth division were floats from surrounding communities which commemorated historical events.  Finally, bringing up the  rear, came floats representing "industrial Plymouth" sponsored by local companies including George Mabbett & Sons and the Plymouth Cordage Company.