If you drive down Main Street in Mitchell, Indiana, you’ll notice a building with a brick and limestone facade reading “The Bank of Mitchell.”
The bank has long been closed, and the building is now home to Kirk & Associates Insurance Services.
In doing historical research and learning about the Opera House, our team stumbled upon a photo in the lobby of the agency. A photo of then presidential candidate William Howard Taft on a campaign stop in Mitchell, Indiana, which made us do a little digging.
In September of 1908, a recently completed County Hall was the perfect spot for Secretary Taft to address a crowd. Over 10,000 people came out to see him – and with no microphone or way to amplify his hoarse voice, it was decided to move the company via carriage from the railway station to the Mitchell Opera House.
While the train car was being moved to a different track, the Secretary and his company were escorted to the County Hall. The doors were opened, and the presidential candidate stood on the Mitchell Opera House stage, giving a short speech congratulating the administration of then President Theodore Roosevelt and the importance of business and commerce.
After his speech, Secretary Taft learned all about Hoosier Hospitality. The Burton family provided the campaign with two baskets of perfectly ripened apples. The ladies of Mitchell lauded the Secretary with cut flower arrangements. And the streets were lined with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the presidential hopeful.
Historians credit the Midwestern campaign as the lynchpin that secured a victory for President Taft over his opponent, William Jennings Bryan. Indiana’s electoral college votes went decisively for Taft.
And we’re forever grateful to the chap who snapped the photo.
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