Introduction

Abstract

An electric star composed of many incandescent lamps flashed at 3 o’clock on Saturday, April 22, 1911, indicating that 400 miles away President William H. Taft had touched a telegraph button in the White House that opened the “World in Boston.” A moment later, a replica of the dark blue flag of the president, typically used in the army and navy to indicate his personal presence, was released. A choir numbering more than 5,000 singers broke forth singing The Star Spangled Banner to a full orchestra. All ears then turned to the telegraphed message from Taft:

The White House Washington, D.C., April 22, 1911 Dr. Fred P. Haggard, chairman board of Trustees, the World in Boston— Congratulations and best wishes for the success of America’s first great missionary exposition.