Markings: at top "Souvenir / Reception to President Roosevelt / Ventura, Cal., May 9, 1903" At bottom "A greeting from the Little City where the President first views the Pacific"

“Just now I have for the first time in my life seen the greatest of all oceans.” So said President Theodore Roosevelt when he arrived in Ventura on May 9, 1903. He saw many other magnificent sights on his Whistle Stop Tour that began in April 1903 for a 9 week, 25 state, 14,000 mile trip. He reached California in May and on his third day in the state, he arrived in Ventura. He was greeted by a banner and floral archway declaring “Welcome to Ventura by the Sea”, decorated open carriages, and Thacher School students mounted on horses. Six thousand people applauded the President on his brief tour through the city. The President visited the mission, examining the interesting relics and climbing to the belfry to sound the bell. He spoke at the Plaza Schoolhouse declaring that California was “...a veritable little earthly paradise. I do not wonder that you look happy, I should be ashamed of you if you did not.”]]>

In 1790, Thomas Jefferson was appointed President Washington’s Secretary of State. He became the center of opposition to the Federalist Party of Alexander Hamilton. He was Vice President to John Adams, and was elected President in 1801. After two dramatic terms, he retired to Monticello.

This sculpture is part of American Revolution! George Stuart Historical Figures ® on display at the Museum of Ventura County 2021-2022. More on the figures at the George S. Stuart Historical Figures, US Patriots and Founders webpage.]]>

Washington's military accomplishments and steady demeanor later led to his election as President. He and his wife Martha gave their adult lives to serving the colonies and the fledgling cause. The battle sword is now in the Smithsonian.

This sculpture is part of American Revolution! George Stuart Historical Figures ® on display at the Museum of Ventura County 2021-2022. More on the figures at the George S. Stuart Historical Figures, US Patriots and Founders webpage.]]>
[Columbia Publishing; Curteich, John Hinde, 2045; T694]]]> Simi Valley--Buildings--Libraries]]> [No publisher stated. Printed in California.]]]> ]]>