Swearing-In Ceremony for President Herbert C. Hoover
Thirty-Sixth Inaugural Ceremonies, March 4, 1929
Program
Inaugural Address
‘My Countrymen: This occasion is not alone the administration of the most sacred oath which can be assumed by an American citizen.’
Read the address
(Words: 3801)
Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to Herbert C. Hoover by the Honorable William H. Taft, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Library of Congress
Thirty-Sixth Inaugural Ceremonies
Library of Congress
Chief Justice William H. Taft administering the oath of office to Herbert Hoover on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, March 4, 1929
- Bible Used: Family Bible, open to Proverbs 29:18
- Attire: Loose fitting morning coat, striped trousers, plain black overcoat
Vice Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to Charles Curtis.
Library of Congress
Library of Congress
Vice President Charles Curtis seated at his desk in the [Russell] senate office building on March 5, 1929.
-
Location
East Portico,
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DCWeather
A heavy rain began just before the oath of office was administered, and the Capitol grounds and parade route were so crowded that it was impossible for anyone to run for cover. By the time he completed his inaugural address, President Hoover was soaking wet. Estimated noon temperature was 48°F, and total rainfall was .40 inches.
-
Facts, Firsts & Precedents
First Inaugural ceremony recorded by talking newsreel.
President and Mrs. Hoover, Vice President Curtis, members of the JCCIC, members of the PIC, cabinet members, Chief Justice and Mrs. Taft, Speaker and Mrs. Longworth, and the G.A.R. guard of honor returned to the White House for a private luncheon before the parade.
-
Inaugural Committee
- Sen. George W. Moses (R-NH), Chair
- Sen. Frederick Hale (R-ME)
- Sen. Lee S. Overman (D-NC)
- Rep. Bertrand H. Snell (R-NY)
- Rep. Leonidas C. Dyer (R-MO)
- Rep. Edward W. Pou (D-NC)
Video
Library of Congress
Popular opinion for the engineer, humanitarian, and Secretary of Commerce brought the President-elect to office with expectations of continued national growth and prosperity. Chief Justice William Howard Taft administered the oath of office on the East Portico of the Capitol. On taking his first elective office, the new President addressed a large crowd in the drizzling rain. Dirigibles and aircraft flew over the Capitol to mark the occasion.