Presidential Inauguration Ball

22 - Lincolns Second Inagural Ball Washington 1865.jpg

Creator

Patent Office

Title

Presidential Inauguration Ball

Coverage

Washington, D.C.

Date

March 6, 1865

Description

The menus at President Lincoln’s second inaugural ball were printed on stiff board, seemingly so they could be placed upright on the buffet table. Before the dining room was opened for the midnight supper, the presidential party dined privately at the end of the long table where they may have been handed the display menus to help guide their choices. One of the three extant copies was reportedly saved by Lincoln.