LeRoy Heritage Museum will host a Canton history presentation to be held at 1 p.m. March 8 at the Rialto Theatre, in Canton, with doors opening at 12:30 p.m.
Titled, "McFadden: Bad Boy of the Republican Party," the presentation covers the life of Canton's home-grown Congressman and one of America's most controversial politicians in the first half of the 20th century.
Louis T. McFadden is today most often known as the Congressman who lived at Mourland Park, east of Canton, where a road is now named in his honor. Others might know him as the man who tried to impeach President Herbert Hoover, a fellow Republican. Those who attend this program will learn that there is a much broader story to be told.
McFadden first entered Congress in 1914, making this year the 100th anniversary of his election to this office. Even after a century, conspiracy theorists are still writing about McFadden. His strong opinions about the Federal Reserve were cheered by some and hated by others. His strong anti-Semitic views brought him under scrutiny by the U.S. government while bringing him into contact with some shady characters, some of whom contacted him at his home or visited Canton.
McFadden battled not only Hoover, but also Franklin D. Roosevelt. He fought tough election battles against Cornelia Pinchot, the wife of Pennsylvania Governor and Father of American Forestry, Gifford Pinchot. One of their "battles" took place in the very room where this program will be presented. His anti-Semitic remarks were praised by Adolf Hitler. Republican colleagues at one point considered him dead. Newspapers at the time called him the "Bad Boy of the Republican Party." But this is only part of the story. McFadden also made positive accomplishments and his opinions about the Federal Reserve are still considered relevant today.
This program will be presented by Matthew Carl, president of LeRoy Heritage Museum, based on documented reports and first-hand accounts including McFadden's own words. Over 100 photographs will be shown on screen to assist in telling the story. "At first glance, the topic of politics and government may seem a little dry. At first glance, it might look like this program would only be interesting to Republicans. At first glance, you might think you already know who Congressman Louis McFadden was. But, what you've heard about McFadden is only one piece of the story and this program will appeal to any one who is interested in local history," said Carl.
The story includes a variety of characters including communists, Nazis and Nazi sympathizers, and top political and military figures of the 1920's and 30's. The sinking of the Titanic and the Lusitania, the tragedy of the Holocaust, Prohibition, conspiracy theories, fraud, and the Federal Reserve banking system are connected to this fascinating story. When the story has been told, the audience will learn that the eyes of the nation were on Canton, Pa. during McFadden's 20-year term in office.
Tickets for this event must be purchased in advance as no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are $8 each and may be purchased at the Canton Independent-Sentinel office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. The option to order tickets online closed March 2. Ticket purchases are non-refundable.
Proceeds from this event benefit the local history preservation work that is done by LeRoy Heritage Museum. The museum preserves the history of LeRoy, Canton, Granville and old Barclay Townships in southwestern Bradford County. More information about the museum is available at www.leroyheritage.org.
LeRoy Heritage Museum is a recipient agency of the Bradford County United Way.
Submitted article.