The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
President Garfield’s 184th birthday celebrated
Plans in works to mark next year at presidential home located in Mentor
Larger than life. A legendary speaker. A man that rose from poverty and obscurity to become president of the United States.
This is the way President James A. Garfield, who ran for the office from his home in Mentor, was described in a Nov. 14 ceremony celebrating his 184th birthday. His actual birthday is Nov. 19.
Lake View Cemetery Association hosted the annual event at the Garfield Memorial at the Cleveland cemetery, once again drawing several descendants of the nation’s 20th president.
His great-great-grandson, Tim Garfield, 64, of Twinsburg, said he attended yearly with his father, and now brings his children and grandchildren.
“It’s a piece of the legacy for
the family and it’s history,” said Garfield, who lived in Mentor until age 21. “It’s a source of pride to be a part of a presidential family in this country. … We learned growing up that we’re really nothing special, but just had a place in history. …”
One of the descendants is part of the Hiram College Chamber Singers, which performed at the ceremony accompanied by the Amphion Quartet.
Debbie Weinkamer, a volunteer with James A. Garfield National Historic Site, 8095 Mentor Ave., Mentor, was moved by the music.
“It was beautiful,” she said. “It was just so meaningful to have a member of the Garfield family in the choir.”
Katharine Goss, president and CEO of Lake View Cemetery Association, said the choral group is a new addition this year.
“We’re looking to expand this event from years past,” she said, noting that this is the final weekend that the memorial building is open to the public. “We really want to expand it out for the whole community.”
The keynote speaker was Brig. General R.A. Bassford, deputy commanding general of the 88th Regional Support Command. He said people today can learn many lessons from Garfield.
“His life is a shining example of what America truly stands for, and why our nation is unique among all the nations on the earth,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with Bassford and Tim Garfield assisting greatgrandson Rudolph H. Garfield in laying the wreath at the memorial.
Plans are in the works to celebrate his 185th birthday at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site next year, in celebration of the National Park Service’s centennial, said Todd Arrington, acting site manager/chief of interpretation & education.