The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
James A. Garfield makes Bobblehead Hall of Fame
Mentor’s own James A. Garfield has officially arrived in the 21st century.
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum recently unveiled a limited-edition bobblehead of Garfield among its “Neglected Presidents,” shortly after Presidents Day.
The collection also includes John Quincy Adams, Chester Arthur, James Buchanan, Grover Cleveland, Calvin Coolidge, Millard Fillmore, Warren G. Harding, Benjamin Harrison, Rutherford B. Hayes, Andrew Johnson, William McKinley, Franklin Pierce, William Howard Taft, Zachary Taylor, John Tyler, Martin Van Buren and Woodrow Wilson.
“We’re excited to release the first bobblehead of President James Garfield,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder/CEO Phil Sklar said. “While previously neglected in the bobblehead world, James Garfield is an important part of our country’s history, and we think this bobblehead will be a great learning tool and a fun collectible for history buffs.”
A Republican, Garfield is the only sitting member of the U.S. House of Representatives to be elected to the presidency. He served as the 20th president from March 4, 1881, until his assassination 6 1/2 months later at the hands of Charles J. Guiteau.
After nine terms as a U.S. representative, Garfield was elected the last of the “log cabin presidents.” His accomplishments include a resurgence of presidential authority against senatorial courtesy in executive appointments, purging corruption in the Post Office and appointing a U.S. Supreme Court justice.
His home at 8095 Mentor Ave. is part of the James A. Garfield National Historic Site.
Site Manager Todd Arrington said he was unaware of the bobblehead distinction until his office
Cost is $30 each. The set of 18 is available for $500.
received one last week.
“We understand why some think of Garfield as a ‘neglected president,’ but, of course, we prefer to think of him as underappreciated,” he said. “And, of course, we’re doing everything we can all the time to get people to know more about him and appreciate him more.”
The bobblehead is only available through the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s online store.
Cost is $30 each. The set of 18 is available for $500.