1973 PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION [Cover Title]

[Washington DC]: n.p., 1973. Near fine.. Comedically arranged original photo album by an unknown attendee of President Nixon's second Inauguration (January 20, 1973) — all shot from the main platform less than ten rows behind the swearing-in. Amusing typed captions throughout poke fun at the President, Vice President, First Lady, and Bob Hope (referred to as "The original…Mr. What's His Nose"). A clipping from the March 5, 1973 issue of TIME magazine tells the unfortunate story of Cecil Stoughton, chief still cameraman for the National Park Service and former White House photographer to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. During the Oath of Office, Nixon reportedly lined up on the opposite side of the podium from what was expected and photographers were caught out of position. In an attempt to capture the moment, Stoughton moved himself just feet behind Nixon, causing the photographer — who was wearing a garish plaid coat — to appear prominently in the background of official photos of the ceremony. This infuriated Nixon; weeks later, Stoughton's NPS position was eliminated. One of the photographs shows Stoughton and is captioned: "The back of the man in the plaid coat." Nixon's unexpected positioning, however, makes platform views of the actual swearing-in ceremony rather more uncommon that one might expect. An unusually angled primary source document of the Nixon era. 8.5'' x 9.25''. Hinged plush leather Family-Vue Photocurio brand commercial album. 6 stiff plastic covered leaves with gold metal accents at corners containing twelve 5''x 7'' color photographs mounted both recto and verso, eleven with typed caption sheets mounted below. Photomechanically reproduced magazine article on photographer Cecil Stoughton neatly tipped onto inside rear board. Small scratch to front board, mild shelf wear at rear, interior contents about fine. (Inventory #: 41430)