Presidential inaugurations

The United States Navy Band, led by Charles Brendler and Richard E. Townsend, performed at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949. The are posed in front of the United States Capitol Building.

Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen, shown here with his dummies Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd, performed at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.

Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and his dummy Charlie McCarthy performed at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.

Singer Jane Froman performed at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.

Thomas P. Morgan, Jr. served as Chairman of the Insurance Committee and the Domestic Transportation Committee for the 1949 Presidential Inauguration.

The design for the American Federation of Music float seen in the Inaugural Parade held January 20, 1949. Meant to honor piano-playing President Harry S. Truman, the float depicts a 30 x 11-foot piano decorated in red, white, and blue, atop which rides a 25-piece band.

Design prepared by Branch D. Elam of Justement, Elam & Darby Architects for a potential inaugural event stand.

Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and his dummy Charlie McCarthy performed at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.

The Armed Services Committee of the 1949 Presidential Inaugural Parade discusses marching logistics in a Pentagon meeting with Carter T, Barron, Parade and Special Events Chairman. Seated, left to right, are: Colonel Orin H. Wheeler, United States Marine Corps; Colonel Charles M. Gettys, U.S. Army, Chairman of the Armed Forces Committee; Carter T. Barron; Captain Atherton Macondray, U.S. Navy. Standing: Lieutenant Colonel Julian M. Bleyer, U.S. Air Forces and Lieutenant Commander M. A. Whalen, U.S. Coast Guard.

Singer Jane Froman performed at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.