September 9, 1927
The Daily Journal Capital
Microfilm Roll: MN00274
On this day in Osage country, a telegram from Bert Lawton was published in The Daily Journal-Capital announcing the arrival of a group of Osages to New York, the first stop on their way to the American Legion Convention in Paris.
The American Legion is an organization that focuses on providing services and support for veterans. The legion was created after the First World War in Paris, France, on March 15, 1919, at what became to be known as the “Paris Caucus” (“The American Legion”).
In September of 1927, a group of Osages, led by Bert Lawton, made their way to the ninth annual convention of the American Legion. By September 9th, the Osages arrived in New York, after a “greatly enjoyed” trip across the nation (“Osages Arrive”). On the way to New York, the Indians passed through Chicago, Washington, and Philadelphia. The telegram also mentioned that the Osages were to board the Antonia, the ship that carried them across the Atlantic, on the morning of September 10th.
The Daily Journal-Capital later published a letter from Lawton describing the journey aboard the Antonia as enjoyable with little mal de mer, or seasickness. The passengers were granted full access of the ship, and entertainment was provided including “a moonlight dance each evening on the promenade deck” (“Osage Delegation”). The ten-day cruise ended with a farewell dinner of cabbage and fried potatoes, described by Lawton as a dish “which the Americans could not learn to appreciate as the English do,” (“Osage Delegation”).
Once in Paris, the Osages made a lasting impression. On September 19th, the Osages led a parade in full regalia that began near the Palais du Trocadero, made its way down the Champs de Elysees, and through the Arc de Triomphe. The Indians were one of the most photographed groups at the 1927 American Legion Convention.
A photographer by the name of Dr. A. E. Aisenstadt from Picher, Oklahoma, also attended the American Legion Convention. While there Dr. Aisenstadt filling eight rolls of film entirely of images from the Osages visit. The moving pictures were debuted at the Jackson Theater in Pawhuska on February 13, 1928.
Morgan M. Guzman
“Osages Arrive in New York After Enjoyable Trip.” The Daily Journal-Capital. Sept. 9, 1927, p. 1. Microfilm roll number MN00274. Sequoyah National Research Center, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Further Reading
“The American Legion 9th National Convention: official program, 1927.” American Legion. https://archive.legion.org/handle/123456789/4872. Accessed February 12, 2018.
“History,” The American Legion, https://www.legion.org/history. Accessed February 12, 2018
“Leaving the Arc de Triomphe for the Reviewing Stands,” The Osage Journal, Feb. 12, 1928. Microfilm roll number MN00275. Sequoyah National Research Center, Little Rock, Arkansas.
“Osage Delegation Enjoyed Voyage to Paris says Bert Lawton Writing from France,” The Daily Journal-Capital Oct. 6, 1927. Microfilm roll number MN00274. Sequoyah National Research Center, Little Rock, Arkansas.
“Osages Storm Ramparts of Palais du Trocadero says Bert Lawton in Cablegram,” The Daily Journal-Capitol, Sept. 20, 1927. Microfilm roll number MN00274. Sequoyah National Research Center, Little Rock, Arkansas.
“Pictures to be shown of Osage County in Paris,” The Daily Journal-Capital, Feb. 12, 1928. Microfilm roll number MN00275. Sequoyah National Research Center, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Source File(s)
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