Filmed at the special request of Admiral Robert Dennison, the Naval Aide to President Truman, this 16mm silent film shows President Truman’s Rail Trip to the Pacific Coast, starting June 3, 1948. The reason for shooting the film is not altogether clear, but it paints a beautiful portrait of a whistle stop political tour. The film starts on June 4, 1948 with an early morning stop at Pittsburg. Harry S. Truman is seen from back of train. At 1:04 are scenes from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Scenes of crowd, band, and Harry S. Truman walking in a parade at 1:40

At 2:24 scenes in Gary, Indiana – crowd waiting to hear Harry S. Truman. At 2:49, Omaha, Nebraska – Harry S. Truman leads the parade that highlighted the convening of his WWI unit – the 35th Division. Truman walking along street, crowds, troops in review. Harry S. Truman watches parade from reviewing stand at 5:17.

At 7:50, Harry S. Truman participates in dedication ceremonies at War Memorial Park – gives speech – and lays wreath.

At 9:13, Harry S. Truman visits Boys Town, Nebraska – Scenes of countryside, new construction, Harry S. Truman speaks at Boys Town. At 13:07 it is now June 6 and we’re at Grand Island, Nebraska – Scenes of Harry S. Truman speaking from back of train, crowds. 14:04 scenes at Kearney, Nebraska – Harry S. Truman, Bess Truman and Margaret attend religious services at the First Baptist Church. Scenes of crowd awaiting the Truman’s arrival.

16:03 at Sidney, Nebraska – Harry S. Truman again gives speech from train. More crowd shots. Scenes from out train window.

17:44 on June 7, Pocatello, Idaho – Harry S. Truman giving speech from train. Margaret and Bess being introduced. Harry S. Truman shakes hands with crowd. 18:25 Kearney, Idaho.

19:25 Ketchum, Idaho (railroad terminal for Sun Valley) – scenes of crowd and campaign train. 19:56 View of Harriman Lodge where the Truman’s reside during their visit to Sun Valley, and the Main Lodge. 26:54 Harry S. Truman enroute from Sun Valley to Idaho Falls by car. Scenes from the car. 26:33 June 8. Idaho Falls, Idaho – scene of crowd waiting for Harry S. Truman to arrive.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com