Bow Tie

Harry S Truman became the 33rd President of the United States upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 16, 1945. This foulard patterned bow tie exemplifies Truman’s personal style and was neatly tied around his neck that day when he solemnly took the oath of office. President Truman’s bold neckwear was often the subject of discussion in Washington circles and within his own family. On June 1, 1945 he wrote, “I’m always so lonesome when the family leaves. I have no one to raise a fuss over my neckties…I usually put on a terrible tie not even Bob Hannegan or Ed McKim [Truman confidants] would wear just to get a loud protest from Bess and Margie.” Apparently a favorite, he also wore this bow tie on two important days in 1945: the day he presented the United Nations Charter to the Senate for ratification and at his first meeting with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin during the Potsdam Conference.