Work resumes after mourning loss of President McKinley

This Sept. 20, 1901, photograph is a bit rough around the edges but it still shows a clear image of this Oronogo work crew.

The day before it was taken, the citizens of Oronogo gathered at the M. E. Church to mourn the loss of President William McKinley, who died on Sept. 14, 1901. President McKinley was shot on Sept. 6, 1901,  and died eight days later.

Judge C.E. Elliott, a prominent citizen of Oronogo, spoke at the assembly. At a quarter before two o’clock the bells in both Oronogo churches were tolled simultaneously for 15 minutes.

Mayor Hedgecock issued a proclamation that all business in town would be suspended for the day. All of the businesses and many of the residences were draped in mourning.

It is unknown what project the men shown in the photograph were working on, but it appears that life was back to normal after a day of mourning.