Presidential inaugurations

Singer and actor George Jessel served as a Master of Ceremonies and performed three songs at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.

Singer Phil Regan served as a Master of Ceremony and performed at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.

Singer Jane Powell performed "Love Is Where You Find It" and "Buttons and Bows" at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.

Melvin D. Hildreth, general chairman of the 1949 Inaugural Committee (left), accepts a new Packard automobile from Sam Broden (right), zone manager of the Packard Motor Company. The car was loaned to the Inaugural Committee by the Packard Motor Company as a person vehicle for Mr. Hildreth.

Chester Lauck and Norris Goff who played Columbus Edwards "Lum Eddards" and Abner Peabody in the radio show "Lum and Abner." Lauck and Goff performed a comedy routine during the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.

Singer Lucy Monroe performed the "Star Spangled Banner" at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949.

Dancer and actor Gene Kelly served as a Master of Ceremonies and performed at the Inaugural Gala held January 19, 1949. This photo is a still from the MGM motion picture "Living in a Big Way."

Walter F. Bramhall and Melvin D. Hildreth, Secretary and Chairman respectively of the 1949 Inaugural Committee, stand in front of committee office space.

View of a section of the inaugural parade route. Grandstand No. 26 is featured. Cars can be seen moving along the street.

View of a section of the inaugural parade route. Grandstand No. 30 is featured.