President Nixon Visits Bad Axe Michigan, April 10, 1974

Here is the story of when President Nixon visits Bad Axe. During the Spring of 1974, the Watergate break-in and subsequent cover-up were still unfolding but had yet to engulf the nation. However, the break-in was in the news, and the President wanted to hit the road with a campaign day. A special election was to be held for a House seat, pitting popular Republican James M. Sparing against Democrat J. Bob Traxler in Michigan’s Eighth Congressional District. It was an opportunity for some good news that Nixon was desperate for. 

President Richard Visit to Michigan’s Thumb

The trip started in Saginaw and then crossed the Thumb with stops in Bad Axe, Cass City, and Sandusky. The New York Times coverage of the event describes the crowds as curious and numbering in the several thousand as the President spoke at each stop.

This Diary of events comes from the Nixon Presidential Library in California.

President Nixon Visits Bad Axe – April 10th, 1974

9:12 am – The President went to the South Grounds of the White House.

9:16 am – The President flew by helicopter from the South Grounds of the White House to Andrews AFB, Maryland.

9:31 am – The President flew by the Spirit of ’76” from Andrews AFB Maryland to the Tri-City Airport, Freeland, Michigan.

10:55 am – The President deplaned.

11:11 am – The President addressed members of the crowd assembled for his arrival

11:29 am – The President flew by helicopter from Tri-City Airport, Freeland to Huron County Airport, Bad Axe.

12:06 pm – The President participated in a campaign motorcade through Michigan’s Eighth Congressional District from Huron County Airport, Bad Axe to Sandusky City Airport. The President’s accompanied by James Sparling, Republican candidate for Michigan’s Eighth Congressional District.

12:11 pm – The Presidential motorcade arrived at the Huron County Courthouse, Bad Axe.

12:23 pm – The President addressed members of the crowd.

1:20 pm – The Presidential motorcade arrived at Cass City.

1:27 pm – The President addressed members of the crowd.

2:45 pm – The Presidential motorcade arrived at the Sanilac County Courthouse, Sandusky.

2:50 pm – The President addressed members of the crowd.

3:00 pm The Presidential motorcade arrived at the Sandusky City Airport.

• The President bade farewell to Mr. Sparling.

3:02 pm – The President flew by helicopter from Sandusky City Airport to Bay City Airport.

• The President greeted local Republican officials:
• Creighton Holden, Republican National Committeeman
• Ranny Reicker, Republican National Committee
• Jerry Rpe, State Republican Executive Director
• Mildred Dunnell, Republican State Vice-Chairman
• Jerry Nissley, Saginaw County Republican Campaign Director
• Mrs. Elmer Smith, Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee

3:52 pm – The President flew by the “Spirit of ’76” from Bay City Airport, Michigan to Andrews AFB, Maryland.

• The President met with Senator Robert P. Griffin (R-Michigan), Congressman Elford A. Cederberg (R-Michigan)

4:56 pm – The President deplaned.

5:05 pm – The President flew by helicopter from Andrews AFB, Maryland to the South Grounds of the White House.

5:17 pm – The President returned to the second-floor Residence.

---

Plaque at the Huron County Courthouse

Source

Richard Nixon’s Daily Diary April 1-10, 1974

Related Reading About Bad Axe

• Kids Pony Parade in 1930s Bad Axe Michigan
• Pigeon Michigan Amusement Parlor c1900
• Spend an Evening on Charity Island in Saginaw Bay