214@100: President Nixon visits Prospect

During the heated 1970 midterm elections in Illinois, President Richard Nixon visited Prospect High School on Oct. 29 as part of a campaign swing through the state to campaign for Republicans Ralph Smith and Robert McClory. Smith, who had been appointed to the U.S. Senate on the death of Everett Dirksen, was running to retain the seat; while McClory was running for re-election to Congress. McClory won that November; Smith lost to Adlai E. Stevenson III.

Nixon, meanwhile, praised both men, but he also had warm words for the Prospect, Hersey and Wheeling bands, all of which performed at his event.

• 214@100 is a celebration of District 214's centennial; 100 people, places, things and events that have shaped its unique history. To contribute ideas, email us at district 214@dailyherald.com.