Helen Herron Taft’s happiest years were in the Philippines.

The Manila Years

In 1900 Helen Herron Taft (1861-1943), married and mother of three, traveled to Manila, where she spent the next few years. Her husband of 15 years had been dispatched to the Philippines by President William McKinley to serve as Governor General to the strife-torn islands that generally unwanted, had become a protectorate of the United States after its war with Spain. 

William Howard Taft (1857-1930), a jurist by discipline and disposition, was ideal for the post. Originally sent as part of a fact-finding commission, he had become popular with the various factions of discontented Filipinos, who had been subjugated by various “conquerors” for centuries. Taft did not behave like a conqueror. He was patient, understanding, courteous and diplomatic with even the most radical sects. And wise. 

When Nellie arrived, they moved into Malacanan Palace. They were surrounded by aides and servants to tend to everything from laundry to meal preparation to scheduling and diplomatic insights.

Perhaps born with a streak of discontent in her soul, Nellie always raged at the lack of opportunities available for women to achieve – whatever it was they wanted to achieve. When her family visited the White House, guests of President and Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes, close friends of her parents, 15-year-old Nellie found her goal: she wanted to live in the White House – as First Lady. She found her “vehicle” in William Howard Taft, a big teddy bear of a man, with a fine pedigree, Yale education, and the disposition to accept and love the somewhat sharp-tongued Nellie. 

Now, as the wife of the Governor-General of the country, Helen Herron Taft of Cincinnati, OH, was First Lady of the Philippines. She would always refer to that time as a “dress rehearsal” for the White House and she began to make plans.

Luneta Park

Not far from Malacanan Palace, was a promenade park overlooking Manila Bay, called the Luneta. It was an oval drive, resembling a racetrack, with a bandstand at either end. It was sparse and somewhat lacking in the lush gardens and greenery that one might expect. Mrs. Taft was unimpressed at first, believing it must have seen better days. 

Nevertheless people of all races and social classes flocked there at dusk, to drive or walk about, enjoy the fresh air, mingle with friends, and above all, enjoy the music. And the magnificent sunsets.

Two or three times a week, bands would assemble to play traditional Filipino music. Or light opera. Or the classics. Or the latest songs from America. 

It was open to all walks of life, and they all came. And it was free.

Always a music lover, Mrs. Taft began to change her mind about it. And she also made it a point to go to the Luneta frequently.

Walter Loving, Maestro

Walter Loving was a Virginia born American, the son of a slave. Displaying a rare gift for music (cornet was his main instrument), he eventually attended the New England Conservatory of Music. But his opportunities came as a young Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, given command of the 45th Volunteer Infantry Regiment Band. (He would later rise to the rank of Lt. Colonel.)

Deployed to the Philippines, Loving came to the attention of Governor-General William Howard Taft, who had heard the regimental band perform. He asked him to form the Philippine Constabulary Band, which quickly rose to popularity and prominence both in the Philippines and in the US. Loving learned the Philippine language and bonded easily with the musicians, which at some point, numbered more than a hundred participants. 

The Constabulary Band quickly developed an international reputation, entered competitions, won awards, and invitations to perform around the world. They were superb, even earning praise from John Philip Sousa himself.

Dreams to Plans to Dreams Come True

When Theodore Roosevelt became President after the assassination of William McKinley, the doors to prominence and position were flung wide open for William Howard Taft. He and Theodore had been close personal (and political) friends for more than a decade. When the opportunity to become Secretary of War arose, it was a siren song to the politically motivated Mrs. Taft. They moved to Washington.

Sensing that the White House (residence of choice) was actually in reach, Nellie began to form her agenda of activities and projects she hoped to undertake. Planning projects was nothing new to the ambitious Mrs. T. Seeing those plans to fruition was also nothing new to her. She had spent several years (prior to the Philippines) helping to shepherd the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra into being.

When Taft was inaugurated President in 1909, Walter Loving and the Philippine Constabulary Band was invited to lead the inaugural parade. It was the first time that any band other than the Marine Band had done escort duty.  On the following day new First Lady Nellie Taft arranged to have them perform at the White House – the first band outside the USA ever to do so. It was also the first time a Black American band leader was invited to perform. Neither of the Tafts were given to racial prejudice. 

Then Nellie organized her pet project: creating an American Luneta: an open-to-everyone park with free band concerts. She had had her eye on a location since her years as Mrs. Sec/War.

The American Luneta

There was a decent sized spit of empty land along the Potomac River. Because it was swampy, it was unsuitable for structures that would hold people, i.e. housing or government offices. Today it a short walk to our dear memorial monuments.

Within a month, the land was expertly prepared for traffic, basic landscaping (more would follow) and a gazebo-like bandstand. It cost very little to build. A schedule was set, flyers and notices were sent to the newspapers announcing the FREE concerts. As was her nature, Nellie fretted over every detail, afraid nobody would come.

More than 10,000 people turned out for the first concert – headed by the Philippine Constabulary Band.

But only a month later, Nellie Taft had a serious stroke…. So sad.

Sources:

Ross, Ishbel – An American Family: The Tafts – 1964, World Publishing

Taft, Mrs. William Howard – Recollections of a Full Life – Dodd, Mead 1914

https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/william-howard-taft/

http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=27

https://millercenter.org/president/taft/life-before-the-presidency

https://www.whitehousehistory.org/first-lady-helen-tafts-luneta