COOLIDGE TAKES PRESIDENTIAL OATH 'BY DIM LIGHT OF FLICKERING OIL LAMP'
Plymouth, Vermont (JFK+50) At 2:47 Eastern time on the morning of August 3, 1923, Calvin Coolidge* took the oath of office and became the 30th President of the United States.
The Vice-President had learned of President Warren G. Harding's passing at midnight. Paul Mallon of United Press writes that the oath was taken "by the dim light of a flickering oil lamp" and was administered by Calvin's "aged (78) father, (Colonel) John Coolidge**, who was a notary public."
Vrest Orton describes the scene...
"Standing back of the table was Colonel John. He was ready. He had on his black Sunday coat, a white shirt and a black necktie. At Mr. Coolidge's left was his wife, Grace***, at his right Congressman Porter Dale.
In an unfaltering voice the old man began to read...'I do solemnly swear...'"
In a firm, determined voice, (Calvin Coolidge) added four words: 'So Help Me God.'"
*John Calvin Coolidge, Jr. (1872-1933) was born in Plymouth Notch, Vermont & served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, as mayor of Northampton, MA, Massachusetts Senate 1912-1915, Lt. Gov MA 1916-1919, Governor of MA 1919-1921, VPOTUS 1921-1923 & POTUS 1923-1929.
CC, a man of few words, became known as "Silent Cal." He is the only POTUS to have been born on Independence Day.
**John Calvin Coolidge, Sr. (1845-1926) was born in Plymouth, VT & was a farmer & store owner. JCC Sr. served in the Vermont House of Representatives & Senate.
***Grace Anna (Goodhue) Coolidge (1879-1957) was born in Burlington, Vermont & would be the 1st 1st Lady to hold a 4 year college degree, BA University of Vermont, 1902.
SOURCES
"Calvin Coolidge's Unique Vermont Inauguration," by Vrest Orton, Academy Books, Rutland, Vermont, 1970.
"Simple Rite Marks Oath Of Coolidge," by Paul M. Mallon, Imperial Valley Press, El Centro, California, August 3, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
