COOLIDGE MAY BE TOO GENEROUS WITH HANDSHAKES
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On April 16, 1925, The Evening Star reports that tourist agencies here in the Nation's Capital "have commercialized the graciousness of the President in devoting part of his day to shaking hands (with) hundreds of visitors."
These agencies advertise "a handshake with the President." They also coordinate visits to the White House through members of Congress.
President Calvin Coolidge almost always grants requests for the handshakes. For example, today alone the President shook hands with 800 visitors.
The Star reports that there has been some discussion at The White House that this situation "exploits the President's generosity" and want the "number of persons admitted" to the Executive Mansion for such handshakes be "strictly limited."
JFK+50 NOTE
I did not have the opportunity of shaking hands or even seeing in person President Kennedy, but there are 4 POTUS I have seen in my lifetime and one that I had the opportunity to shake hands with.
I attended a speech given by President Lyndon B. Johnson at Knoxville's Civic Coliseum in 1965 and later one by President Richard M. Nixon at Neyland Stadium here in Knoxville. The third was President George Herbert Walker Bush who also spoke at the University of Tennessee.
In 1996, President William Jefferson Clinton made a campaign appearance at Civic Coliseum and I was able to get in a position along the rope line at the end of his speech, shook his hand & made his photograph. (see below). I sent a print to The White House and Mr. Clinton signed it for me.
SOURCE
"Coolidge Handshakes On Sale As Part of Service To Tourists," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., April 16, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
