COOLIDGE ECONOMY MAKES A HIT ON THE PRESIDENT
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 20, 1925, President Calvin Coolidge "made a request" for a new knife eraser* but was given the "sad news" that there are "no more erasers in the executive office stockroom."
The Evening Star says that the President "has felt the first buffeting of the economy wave that has swept over the White House."
In keeping with the Coolidge style, the President responded to this predicament "without comment" and "went silently about his work."
The Star reports White House distributing officer N.P. Webster is offering a $10 bonus "for the best suggestion for further reducing the expense of the executive office."
Sounds like Mr. Webster might well have been the Elon Musk of the Coolidge administration, at least in regard to The White House.
JFK+50 NOTE
$10 might not sound like much, but in 2025 dollars that would be $180,35. You might be able to purchase a few dozen eggs & a tank of gas with that.
*knife eraser is a tool used to remove rust & discolor from the blade surface
SOURCE
"Coolidge Plea for New Eraser Fails; Economy Leaves 'Cupboard' Bare," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 20, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
