COOLIDGES GREET PUBLIC AT NEW YEAR'S DAY RECEPTION
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On January 1, 1924, the White House "threw wide the gates and welcomed the people of the nation."
The Presidential New Year's Reception* was "a traditional American custom."
According to the Evening Star, President Calvin Coolidge and First Lady Grace Coolidge "stood for weary hours in the blue room" greeting visitors. The Star describes the event as "the most grueling ordeal the President and First Lady...go through."
The event began at 11 a.m. with the band playing 'Hail to the Chief' as the President & First Lady entered the Blue Room.
*Presidential New Year's Reception (1801-1932) was a traditional event permitting the public to enter the White House & shake hands with the President & First Lady. Up to 6000 people attended the event.
President Lincoln continued the tradition despite the Civil War. President Wilson never held a public reception during his 8 years in office.
It is believed FDR discontinued the reception because of his disability & wheel chair use, although the event probably would have been discontinued regardless.
SOURCE
"Nation Welcomed At White House New Year Rites," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., January 1, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
