"YOU CAN PRONOUNCE IT ALL GOOD"

THIRTIETH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES GIVES HIS OPINION ON THE FIRST

Paul Smiths, New York (JFK+50) On September 23, 1926, The Evening Star reports President Calvin Coolidge's views on the First President of the United States*.

President Coolidge, interviewed by Bruce Barton at the Summer White House in New York, said...

"Washington had that rare combination of a great soldier, a great statesman, a great patriot and a great character.  A careful study of...his life makes it difficult to come to any other conclusion than you can pronounce it all good."

*George Washington (1732-1799) was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia & served in the Virginia House of Burgesses, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, president of the Constitutional Convention & President of the United States 1789-1797.

SOURCE

"Nation Demands Executive Work Hard, President Finds," by Bruce Barton, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 23, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 George Washington

www.flickr.com/

"EVENT OFFICIALLY BEGAN WITH PRESIDENT HAYES"

PRESIDENT COOLIDGE SIGNS E.O. FOR ANNUAL EASTER EGG ROLL

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 29, 1926, The Evening Star reports that "the rear grounds of the White House will be turned over to the children of Washington next Monday for the annual Easter egg-rolling festival."

President Calvin Coolidge signed an executive order today authorizing the opening of the south grounds gates at 9 a.m.  A concert will be offered to the general public between 3:30 and 5:00.  Prior to that time frame, only parents with children under 10 years of age will be admitted.

JFK+50 NOTE

The White House Easter Egg Rolling event officially began in 1878 with President Rutherford B. Hayes telling guards to allow children to enter the grounds.  

Music was added to the event in 1889 with the performance of the United States Marine Corps band.  Today interested parents must enter a lottery to get a chance at having their children attending the egg roll.

SOURCES

"The White House Easter Egg Roll," The White House, www.whitehouse.gov/

"White House Lawn Easter Egg Rolling Will Be Monday," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 29, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

White House Easter Egg Roll

www.picryl.com/

PD

"EXCELSIOR HAS TOWED MANY A STALLED AUTOMOBILE"

TEENAGER & HIS HORSE READY TO ASSIST COOLIDGE OVER BLOCKED ROADS TO GET TO FATHER'S BEDSIDE

Plymouth, Vermont (JFK+50) On March 11, 1926, Associated Press reports that 16 year old Richard Moore has been waiting "day and night" to assist Calvin Coolidge over blocked roads should the President "be called to his father's bedside."

John Calvin Coolidge, Sr*.'s condition was poor earlier in the week but has improved since he has been able to take some nourishment.  The President's father has been bedridden for several months.

Richard Moore, son of Plymouth Not1ch's town clerk. owns a 20 year old horse named 'Excelsior' who "has towed many a stalled automobile up the steep...mountain" from Plymouth Union to Plymouth Notch where the elder Coolidge lives. 

*John Calvin Coolidge, Sr. (1845-1926) as a justice of the peace administered the presidential oath of office to his son at the family home following the death of President Harding.  The senior Coolidge died on March 18, 1926 just a few days before his 81st birthday.

SOURCE

"Old Horse Kept Ready To Rush Coolidge To Father's Bedside," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 11, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

John Calvin Coolidge, Sr.

Bain News Service Photo

Library of Congress

"MR. COOLIDGE TAKES PRIDE IN HIS FIRST YEAR"

REPUBLICANS SEE 'EXCELLENT START' WHILE DEMOCRATS POINT TO 'POLITICAL HONEYMOON'

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) David Lawrence, writing for The Evening Star, says that President Calvin Coolidge "likes to consider the year ending today (March 3, 1926) as his first year in office."

The President, having assumed the office of POTUS on the death of Warren G. Harding, completed his predecessor's term over a 17 month period.

According to Lawrence, Mr. Coolidge "takes pride in his first year."

Two accomplishments mentioned by Mr. Lawrence are reduced taxes  and keeping government expenses down.

Republicans feel Coolidge has made "an excellent start" while Democrats acknowledge the President is the beneficiary of a "political honeymoon."

SOURCE

"Coolidge Winds Up First Year On Own," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, March 3, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Warren G. Harding & Calvin Coolidge

www.picryl.com/

PD

"PRESIDENT'S CONDITION 'NO CAUSE OF ALARM'"

 PRESIDENT COOLIDGE 'SUFFERING FROM SLIGHT COLD'

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 17, 1926, The Evening Star reports that President Calvin Coolidge "is suffering from..a slight cold."

The President was taken ill last evening but attempted to start his usual day at his desk.  After a short span of time, he cancelled his appointments and was back in bed before 10 a.m.

Major James F. Coupal*, the President's physician, assured reporters that Mr. Coolidge's condition is "no cause of alarm."

*James Francis Coupal (1884-1935) was born in Boston, Massachusetts & educated at Tufts University & Tufts U. School of Medicine.  At the time of his appointment as White House doctor, he was curator of the Army Medical Museum in Washington, D.C.

SOURCES

"James Francis Coupal," Family Search, www.ancestors.familysearch.org/

"James Major Coupal White House Doctor; President Formally Appoints Him to Succeed Brig. Gen. Sawyer," The New York Times, June 28, 1924, www.newyorktimes.com/

"President Suffering From Cold, Drops Business for Rest in Bed," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 17, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

President Calvin Coolidge Statue

Rapid City, South Dakota

Photo by Jimmy Emerson DVM

www.flickr.com/

"HE HAS NOT SAID A WORD TO ANYONE ABOUT 1928"

GOP LEADERS SAY IF COOLIDGE WANTS  NOMINATION IN '28, HE CAN HAVE IT

Swampscott, Massachusetts (JFK+50) On August 1, 1925, David Lawrence of The Evening Star reports there exists now "almost a conviction among...Republican leaders...that if Calvin Coolidge wants the (presidential) nomination in 1928 he can have it."

Lawrence adds that there are a great many influential Republicans who would be "anxious" to name Coolidge as the G.O.P. nominee in 1928.

Democrats also seem to expect the President to again be their adversary in the next election cycle.

As far as Mr. Coolidge himself, he "has not said a word to anyone about 1928."

JFK+50 NOTE

Coolidge's famous statement, "I do not choose to run in 1928." was given to the press on August 2, 1927 at the Summer White House in South Dakota.  The announcement stunned both the media and the public as there was a booming economy and a surplus of $300 million plus.

SOURCE

"Coolidge Favored For Second Term," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., August 1, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Calvin Coolidge's statement, 'I do not choose to run...'

Library of Congress

"A HANDSHAKE WITH THE PRESIDENT"

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/    

President William Jefferson Clinton

Civic Coliseum

Knoxville, Tennessee (1996)

Photo by John White

"NO MORE ERASERS IN EXECUTIVE OFFICE STOREROOM"

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/

 

 

Knife Eraser

c. 1900

www.picryl.com/

"REACTING TO 'COMMON SENSE' & 'SAFETY FIRST'

COOLIDGE WINS IN LANDSLIDE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On November 5, 1924, The Evening Star reports "the American people by overwhelming electoral and popular votes have elected Calvin Coolidge of Massachusetts President and Charles G. Dawes of Illinois Vice President."

The Electoral College results posted at this time are...

Coolidge/Dawes 379, Davis/Bryan 139, La Follette/Wheeler 13*

Gould Lincoln writes...

"Reacting to 'common sense' and 'safety first' pleas advanced by Republican leaders, the country definitely decided against the proposals advanced by Senator (Robert) La Follette."

*Final Vote:  Coolidge/Dawes 382, Davis/Bryan 136, LaF/Wh 13

JFK+50 NOTE

In the Election of 1924, my home state (Tennessee,12 electoral votes) was won by the Democrats.  My home county, Knox, was won by the Republicans

SOURCE

"Coolidge Margin Grows; G.O.P. Gains In Congress," by Gould Lincoln, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 5, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Calvin Coolidge

Notman Studio

Boston, Massachusetts

1919

Restoration by 

User: Adam Cuerden

"A BUSINESS COUNTRY WANTING A BUSINESS GOVERNMENT"

COOLIDGE SAYS U.S. ECONOMIC SYSTEM 'FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND'

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 23, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge spoke to "several hundred members of the New York Business Men's Republican Association" on the south grounds of the White House.

The Evening Star reports that the President declared the economic system of the United States is "fundamentally sound."

Mr. Coolidge warned the people of the United States to "think" before they tear down a system under which "so much has been accomplished."

The President said...

"This is a business country, pre-eminent in all kinds of business, industrial and agricultural and it wants a business government."

SOURCE

"Foolish To Wreck U.S. To Heal Minor Ill, Says Coolidge," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 23, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

President & Mrs. Coolidge with members 

of the Republican Business men's Association

of New York 

Library of Congress (1924)

www.loc.gov/item194508017/

"BETWEEN TWO SEASONS OF SORROW"

COOLIDGES ENJOY FULFILLMENT OF ALL POLITICAL & SOCIAL AMBITIONS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Robert T. Small writes in the July 28, 1924 edition of The Evening Star "between...two seasons of sorrow (deaths of President Warren G. Harding & Calvin Coolidge, Jr.) the Coolidges...have enjoyed the greatest happiness...the fulfillment of all political and social ambitions."

According to Mr. Small, President Coolidge entered the high office "at a time when the leaders of his party had just about determined" to replace him on the 1924 Republican ticket as Vice-President.

Within just a few months, "Coolidge was master of his party."

JFK+50 NOTE

Calvin Coolidge won election (on his own) in 1924 & served out his term ending in March 1929.  Not known as a man of many words, Mr. Coolidge said,  "I do not choose to run in 1928."

Coolidge died on January 5, 1933 just two months before FDR took office for his 1st term.  Before he was stricken by a coronary attack, CC told a friend,  "I feel I no longer fit in with these times."

SOURCE

"Coolidge's Year in White House Proves Both Happy and Sad," by Robert T. Small, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 28, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Coolidge Signs Veterans Bureau Appropriations Bill

June 1924

National Photo Company

Library of Congress

"IF PAPERS SHOW UNQUESTIONED SUPPORT OF LOCAL PARTY"

NEW ENGLAND SHOEMAKER, FRIEND OF PRESIDENT COOLIDGE, MAY ENTER POLITICS

Northampton, Massachusetts (JFK+50) On July 26, 1924, The Washington Times reports a shoemaker by the name of James Lucy, described as a "staunch friend and early adviser of President (Calvin) Coolidge," may be a candidate for the Republican nomination for representative in the legislature.

The Times further states that Mr. Lucy today agreed to become a candidate providing the names listed on his nomination papers show that he has the "unquestioned support" of the local party.

SOURCE

"Shoemaker, Friend of Coolidge, May Go Into Politics," The Washington Times, July 26, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Shoemaker

www.emojis.sh

"OUTSTANDING ISSUES: TAX REDUCTION & GOVT ECONOMY"

PRESIDENT BEGINS WORK ON NOMINATION ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On July 24, 1924, The Washington Times reports that today President Calvin Coolidge "began the actual work of writing his speech of acceptance of the Republican nomination to be delivered...August 10."

Tax reduction and government economy will be the "outstanding issues...presented."

Mr. Coolidge plans to draft a "rough outline" from materials gathered over the past two weeks and then give his speech a final "touch up."

JFK+50 NOTE

President Coolidge's acceptance speech was delivered on August 14, 1924.  The text of the speech includes these words...

"Party means political cooperation, not as an end in itself, but as a means, an instrument of government."

"Restricting immigration is not an offensive but a purely defensive action.  America must be kept American."

"This is one country.  There should be no favorites or outcasts, no race or religious prejudices in government."

Mr. Coolidge's speech seems to be very long, although I have not found how much time it took to deliver it.  Former President Trump's recent acceptance speech is the longest acceptance speech in history, taking 93 minutes to deliver.

SOURCES

"Address accepting the Republican Party's Nomination for the Presidency," Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, www.coolidgefoundation.org/

 "Coolidge Starts His Speech Of Acceptance," The Washington Times, July 24, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

President Calvin Coolidge

National Photo Company

Library of Congress

www.picryl.com/

"NOT FOR A BITTER PARTISAN FIGHT FOR RE-ELECTION"

COOLIDGE ENGROSSED IN AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT, NOT CAMPAIGN DETAILS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On July 23, 1924, Robert T. Small of The Evening Star reports that President Calvin Coolidge "appears far more engrossed in the affairs of government...than in the details of the coming campaign."

Friends of the President of the United States, according to Small, say that Mr. Coolidge "has never believed a President should make a bitterly partisan fight for re-election."

SOURCE

"U.S. Work Absorbs President's Time," by Robert T. Small, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 23, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

President Calvin Coolidge

Harris & Ewing Photo (1928)

Library of Congress

www.picryl.com/

"PRESIDENT IS A DEVOTEE OF THE RADIO"

COOLIDGE WILL LISTEN TO DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION ON HIS WIRELESS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On June 24, 1924, The Evening Star reports "the White House tuned in today on the Democratic (National) convention at New York."

After a cabinet meeting was finished, a radio receiver was set up for those present who wished to stay and listen.

The Star says that friends of the President expect him to listen in to the convention on his wireless.  The Star refers to Mr. Coolidge as "a devotee of the radio."

A Star reporter listened to the opening session on a "new Federal portable single-control four tube set."

SOURCE

"Coolidge by Radio Hears Democrats Start Convention," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., June 24, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Federal 102 Special Portable Broadcast Tube Receiver

www.ebay.com

"LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES COMING IN A BUNCH"

COURSE OF COOLIDGE ADMINISTRATION COULD BE CHARTED NOW

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 3, 1924, David Lawrence of the Evening Star writes "President (Calvin) Coolidge's opportunities for leadership...are coming in a bunch" in the next six weeks.  

Lawrence says these opportunities will include those "for assertiveness and for curbing the multifarious tendencies of Congress."

Lawrence writes...

"The course of the whole Coolidge administration could be charted now and may furnish the basis for discussion in the coming...campaign."

SOURCE

"Coolidge Now Facing Real Test As Leader," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 3, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

Calvin Coolidge In Charge

NARA & DVIDS

"PRESIDENT'S REQUEST ANSWERED IN '3 TERSE SENTENCES'"

ATTORNEY GENERAL SUBMITS RESIGNATION, EFFECTIVE AT ONCE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 28, 1924, Attorney General Harry M. Daugherty "submitted his resignation, effective at once."

According to The Evening Star, President Calvin Coolidge felt that his Attorney General "could not give disinterested attention to his official duties" while the United States has his past conduct in office under investigation.

The President's rather lengthy letter to Mr. Daugherty requesting his resignation, and published in full by the Star, is dated March 27, 1924.

The Attorney General's reply, dated March 28, 1924, was also published in full by the Star.  The letter is described as one of "three terse sentences."  One of which characterized the President's action as "unwarranted by the facts."

JFK+50 NOTE

President Coolidge's request for the Attorney General's resignation was supported virtually unanimously by Republican Senators.

SOURCE

"Daugherty Resigns At Request Of Coolidge; Attorney General Hits Back With Sizzling Reply," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 28, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Harry M. Daugherty

1920

 

"COOLIDGE KEEPS THE COUNTRY GUESSING"

PRESIDENT'S FIRST MESSAGE MAY REVEAL "DEPTHS OF HIS MIND"

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On September 30, 1923, The Sunday Star reports President Calvin Coolidge has kept the country "guessing as to White House policy until (the) next session of Congress."

Robert T. Small writes..."the country will have to wait for the first message to Congress before it can fathom the depths of President Coolidge's mind on matters of the greatest public import."

SOURCE

"President May Reveal Self In First Message," by Robert T. Small, The Sunday Star, September 30, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Calvin Coolidge

Governor of Massachusetts

1919

Library of Congress

"COOLIDGE WILL CARRY OUT HARDING'S DYING WISH"

EVENING STAR REPORTS COOLIDGE FAVORS WORLD COURT

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On September 12, 1923, The Evening Star reports that President Calvin Coolidge "has not the remotest intention of dropping the world court* issue."

The President, according to Frederic William Wile, will ask the United States Senate to adopt the late President Warren G. Harding's recommendation "for American adhesion to the tribunal."

President Coolidge's first message to Congress "will carry out Harding's 'dying wish' in the belief of 'his close friends."

*Permanent Court of International Justice (1922-1946) headquartered in The Hague, The Netherlands, heard 29 cases.  In 1946, the PCIJ was replaced by the International Court of Justice & the United Nations.

SOURCE

"Coolidge Declared Firm For World Court," by Frederic William Wile, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 12, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Seal of Permanent Court of International Justice

1922

"NO COMMENT ON LEGISLATION UNTIL PASSED"

COOLIDGE WANTS POLITICAL SPECULATION 'TABOOED'

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On August 29, 1923, David Lawrence reports that President Calvin Coolidge "would like to have 'political speculation' tabooed."  Apparently, the President would prefer to concentrate on matters at hand rather than be distracted by talk of his political intentions in the next election cycle.

It is a fact, however, that national political conventions will be choosing their presidential standard bearers in just ten months time.

Mr. Lawrence also reports the President has no intention of letting it be known if he would approve or veto congressional legislation before it passes the Congress.

SOURCE

"Coolidge Averse To Speculation On 1924 Course," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., August 29, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

President Calvin Coolidge

Official Portrait

1932

by Charles Sydney Hopkinson