"TAKES LONG STROLL AROUND WHITE HOUSE GROUNDS"

FIRST LADY IS BIG HIT WITH CHILDREN & ADULTS AT EASTER EGG-ROLLING

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On April 5, 1926, the annual White House Easter egg-rolling event, according to the Evening Star, "took place...without casualties."

The First Lady "actively" joined in the fun "by taking a long unannounced stroll completely around the grounds of the Executive Mansion.

Mrs. Calvin Coolidge was accompanied by a single secret service agent and the two White House canines, Rob Roy and Prudence Prim.

The group was quickly surrounded by many children and adults as the First Lady was recognized.

SOURCE

"First Lady Mingles In Throng At White House Egg-Rolling," The Evening Star, April 6, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Egg Rolling White House Grounds

April 7, 1890

www.picryl.com/

"THIS IS A SAD TIME FOR ALL PEOPLE"

BODY OF PRESIDENT KENNEDY LIES IN EAST ROOM AS LBJ RUNS THE GOVERNMENT

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On Saturday, November 23, 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson ran the government of the United States "from his old Vice-Presidential office across from the White House."

The body of his predecessor, John F. Kennedy, lay in repose in the East Room of the Executive Mansion.

Mr. Kennedy, the youngest elected POTUS, was felled by assassin's bullets yesterday afternoon in Dallas, Texas as he rode in an open car through the city streets.

LBJ was sworn-in as president on Air Force One at Love Field in Dallas.  After arriving at Andrews AFB, he said...

"This is a sad time for all people.  I know the world shares the sorrow that Mrs. Kennedy and her family bear.  I will do my best.  I ask for your help, and God's."

SOURCE

"President Johnson Takes Over, Kennedy Lies in White House," by Garnett D. Horner, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 23, 1963, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

LBJ Takes Oath of Office

Air Force One

Dallas, Texas

Nov 22 1963

jfk library

www.picryl.com/

"FLAGS AT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AT FULL STAFF"

WHITE HOUSE FLAG LOWERED TO HALF-STAFF 

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On July 8, 1924, The Evening Star reports President Calvin Coolidge has "personally expressed a wish that the death of his son (Calvin Coolidge, Jr.) be not officially recognized."

Because, however, the President's advisers insisted that the United States flag at the White House be lowered to half-staff in honor of his son, Mr. Coolidge gave his consent.

"Flags on the government departments will remain at full staff."

President Coolidge believes his son's death is not an "official matter" and as such should be given as little publicity as is possible.

JFK+50 NOTE

According to the Library of Congress, "The flag on the White House is never flown at half-mast except on the occasion of the death of the POTUS or an ex-president. But the rule has been broken."

SOURCES

"White House Flag Alone Half-Staffed For Coolidge's Son," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 8, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"White House flag at half-mast," The Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

The White House

South Portico

Nov 21 1929

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

"MOST GRUELING ORDEAL FOR PRESIDENT & 1ST LADY"

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/

 

 

Presidential New Year's Reception

January 1 1930

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

WHITE HOUSE CORNERSTONE MYSTERY

JFK+50:  Volume 6, No. 2087

WHITE HOUSE CORNERSTONE LAID 224 YEARS AGO

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) 224 years ago today, October 13, 1792, the first stone of the President's House was laid here in the Nation's Capital.  The description of this historic event comes from a news story appearing in the Charleston City Gazette of November 15, 1792.

"On Saturday the 13th inst. the first stone was laid in the southwest corner of the President's House, in the city of Washington, by the Free Masons of George-town and its vicinity who assembled on the occasion.

The procession was formed at the Fountain Inn, Georgetown.  The ceremony was performed by brother J.T. Casneve, the master of the lodge.  He delivered an oration well adapted to the occasion."

The news story also informed readers that a brass plate was placed inside the cornerstone with the following inscription:

"George Washington, President.

T. Johnson, Doctor Stewart, Daniel Carroll, James Hoban, Architect

Collen Williamson, Master Mason

Vivat Respublica

According to Hannah Schwefel of The St. Norbest Times, the cornerstone, made out of very heavy Aquia sandstone from Virginia, has not been seen since it was first laid.  The Masonic tradition was to locate first stones in the Northeast corner, but a letter found in 1946 suggested the White House cornerstone was laid in the Southwest corner.

Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Harry Truman attempted unsuccessfully to locate the cornerstone.  Ms. Schwefel says that its location remains a mystery.

SOURCES

"The Mystery of the White House Cornerstone," by Hannah Schwefel, St. Norbest Times, www.sntimes.wordpress.com/

" 1792-Strange Secrets of the White House," Rense.com

The White House

North Portico

Photo by John White (2016)