"I'M NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO MAKE A SPEECH"

WOMEN ADMIRERS OF FORMER PRESIDENT WILSON PAY TRIBUTE AT HIS S STREET HOME

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On April 28, 1922, "several thousand women admirers*" of former President Woodrow Wilson "marched to (his) secluded S Street home...and paid him a silent, but tensely emotional tribute."

Mr. Wilson, described by the Washington Bureau of the New York Tribune as a "physically broken man**," came to the doorway "leaning heavily upon a colored servant" and briefly spoke to the women.

The 28th POTUS said...

"Thank you very much for the compliment.  I appreciate it deeply.  I am sorry I am not strong enough to make a speech."

*The women were Democratic delegates to the Women's Pan American Conference & Convention of the National League of Women Voters meeting in Baltimore.

**President Wilson suffered a stroke on Oct 2 1919 & although he slowly recovered, it left him paralyzed on one side.  WW died in 1924. 

SOURCES

"Wilson Cheered By Women of Many Nations," The New York Tribune, April 29, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Woodrow Wilson suffers a stroke," This Day In History:  October 2, www.history.com/ 

   

 

Woodrow Wilson House

Washington, D.C.

Photo by APK (2020)

"UPON HIS RETURNING HEALTH & SHOW OUR APPRECIATION"

ADMIRERS OF PRESIDENT WILSON TO HONOR HIM ON ARMISTICE DAY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On November 6, 1921, a group of admirers of Woodrow Wilson "selected Armistice Day, November 11, to express their appreciation of the former President."

The group plans to follow the ceremonies of the burial of the unknown American soldier at Arlington with a demonstration at Mr. Wilson's home* on S Street here in the District. 

Sponsors of the event issued a formal invitation "to congratulate Mr. Wilson..upon his returning health and show him our appreciation." 

*Woodrow Wilson House, home of the 28th POTUS after he left office, is located at 2340 S Street NW just off Embassy Row.  WW died here on Feb 3, 1924.

SOURCE

"Wilson Demonstration Set For Armistice Day," The New York Tribune, November 7, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

   

 

Woodrow Wilson House

Washington, D.C.

Photo by APK (2020)

"ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IN WASHINGTON DC"

PRESIDENT WILSON BUYS FAIRBANKS HOME

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) The White House announced on December 17, 1920 that President Woodrow Wilson had purchased the home of Henry S. Fairbanks located at 2340 S Street NW* here in the Nation's Capital.

The Washington Times described the home as "one of the most beautiful" in the city with "extensive grounds in the rear."

The Times also described the home as being "near Sheridan Circle" and not far from Rock Creek Park.

The President bought the residence as a gift for his wife, Edith.

 

*The Georgian Revival home was built by Henry Fairbanks in 1915 from the design of architect Waddy Butler Wood.  It is located near Embassy Row & was designated a national historic site in 1964. Mr. & Mrs. Wilson moved in on Inauguration Day, March 4, 1921.

 

SOURCE

"President Buys Fairbanks Home," The Washington Times, Final Edition, December 17, 1920, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

 

Woodrow Wilson House

Washington, D.C.

Photo by APK (2020)

wikimedia.org/

 

PRESIDENT WILSON DIED 89 YEARS AGO TODAY

February 3, 2013

PRESIDENT WILSON DIED 89 YEARS AGO TODAY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, died at the age of 67 in Washington on February 3, 1924.

Woodrow Wilson became the 1st United States president to be buried in Washington, D.C.  His remains were interred in the National Cathedral.

              Sarcophagus of President Wilson
                       The National Cathedral
                             Washington, D.C.
               Photo by Tony Fischer (2009)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonythemisfit/4686506855

Since leaving the White House, Wilson had lived with his wife Edith in a townhouse on Embassy Row which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year as a National Historic Site.

Edith Wilson lived in the home at 2340 S Street NW until her death on December 28, 1961.

                Woodrow Wilson House
               Washington, D.C. (2008)
         Photo by AgnosticPreachersKid

President Wilson's decline in health began when he collapsed in Pueblo, Colorado on September 25, 1919, followed by a stroke on October 2.

The stroke left the President paralyzed on his left side & blind in his left eye.

Mr. Wilson remained in seclusion for most of the remainder of his term as president & the extent of his disability was kept from the public.

The former president was able to enjoy some public appearances in his retirement & gave his last speech from the balcony of his S Street home on Armistice Day, November 11, 1923.

Wilson was also the beneficiary of visits from British PM David Lloyd George & former French PM Georges Clemenceau.

Woodrow Wilson, Governor of New Jersey, won election as a progressive Democrat in 1912, defeating incumbent Republican William Howard Taft & Progressive Theodore Roosevelt.

Wilson, who took office in 1913, signed into law the Federal Reserve Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Clayton Anti-Trust Act & the Federal Farm Loan Act.

Re-elected in 1916, President Wilson led the nation through the First World World & introduced a plan for peace called "The 14 Points."

Mr. Wilson attended the peace conference in Paris & supported the Versailles Treaty ending the war.

It was during the failed battle to win support for ratification of the treaty that Wilson was stricken by illness.

         President & Mrs. Woodrow Wilson
                       The White House
                              June 1920
                Photo by Harris & Ewing
               Library of Congress Image