Chapter One of Calvin Coolidge’s Autobiography

May 12, 2014May 12, 2014 / gouverneurmorris / Leave a comment

Read by the new Program and Editorial Associate of the Coolidge Foundation, Rushad Thomas, here is the first installment of the finest Presidential memoirs ever written. It is aptly suited for reading, written as it was for child and adult alike. Listen carefully, take time to reflect on the observations and insights offered and be ready to learn from one of the wisest and most underestimated of our Presidents.

Calvin at age 3, 1875-76. This was the year his grandfather carried him the to the Vermont State House in Montpelier. When little Calvin reached for the gavel, it was time to leave. Little could anyone suspect that the authority of a presiding officer would loom large in his future (The Autobiography p.18).

“US President Calvin Coolidge”

April 2, 2014April 6, 2014 / gouverneurmorris / Leave a comment

Aaron1912 has put up a very entertaining montage of clips of the Coolidges both during the Presidency and in retirement. While both Calvin and Grace knew how to maximize the benefits of technology in film and sound, Mrs. Coolidge is especially accentuating her role opposite Santa Claus (played by Frank Kiernan of the Massachusetts TB League) at 1:27 in this delightful video. Enjoy!

The Coolidges at White Pine Camp, Adirondacks, New York, summer 1926

March 29, 2014March 31, 2014 / gouverneurmorris / 2 Comments

The Coolidges at White Pine Camp, Adirondacks, New York, summer 1926

Do you have a license for that dog?

In fact, yes.

The application for license to possess Rob Roy on park grounds. Yes, the President filled out the application himself.

The application for license to possess Rob Roy on the park grounds. Notice that the President filled out the application himself.

The cottage where Mr. and Mrs. Coolidge — and the dogs — stayed that summer, located 2 miles north of Paul Smith’s hotel. Courtesy of Lynn Newman.

Coolidge stands with hotel owner Phelps Smith, in front of Glover Cottage at Paul Smith's famous hotel, where Executive Offices were established during the 10 weeks they stayed in the Adirondacks.

Coolidge stands with hotel owner Phelps Smith, in front of Glover Cottage near his father Paul’s famous hotel, where Executive Offices were established during the 10 weeks the Coolidges stayed in the Adirondacks. It appears that Ted Clark, the President’s private secretary, is pausing at the top of the stairs. Sadly the hotel would burn to the ground four years later. Photo courtesy of Adirondack Collection, Saranac Lake Free Library.