“A President’s Son in the Ring” by Pete Ehrmann
Today marks an obscure but interesting anniversary for President Coolidge’s eldest son, John. Mr. Ehrmann over at The American Spectator has a fascinating piece about the occasion drawing from both familiar and new information on the Coolidge family. The degrees of separation between John and Bruce Willis are closer than they appear.
“The Republican Ideal” by Mark Steyn
After his recent visit to Plymouth Notch, read the indomitable Mark Steyn’s thoughts on the home and legacy of President Coolidge. An excerpt reads, “I do believe it’s the coolest grave of any head of state I’ve ever stood in front of. It moves me far more than the gaudier presidential memorials. ‘We draw our presidents from the people,’ said Coolidge. ‘I came from them. I wish to be one of them again.’ He lived the republican ideal most of our political class merely pays lip service to.” All too true, Mr. Steyn. It is one of the most powerful reasons to take another look when it comes to Calvin Coolidge.
Mentioned on our blog in the recent past, this is a facsimile of Coolidge’s inscription to Ed Hall of Dartmouth College, Hanover, written and signed in a copy of Coolidge’s early speeches, “Have Faith in Massachusetts.” Composed after both men had lost sons, and as Mr. Hall was establishing the library of Dick’s House at Dartmouth (in honor of his late son), Coolidge says:
To Edward K. Hall,
In recollection of his son and my son who have the privilege by the grace of God to be boys through all eternity.
Calvin Coolidge
The Importance of the Obvious 