florida

“The Nation’s Christmas Tree,” 1926

/ gouverneurmorris / 2 Comments

No, it is not in Washington, D.C., but rests across the continent among the ancient forests of California. Declared by President Calvin Coolidge in 1926 to be the “Nation’s Christmas Tree” the “General Grant” sequoia in California’s Kings Canyon National Park is the third largest tree in the world, behind “General Sherman” and “President,” named for Warren Harding in 1923. This very deliberate designation for a tree as far removed as possible from the Nation’s capital underscores where our thirtieth President placed American identity: among the People themselves, not under an omnipresent shadow of Government. Estimated at over 1600 years of age, the tree stands 267 feet in height and 107.6 feet in circumference.

Base of the tree, photo taken in 1907.

Base of the tree, photo taken in 1907.

The "Nation's Christmas Tree" in the middle of summer. The snow on the ground reminds us how aptly named it was by President Coolidge. It is here, in the beauty of America's sequoias that the Christmas Tree finds its most distinctive representation.

The “Nation’s Christmas Tree” in the middle of summer. The snow on the ground reminds us how aptly named it was by President Coolidge. It is here, in the majesty of America’s sequoias, that the Christmas Tree finds its most distinctive representation.

As documented by James C. Clark in his research on Presidents in Florida, this picture widely circulated soon after President Coolidge's visit to the Longwood area in 1929 was a case of doctored photography. The superimposed image of the Coolidges beside the 3500 year old "Senator" was circulated anew after it caught fire and collapsed in 2012.

As documented by James C. Clark in his book, Presidents in Florida, this picture of another very big tree was widely circulated soon after President Coolidge’s visit to the Lake Wales area in February 1929 despite being a case of doctored photography. The superimposed image of the Coolidges beside the 3500 year old cypress tree known as “The Senator” was circulated anew after the tree caught fire and collapsed in 2012 (Clark pp.92-93).

On the Move

/ gouverneurmorris / Leave a comment

On the Move

Here former President Coolidge, staying at the Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora, Florida, is walking along with Archie Hurlburt (behind Coolidge), Cal’s friend and also the manager of the Inn at that time, Carl Ray (to his right), and “Shorty” Davidson (behind Hurlburt).

Ray and Davidson, both Ocala-area entrepreneurs, teamed up in 1924 to revitalize Silver Springs into a successful attraction. They made it work and it drew folks for decades afterward as a result of their efforts.

On this Sunday afternoon, February 9, 1930, Coolidge accompanied them on the hour-long glass-bottom boat tour, seeing the various underwater springs including the area near the dock which, even then, was becoming a favorite for underwater filming.

The Coolidges stayed at Lakeside for a month on their way to California. Trying to travel as private citizens again, the Coolidges could not escape the crowds drawn to their every stop. Finally concluding unobtrusive travel was no longer possible, Coolidge never saw all he wanted to of the country. He sacrificed his curiosity to see and do to the solitude and separation from public life he wished still more after having walked away from the most powerful office in the world.

Visit to Rollins College

/ gouverneurmorris / 1 Comment

Visit to Rollins College

The former President and First Lady were invited for lunch at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, January 13, 1930. Pictured beside them, from left to right: Hamilton Holt, who would serve as President of the College from 1925-1949, after losing the Senate race in Connecticut in 1924, running as a Democrat; Mary E. Bacheller; Alexina L. Holt, Hamilton’s wife; and Irving Bacheller, a long-time trustee of Rollins College.

It was Mr. Bacheller who shared, during the event attended by the Coolidges in Rollins’ recreation hall (according to school history), “delightfully whimsical reminiscences” of the institution and his involvement with it. President Holt had promised Coolidge he would not have to speak at all nor would he be expected to take part in honorary degree ceremonies. He was welcome simply as a visitor, which was likely the most persuasive kind of invitation Coolidge would receive during this trip.