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A ‘Calvin Coolidge’ Living Room Set
Per the caption, it seems the designer of this 1928 set felt if it were named after President Coolidge the chances of winning the (unnamed) competition would increase. Wrong. The style is closer to mongrel Borax than L’Art Moderne and seventh place was at best, well, kind. With 20-20 hindsight it’s easy to see why the first three years of American Modernism (1926-1929) was an abysmal failure both commercially and aesthetically. Image from ‘A History of American Furniture’ by Marta K. Sironen, Towse Publishing Company, 1936.
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The Coolidges Return to Northampton
March 4th 1929 Herbert Hoover was inaugurated as the 31st President and the Coolidges, after attending the inauguration, returned to their beloved Northampton. Grace Coolidge wrote that as she journeyed back to Northampton from Washington D.C. that “I suddenly realized that I had come back to myself, that my husband was no longer the head of our great nation, and that he and I were free to come and go and order our lives according to the dictates of out hearts, responsible only to ourselves for the outcome of out decisions. Gone were the men of the Secret Service, the aides, the valet, the maid, and we were homeward bound.”
from Grace Coolidge: An Autobiography
Edited by Lawrence E. Wikander and Robert H. Ferrel -
Happy Birthday Lincoln!
Happy birthday to Abraham Lincoln! Today marks his 200th birthday. Over 70 years ago, Calvin Coolidge remarked on the character of our 16th president:
“He declared that right makes its own might and he dared to act accordingly. Not only because he was a leader of those who saved the Union, but because of the man himself, his humanity, his sincerity, his devotion, the whole nation joins in observing his birthday and the whole world looks on him as a friend.”
From “Calvin Coolidge Says” a syndicated newspaper column February 11, 1931
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Perseverance
The end of January approaches. How many of you are still working on those New Year’s resolutions? If you haven’t started, haven’t yet chosen one, or have already given up, it’s not too late to concentrate on them once more. For motivation, take Calvin Coolidge’s words to heart:
“The great fact seems to be that when a man dedicates his whole soul to his work, when he fully determines to meet the responsibilities that he incurs, in his time of need some power outside himself directs his course and gives him the strength to prevail. To such men comes revelation. They do better than they know. Therein lies the hope of the world.”
From “Calvin Coolidge Says” a syndicated newspaper column July 10, 1930
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Inauguration Day
In honor of Inauguration Day, here are some words from a former President:
“Confidence in the President is almost identical with confidence in the country and in ourselves. With public support he can do a great deal to save any situation.”
From “Calvin Coolidge Says” a syndicated newspaper column July 17, 1930
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1925 Inaugural address
For the text his speech see The American Presidency Project
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100th Anniversary of Coolidge as Mayor
Calvin Coolidge was elected Mayor of Northampton, Massachusetts on December 7, 1909 beginning a continuous course of public service until he left the White House on March 4, 1929. The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum is planning special events, programs and exhibits later this year to mark the 100th anniversary of his election as Mayor. Stayed tuned to this blog for more information in the coming months.
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The Importance of Character
If you’re feeling low on cash after your holiday spending, remember that money is not everything:
“…Keep in mind that wealth is not an end but a means. We need it only for the use we can make of it. The real standard of life is not one of quantity but of quality; not of money, but of character.”
From “Calvin Coolidge Says” a syndicated newspaper column August 8, 1930
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Happy New Year!
Need help choosing of a New Year’s resolution? Think of Calvin Coolidge’s words:
“We take a new inventory to see what we have, we take new bearings to see where we are, we correct our conduct by new resolutions. After all due allowance for error and relapse, such a course guarantees improvement. Perhaps the best resolve is to live so that next year new resolutions will be unnecessary.”
From “Calvin Coolidge Says” a syndicated newspaper column December 31, 1930
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Merry Christmas
“Christmas represents love and mercy… Christmas holds its place in the hearts of men because they know that love is the greatest thing in the world. Christmas is celebrated in its true spirit only by those who make some sacrifice for the benefit of their fellow men.”
From “Calvin Coolidge Says” a syndicated newspaper column December 24, 1930
