The President’s Angsts

By his own admission, Warren G. Harding was ill-equipped to be President. He stated many times (usually to private friends), that he was unqualified for the post. He did not lie. His experience as a newspaper publisher and state legislator was satisfactory and perhaps qualified him to serve as Senator, albeit not in any leadership capacity. He never introduced legislation of any major significance. 

His business acumen was modest, and generally on a lower level. (His own Marion Star newspaper was successful, but it was a small-town paper). He had little experience in economics and finance. His international diplomatic skills were untested and negligible. 

He was also ill equipped for the position by nature. He was an accommodating person rather than one to shoulder the hard calls. Or the hard work. Or the hard issues that invariably confront every sitting President. 

But on the plus side, he knew it. 

One time he complained to his secretary about the amount of work there was, and was advised that perhaps he should curtail the public meet-and-greets that had been a part of presidential tradition since George Washington. “If you cancel the twice weekly ‘open house’ for an hour and a half, you will have an extra three hours a week.” “But meeting the public is the only thing I enjoy about the job, and probably the only thing I am good at,” he sighed. 

He didn’t lie about that either.

Warren Harding was a genial fellow with many friends. He had a natural talent for the glad-hand, and his “how ya doin’” and “nice to see ya” was absolutely sincere. It was part of what made him a popular speaker from OH civic groups, to national political exposure across the country. But again, by his own admission, he preferred just being one of the guys in the foursome on the golf course. He wasn’t particularly good at golf, but it was enjoyable!

The Foursome, Sans Golf, Sans President

There was a foursome, but not a golfing group. For a half dozen years, four of the best known men in the country, all notable high achievers, went on a camping trip for a week or two in various locations in the Appalachian Mountains.

Thomas Edison, inventor of you-name-it, Henry Ford, the car guy, Harvey Firestone, the rubber king, and John Burroughs, the foremost naturalist/conservationist in the country, had become great personal friends, and made time for friendship and relaxation. They called their group “The Vagabonds.” This was definitely not just a fishing-buddy trip; their excursion into various deep woods was made with guides, cooks, baggage handlers, horses, maintenance fellows, etc. They had a grand time!

But in March 1921, John Burroughs died. There was an opening in the foursome. Harvey Firestone, looking for a little extra publicity for their illustrious group, came up with the idea to invite the newly elected President to join the excursion. The “threesome” knew that having the POTUS along, even for the weekend, was definitely a nice perk for them. All of them had business issues they hoped to discuss with the President. Privately.

Warren Harding was delighted to accept. It was one of his perks. He also knew, if nothing else, that he was pretty congenial company even without the presidency. It might actually be a lot of fun! The past six months of campaigning and preparing for his new job had been very stressful.

The Foursome, Sans Golf, With President, With Wives

Of course the “presidency” required conditions. The President insisted that the campsite had to be in near proximity to Washington. Secret Service agents were required. A professional photographer was required. A movie crew (which obviously pleased Mr. Edison) was included. A large press contingent was essential all all. Harding’s group alone was more than 40 personnel.

A site tucked within view of the gorgeous Blue Ridge, in remote, tiny Pectonville, Maryland was chosen. While it was near enough to a main road, the campsite was accessible only via a bridge to the private property. It could be easily protected by the Secret Service contingent.

And, perhaps at the urging of Mrs. Harding, for the first time, wives would be included. She wanted to go! Alas, to her great disappointment, she caught a bad cold and had to cancel at the last minute. WGH went anyway, but only stayed for two days. The Missus Edison, Ford and Firestone went anyway also. With hats and dresses – and sensible shoes!

Luxury Camping

It was not exactly what The Vagabonds usually experienced. Nevertheless, they were not getting any younger, (Edison was 74!) and all had the wherewithal to do practically whatever they liked. Like traveling by motor cars and trucks that could accommodate more than 40 people – rather than just their usual horses.

Two specially-built trucks were in their caravan. One was refrigerated for the hundreds of pounds of perishables they required. The other was filled with their kitchen sundries and every possible utensil and crockery imaginable. Other large trucks carried tents and cots, camp chairs and bedding and all the tools necessary to set up camp. They even brought along an electric player-piano for entertainment. The entire contingent was estimated at more than 100.

But they found time for some horseback riding, fishing and doing the usual camping chores. WGH was assigned to chop firewood, but soon handed his axe over to Henry Ford.

But gathering in the dining tent swapping stories was delightful! The President was happy. And the food was good.

Today, the campsite is within Camp Harding Park. With a suitable plaque.

Sources:

Guinn, Jeff – The Vagabonds: The Story of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison’s Ten-Year Road Trip. Simon & Schuster, 2020.

Sinclair, Andrew – The Available Man – MacMillan, 1965

https://www.whitehousehistory.org/bios/warren-g-harding

https://boundarystones.weta.org/2023/08/30/president-harding-and-vagabonds

https://dnr.maryland.gov/pages/md-conservation-history/travelerspart2.aspx