Tag Archives: American history

ULYSSES UNDERGROUND: A Book Review

If anyone wants to know anything – even the most minute detail about the abolitionist movement and/or the Underground Railroad, particularly as it applies to Southern Ohio & Indiana, let them look no further than G.L. Corum, who knows practically … Continue reading

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Tom and Dolley: The Original Ben and Jerry

Ice cream has always been one of America’s favorite desserts. But was it Thomas Jefferson or Dolley Madison who deserves the credit? Many people believe that “Dolly Madison” ice cream is named for the First Lady because she invented ice … Continue reading

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Grace Coolidge: The Press Conference

  The Coolidge Presidency saw two important “entertainment” milestones: one very small, and one very large. The Small Milestone Calvin Coolidge (1872-1932) was the first president to receive a budget allowance for entertaining.   Previously, with few exceptions, all dinners, luncheons, … Continue reading

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Under This Roof: The White House and the Presidency: A Book Review

Everyone knows the White House. Everyone should know the Presidents. And the rooms themselves are a national treasure! Paul Brandus is a long time Washingtonian  POTUS expert, and happily for all, a fellow who understands his audience. He does not … Continue reading

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Moving Mamie Eisenhower

   Mamie Doud was only nineteen when she married recent West Point graduate Lt. Dwight Eisenhower. Young Army Bride Mamie’s parents, John and Elivera Doud were not happy about their daughter’s marriage.  They adored Dwight David Eisenhower, and would consider … Continue reading

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Lou Henry Hoover: The Desk Story

In 1914 when World War I began in Europe, Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover were millionaires, living in a posh London townhouse. The Millionaire Part Neither of the Hoovers were born rich. Lou’s family were solidly middle class, but hardly … Continue reading

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Mrs. Keckley, “Contraband” and The Lincolns

The Civil War brought out great bitterness. It also brought out great generosity. “Contraband” Fortress Monroe, near Norfolk, VA, was a crucial center for the Union, since it commanded the Chesapeake Bay, its trade, commerce and defensive position. General Benjamin … Continue reading

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The President and the Apprentice: A Book Review

The President and the Apprentice by Irvin F. Gellman is a massive and masterful book. It runs nearly 600 pages, not counting another 200 small print notes and citations. A remarkable effort. One could write pages of comments of course … Continue reading

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Nabby Adams: The Mastectomy

John and Abigail Adams’ daughter underwent a mastectomy when she was forty-four. The Oldest Adams Offspring The eldest of the four surviving children of John and Abigail Adams was a daughter, named Abigail (1765-1813) and forever nicknamed “Nabby.”   Somewhat withdrawn … Continue reading

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Jane Pierce: First Lady of Sorrows

Some people are born with a melancholy gene. Like Jane Appleton Pierce. A Solemn Girl There was nothing in Jane Appleton’s (1806-63) childhood that suggested merriment. She was a New Englander, her father a Congregational minister, and strict religious observance … Continue reading

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