Tag Archives: Presidential history

The Unexpected President: Chester Alan Arthur…..Life and Times: A Book Review

There are very few things that Chester Alan Arthur is “famous” for. One, is his mutton chop whiskers; the other is his statement that “I may be President of the United States, but my private life is my own business.” … Continue reading

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Mary Lincoln’s Gala Bash

In early February, 1862, President and Mrs. Lincoln hosted their only huge party at the White House. Mrs. Lincoln: New FLOTUS For nineteen years Mrs. Abraham Lincoln was only a middle class Springfield, Illinois housewife – and the middle class … Continue reading

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The Deception of Franklin Pierce

Some marriages are mismatches. The Pierces Franklin Pierce was 30 years old when he married in 1834. Good looking, genial and personable, he waited until he was established in his law practice, and was a sitting New Hampshire Democratic Congressman. … Continue reading

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Rutherford Hayes’ Secret Oath

The election of 1876 was one of the most rancorous, divisive and probably corrupt in American history.             Oddly Enough… Both Governor Rutherford Hayes (R-OH) and Governor Samuel Tilden (D-NY) were honest, decent men, albeit … Continue reading

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President Grant and the First State Dinner

The first sovereign of a foreign country to be hosted at a White House State Dinner was the King of the Sandwich Islands – in 1874. State Dinners From the beginning of the United States as a nation, elegant dining … Continue reading

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Sarah Polk’s Memoirs

First Lady Sarah Childress Polk lived to be nearly ninety. Miss Childress of Tennessee Sarah Childress (1803-1891) was born to a comfortable Murfreesboro, Tennessee family, not long after it had joined the Union. Her Presbyterian father was a planter and … Continue reading

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Julia Tyler’s Premonition

Julia Gardiner Tyler spent only seven months as First Lady; then she went to live in Virginia. JGT: The Young Wife Julia Gardiner (1820-1889) was only 24 when she married sitting President John Tyler, a recent widower.  At 54, Tyler … Continue reading

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William McKinley: The Sneezing Fit

President William McKinley was a genial and popular man. He had a long list of personal friends. William McK: Mister Nice Guy William McKinley (1843-1901) was a nice fellow – and a good fellow. At 18, he enlisted in the … Continue reading

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Harriet Lane and the James Buchanan Statue

James Buchanan has been the cellar dweller among Presidents for more than 150 years. JB: The Balance Sheet The asset side. Pennsylvania’s James Buchanan (1791-1868) came to the presidency in 1857 with a forty-plus-year resume of solid achievement: successful attorney, … Continue reading

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Harry Truman, Poker and The Buck Stops Here

President Harry Truman’s desk sign “The Buck Stops Here” is usually construed as an assumption of responsibility. The Origin of “The Buck” The saying, however, derives from a poker term (and HST was a long-time poker player). In the wild … Continue reading

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