Calvin Coolidge

NAME John Calvin Coolidge Jr.

WHAT FAMOUS FOR The 30th President of the United States, known for his quiet demeanor and laissez-faire approach to government.

BIRTH Coolidge was born on July 4, 1872, making him the only U.S. President to be born on Independence Day.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Coolidge’s family was of rural, New England stock, with a tradition of self-sufficiency. His father, John Calvin Coolidge Sr., was a farmer, storekeepe, and local public servant.

His mother Victoria Josephine (Moor) Coolidge died in 1885 when Calvin Coolidge was 13 years old. She was described by Coolidge as "practically an invalid ever after I could remember her," suggesting she had health issues for much of his childhood.

CHILDHOOD Coolidge grew up in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, a small, remote town. His childhood was modest, and he was raised with traditional Yankee values of thrift, hard work, and independence.

The loss of his mother, followed by the death of his younger sister, Abigail Grace, at the age of fifteen, cast a long shadow over his youth. These experiences likely contributed to his reserved and somewhat fatalistic demeanor.

EDUCATION Despite these hardships, Coolidge pursued his education diligently. He attended Black River Academy in Ludlow, Vermont, and briefly studied at St. Johnsbury Academy before enrolling at Amherst College in 1891. At Amherst, he excelled academically, winning prizes for public speaking and essay writing. He graduated cum laude in 1895.

Coolidge as an Amherst College undergraduate

CAREER RECORD  After college, Coolidge embarked on a legal career, reading law with a firm in Northampton, Massachusetts. He was admitted to the bar in 1897.

Coolidge began his career as a lawyer and moved into local and state politics in Massachusetts. He rose through the ranks, eventually serving as Governor of Massachusetts. 

In 1920, he was elected Vice President under Warren G. Harding and assumed the presidency in 1923 upon Harding’s sudden death.

APPEARANCE Calvin Coolidge possessed a distinctive appearance that mirrored his reserved personality. Standing at approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall with a slender build, he cut a somewhat unassuming figure. His face was characterized by finely chiseled features, a narrow, pointed nose, a cleft chin, small, deeply set blue eyes, and thin, pursed lips.

His hair, initially a vibrant red, gradually transitioned to a sandy hue as he aged. A peculiar habit of slicking down his hair with petroleum jelly added to his distinctive look. Coolidge's high forehead and prominent nose further accentuated his facial features. His distinctive New England nasal twang completed his unique physical presence.

Despite his unassuming appearance, Coolidge's public image was far from ordinary. The British ambassador famously remarked, "I never saw a man who looked less like the son of a farmer." This understated look, coupled with his serious demeanor and numerous eccentricities, contributed to his political appeal.

Calvin Coolidge, Governor of Massachusetts

FASHION Coolidge dressed conservatively, favoring dark, plain suits, which reflected his unassuming nature.

CHARACTER Coolidge was known for his honesty, self-discipline, and practicality. His reserved nature led some to see him as cold, but those close to him described him as thoughtful and compassionate. He was often described as a man of few words.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Despite his reputation as "Silent Cal," Coolidge had a dry, understated sense of humor. He once famously responded to a bet by remaining silent for an entire dinner party. His practical jokes included stepping on his wife’s biscuits to emphasize their toughness.

Coolidge’s witty quotes and personal anecdotes frequently appear in books and articles about presidential humor. Stories like his habit of ringing the White House doorbell and hiding, or his habit of saying as little as possible in conversations, continue to fascinate readers. His brief, humorous interactions are often cited to show his quick wit, like the time he responded to a woman’s bet that she could get him to say more than two words by simply replying, “You lose.”

Another memorable story is his famous decision not to run for re-election, announced with the simple phrase, “I do not choose to run for President in 1928.”

RELATIONSHIPS Calvin Coolidge first met Grace Anna Goodhue in Northampton, Massachusetts, where Grace was a dedicated educator at the Clarke School for the Deaf. Their courtship was brief yet decisive, with Coolidge proposing in a straightforward manner: "I am going to be married to you."

The couple exchanged vows in a simple ceremony held at Grace's parents' home in Burlington, Vermont on October 4, 1905. After a week-long honeymoon in Montreal, they returned to Northampton to begin their life together.

Grace and Calvin were an unlikely pair, with contrasting personalities. While Grace was vivacious, talkative, and sociable, Calvin was reserved, stoic, and serious. Despite these differences, their marriage was a harmonious one. Grace's outgoing nature complemented Calvin's quiet demeanor, making them a well-balanced couple, particularly in social and political settings.

The Coolidges had two sons: John Coolidge, born in 1906, and Calvin Coolidge Jr., born in 1908. While John inherited his father's reserved nature and embarked on a successful career in business, Calvin Jr. was more outgoing and creative, resembling his mother. Tragically, Calvin Jr. died on July 7, 1924 after developing a fatal infection. 

Grace, a hands-on mother, raised her sons without the aid of servants. The family maintained a modest, middle-class lifestyle, even as Calvin's political career soared. The untimely death of Calvin Jr. cast a long shadow over the family, leaving a lasting impact on the President's public persona.

Calvin Coolidge reflected on his marriage in his autobiography, writing, "For almost a quarter of a century she has borne with my infirmities, and I have rejoiced in her graces." 

Their enduring love story lasted until Calvin's death in 1933. Grace continued to be an active figure in various causes until her passing in 1957.

Grace Coolidge in 1924

MONEY AND FAME Coolidge’s restrained approach to life extended to his view on wealth; he lived modestly even after achieving fame. He famously declined to run for a second elected term in 1928, leaving public life with little fanfare.

FOOD AND DRINK Calvin Coolidge, a man of simple tastes, preferred traditional New England fare and home-style cooking. Corned beef with cabbage and beef stew were among his favorite dishes, expertly prepared by White House cook Margaret Carr. When it came to dessert, Coolidge had a particular fondness for apple pie, a preference that aligned with his New England roots and taste for classic American comfort foods.

Pancakes were another breakfast favorite, a preference shared by several American presidents. While Coolidge appreciated the simplicity of these dishes, he was less enthusiastic about his wife Grace's culinary skills, particularly her baking. Grace herself admitted to being "fairly helpless in the kitchen." Coolidge often joked about the heaviness of her biscuits and the toughness of her pie crusts. Despite these playful jabs, the couple shared a good-natured relationship, and Grace often joined in the humor by mimicking Calvin's distinctive New England accent.

As for Coolidge's drinking habits, they are not extensively documented. However, given his reputation for frugality and simple tastes, it is likely that he was a moderate drinker.

MUSIC AND ARTS Calvin Coolidge took little interest in music the arts. However, Grace Coolidge possessed a lifelong love for music. She began receiving private lessons in piano, speech, and singing at a young age. Her passion for music continued at the University of Vermont, where she joined the college glee club.

As First Lady, Grace's love for music and theater flourished. She organized numerous musicales at the White House, inviting up to 300 guests to enjoy performances by renowned musicians such as Sergei Rachmaninoff (who performed at the White House three times) and tenor John McCormack. Grace was also a frequent attendee of operas and plays in Washington, particularly enjoying the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Her goal, as she stated, was "to gather a company of people who knew and appreciated the best in music.

LITERATURE Coolidge was well-read in classical literature and personally translated Dante's Inferno, which he gifted to his wife. However, he rarely read for pleasure.

Coolidge has been the subject of numerous biographies, including Coolidge by Amity Shlaes, which examines his minimalist approach to government. In the book, Shlaes argues for the relevance of his conservative economic policies and commitment to limited government. 

NATURE Coolidge enjoyed nature and the outdoors. He had a strong connection to his rural roots in Vermont, where he frequently returned for respite.

PETS Coolidge had a passion for animals and had an extensive menagerie, including Rob Roy, his beloved white collie, who was immortalized in a portrait of Grace Coolidge (see below).

On November 25, 1926, a raccoon intended for President Calvin Coolidge's Thanksgiving dinner was spared and named Rebecca. She became a beloved pet of the Coolidge family, even making appearances at the White House Easter Egg Roll. However, her mischievous nature, including a penchant for ripping clothing and upholstery, led to some frustration among White House staff. A second raccoon, Reuben, was added as a companion, but the two were reportedly incompatible. Despite their antics, Rebecca and Reuben left a unique mark on White House history.

Coolidge also a cat named Tiger, and a chow chow named Timmy. 

He also received numerous exotic animal gifts, many of which were donated to the National Zoo. His collection of exotic pets included Billy, a pygmy hippo gifted by Harvey Firestone.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Calvin Coolidge, unlike many other presidents, had relatively few hobbies and interests. His leisure activities were limited and often unconventional.

One of the few hobbies he took up later in life was fishing. Encouraged by his Secret Service chief, Colonel Starling, Coolidge enjoyed trout fishing in the Adirondack Mountains. However, he preferred to let the Secret Service agents handle the baiting and handling of the fish.

Horseback riding was another activity that Coolidge enjoyed in his youth. As president, security concerns prevented him from riding real horses. To compensate, he had an electric mechanical horse installed in the White House to continue exercising.

Coolidge was also known to enjoy smoking cigars, though the frequency of this habit is unclear.

Coolidge installed an electric horse in the White House for daily exercise.

Coolidge's limited interests were evident in various aspects of his life. He did not participate in sports or athletics, nor did he engage in activities like card games, billiards, chess, stamp or coin collecting, or artistic pursuits. He seldom attended cultural events such as theater, concerts, or movies. His focus was primarily on his work and family, with little time or inclination for leisure activities.

When asked about his hobbies, Coolidge famously quipped, "I run for office." This humorous response highlights his dedication to his political career and his lack of traditional pastimes.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Though not particularly science-focused, Coolidge had an interest in new technologies, including radio. On December 6, 1923, he became the first U.S. president to address the American people directly from the White House using radio. The State of Union broadcast reached an estimated audience of millions, far surpassing the reach of previous presidential addresses. It set a precedent for future presidents to use radio as a means of communicating with the public.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Calvin Coolidge’s philosophy was deeply rooted in the principles of personal responsibility, limited government, and fiscal conservatism. 

Coolidge’s theology was grounded in his Congregationalist faith, a Protestant tradition emphasizing individual moral responsibility and a direct relationship with God. He attended church regularly, prayed daily, and saw moral integrity as the foundation of leadership. For Coolidge, faith was not only personal but a guiding principle in governance, where he saw divine law as a cornerstone of ethical public service. His political and personal philosophies thus intertwined, leading him to advocate for what he saw as virtuous living through discipline, humility, and service to others.

POLITICS Coolidge was a Republican whose policies emphasized fiscal conservatism, limited government, and laissez-faire economics. He prioritized reducing government debt and was wary of social programs.

PRESIDENCY Calvin Coolidge, or “Silent Cal” as he was affectionately known, was a man of baffling simplicity. He seemed to possess an almost supernatural ability to say very little, and to say it very slowly. This was a man who, when asked what advice he’d give to young people, replied, “Get married.” That’s it. That was his life advice.

A New Englander to his core, Coolidge was the sort of fellow who’d rather stare at a wall than engage in idle chatter. He was the poster boy for taciturnity, a man who could make a stone gargoyle seem loquacious. Yet, despite his reticence, he somehow managed to become president of the United States.

His presidency was a curious blend of inaction and prosperity. He believed in the power of doing nothing, a philosophy that somehow seemed to work during the Roaring Twenties. He let the economy run its course, and it roared. But beneath the surface of this apparent prosperity, there were cracks beginning to form.

Coolidge was a man of contradictions. A conservative who signed a law granting citizenship to Native Americans. A man who, despite his love of tradition, embraced the new age of technology. He was a paradox wrapped in a riddle, a man who remains one of history’s most enigmatic figures.

SCANDAL Coolidge's administration was notably scandal-free, especially in contrast to the corruption-plagued Harding administration that preceded him.

MILITARY RECORD Coolidge led the country through a period of post-World War I adjustments and a peacetime military build-down.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Coolidge suffered from asthma and experimented with unconventional treatments, including inhaling chlorine. Despite his health issues, he maintained an active lifestyle.

HOMES Calvin Coolidge resided in several locations throughout his life.

Plymouth Notch, Vermont: This quaint Vermont village served as his childhood home, the Coolidge Homestead, from the age of four (1876) until 1887 when he departed for further education.

The Coolidge Homestead in Plymouth Notch, Vermont by Magicpiano

Northampton, Massachusetts: After college, Northampton became Coolidge's primary residence for much of his adult life. Here, he established his law practice and embarked on his political career. In 1905, he married Grace Coolidge, and they continued to reside in Northampton. In 1906 they moved into a house on Massasoit Street.

Boston, Massachusetts: His political ascent brought him to Boston while serving as Governor of Massachusetts from 1919 to 1921.

Washington, D.C.: The pinnacle of his career saw Coolidge residing in Washington during his terms as Vice President (1921-1923) and President (1923-1929). The White House served as his official residence during these years.

Summer White House: An interesting note is Coolidge's use of rooms in Coolidge Hall, located in his birthplace of Plymouth Notch, Vermont, as a summer retreat in 1924.

Return to Northampton: Following his presidency, Coolidge returned to his beloved Northampton. The Coolidges purchased the house at 16 Hampton Terrace, known as "The Beeches," in 1930. This move was necessitated by the increasing number of tourists visiting their previous residence on Massasoit Street, which was affecting their privacy.

The house on Massasoit Street, where the Coolidges had lived since 1906, had become a popular attraction. It was estimated that in May, an automobile passed by every six seconds, and later in the summer, the street was sometimes blocked with cars. "The Beeches" offered much more privacy than their previous home. It was situated on a large lot at the end of a long driveway, and from the street, the house was almost entirely hidden by trees. Coolidge lived at "The Beeches" for the rest of his life

It's important to highlight the enduring connection Coolidge held with his Vermont roots. He frequently returned to Plymouth Notch to visit family and ultimately chose the Plymouth Notch Cemetery as his final resting place.

TRAVEL Coolidge preferred to stay within the United States and rarely traveled outside of New England or Washington.

DEATH Coolidge died suddenly on January 5, 1933, from coronary thrombosis. He was buried in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, beneath a simple headstone in his family’s cemetery.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Calvin Coolidge has been portrayed in media as an intriguing figure of quiet leadership and sharp wit, largely due to his reserved personality and the many memorable anecdotes from his life. Here are some of Coolidge's notable media appearances:

Film and Television: Coolidge has occasionally appeared as a character in historical films and television series about U.S. presidents. He was portrayed in the TV mini-series Backstairs at the White House (1979), where he was depicted as quiet, humorous, and sometimes reclusive. His character also briefly appears in documentary series focused on presidential history, often highlighting his unique style.

Documentaries: Coolidge's role in the 1920s "Roaring Twenties" era is often covered in documentaries on American history, such as Ken Burns’ Prohibition, which examines the cultural and political atmosphere of his presidency. He is also frequently featured in programs on the Great Depression, as his presidency and policies are considered key elements leading up to that economic shift.

Popular Culture References: Coolidge’s legendary silence has inspired references in humor and comedy. In the 1993 film Dave, which follows an everyman impersonating the U.S. president, Coolidge’s minimalist communication style is referenced as an example of understated leadership. Comedians and writers sometimes invoke Coolidge’s wit when discussing political restraint or reserved personalities in office.

ACHIEVEMENTS Coolidge restored public trust in the presidency after Harding's scandals and led the nation through a period of economic prosperity in the 1920s. He was also the first president to address the nation via radio, marking a new era in communications.