Dentures, Interesting Exercise Regimens, and Bathtub Legends
Some Interesting Tidbits of U.S. Presidential History on Presidents’ Day
Although having fewer days than any other month, February does not hold any shortage of special holidays or days of commeration for people around the world. In the U.S., February’s most celebrated days include Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, and now on the third Monday of the month(20th here in 2023) — President’s Day. Since 1971, the third Monday of February has been recognized as a federal holiday to mainly celebrate the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and also to commerate all 45 people who have held one of the highest offices ever established in history. On this Presidents’ Day, let’s take this opportunity to explore some of the most interesting and quaint tidbits about a few of those 45 leaders.
The First President’s Infamous Dentures
Folklore reports that George Washington had dentures made of wood. This is more fable than fact, although a historic pair of the first president’s dentures at Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Library might appear wooden from a distance.
Washington’s dentures were actually very elaborate and sophisticated for his day, made out of both human and animal teeth parts plus ivory and metal alloys. The dentures stored at Washington’s Library are just one of the numerous pairs he wore throughout his life, molded to last for awhile but not nearly as long as today’s amazingly crafted dentures. Washington actually kept many of his original pulled teeth for the purpose of fitting them into future molded dentures he might one day need.
John Quincy Adams’ Exercise Habits
John Quincy Adams had an amazing career of public service spanning over several decades, along with being quite a fascinating person. Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of his life capturing the attention of historians and journalists is Adams’ morning fitness routine. Adams enjoyed getting up early and swimming unclothed in the Potomac River. This was quite common in those days, as Adams stated numerous other swimmers would leave their clothes among the shoreline as well. Adams wrote extensively about his morning ritual in his diaries, boasting swimming many miles each day. This likely helped keep the 6th president in good health and fitness even into advanced years. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1831 until his death in 1848. In 1846, at age 78, he suffered a profound stroke but fully recovered and was able to return to his congressional duties after months of rest.
Bathtub Legends
Vicious historical folklore recounts some mythic event of 27th U.S. president WIlliam Howard Taft getting stuck the White House bathtub. This is another example of legend proving incorrect in the face of historical fact. William Howard Taft’s actual custom-made presidential bathtub was designed to prevent such fiascos from ever occurring for the 350-pound world leader. Seven-feet long and weighing a ton, it was more like a whirlpool sauna and could easily fit multiple people at once. Taft reportedly had several such large tubs installed in his private residences and even in his yacht.
Tiger Cubs As First Pets
8th U.S. president Martin Van Buren experienced a chaotic one term in office with turmoil both at home and abroad. But one of his own personal tensions was with Congress over keeping two tiger cubs as White House pets. Van Buren received these cubs as gifts from the Sultan of Oman, and battled vigorously with Congress to be able to keep them in the presidential manor. Congress would not back down, saying the cubs were U.S. property. The two creatures eventually found a new residence at the local zoo.
A Wonderful White House Wedding
Multiple weddings have been hosted by U.S. presidents over the past two centuries — usually for members of the presidential family or staff. However, only one U.S. president ever got married during their administrative term. In 1886, bachelor President Grover Cleveland married his love Fraces Folsom. The event took place in the White House’s oval Blue Room with only a few dozen close family, friends, and staff attending. Cleveland put in his regular presidential work hours before showing up to the wedding. Cleveland was 49 and Francis Folsom was 21. The new Mrs. Cleveland would be at her husband’s side through his first term, loss as incumbent in 1888, and quick return to the White House in 1893. The couple remained devoted to one another until Grover’s passing in 1908, having five children together.
This year, current events seem to shed more heavy-hearted light on the federal holiday than previous years. The holiday finds current U.S. president Joe Biden making a surprise visit to war-torn Ukraine while former president Jimmy Carter has recently entered hospice care. At 98, Carter is the longest living former U.S. president in history and has one of the longest lifelong careers of service ever. This holiday offers a unique opportunity to offer prayers and honor to the current and all former presidents, both those still living and those who have passed on. The holiday also offers a fresh chance to explore just a small sampling of the infinitely rich history of the office and the 45 people who have served in it over 200 years.
