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Niall Palmer
EnterText 1.1 NIALL PALMER “Muckfests and Revelries”: President Warren G. Harding in Fact and Fiction This article will assess the development of the posthumous reputation of President Warren Gamaliel Harding (1921-23) through an examination of key historical and literary texts in Harding historiography. The article will argue that the president’s image has been influenced by an unusual confluence of factors which have both warped history’s assessment of his administration and retarded efforts at revisionism. As a direct consequence, the stereotypical, deeply negative, portrait of Harding remains rooted in the nation’s consciousness and the “rehabilitation” afforded to many presidents by revisionist writers continues to be denied to the man still widely-regarded as the worst president of the twentieth century. “Historians,” Eugene Trani and David Wilson observed in 1977, “have not been gentle with Warren G. Harding.”1 In successive surveys of American political scientists, historians and journalists, undertaken to rank presidents by achievement, vision and leadership skills, the twenty-ninth president consistently comes last.2 The Chicago Sun- Times, publishing the findings of fifty-eight presidential historians and political scientists in November 1995, placed Warren Harding at the head of the list of “The Ten Worst” Niall Palmer: Muckfests and Revelries 155 EnterText 1.1 Presidents.3 A 1996 New York Times poll branded Harding an outright “failure,” alongside two presidents who presided over the pre-Civil War crisis, Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan. The academic merit and methodological underpinnings of such surveys are inevitably flawed. Nonetheless, in most cases, presidential status assessments are fluid, reflecting the fluctuations of contemporary opinion and occasional waves of academic revisionism. -
Dead Last: the Public Memory of Warren G. Harding's Scandalous
Payne.1-19 11/13/08 3:02 PM Page 1 Questions Asked Democracy has no monuments. It strikes no medals. It bears the head of no man on a coin. —John Quincy Adams To enter into any serious historical criticism of these stories [regarding George Washington’s childhood] would be to break a butterfly. 1 —Henry Cabot Lodge Harding and the Log Cabin Myth Warren G. Harding’s story is an American myth gone wrong. As our twenty-ninth president, Harding occupied the office that stands at the symbolic center of American national identity.1 Harding’s biography should have easily slipped into American history and mythology when he died in office, on August 2, 1923. Having been born to a humble midwestern farm family, what better ending could there be to his story than death in the service of his nation? What stronger image could stand as a lasting tribute than grieving citizens lining the railroad tracks, as they had for Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley, to view Har- ding’s body? The public grief that accompanied the passing of Harding’s burial train would seem to have foreshadowed a positive place in the national memory. Warren and Florence Harding were laid to rest in a classically designed marble mau- soleum in their hometown of Marion, Ohio, a mausoleum that was the last great memorial in the older style popular before the rise of presidential libraries. However, the near perfection Payne.1-19 11/13/08 3:02 PM Page 2 Dead Last of his political biography and his contemporary popularity did not follow him into history. -
White House Oval Office Scavenger Hunt for All Ages
White House Oval Office Scavenger Hunt for all ages Facts about the Oval Office: This is a full-scale replica of The White House Oval Office. The West Wing where it is located was built in 1902 during President Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency. The first Oval Office was built in 1909 during the presidency of William Howard Taft. Painted green, it included a skylight that was later removed. The West Wing burned in 1929; only the fireplace mantel survives from that earlier era. To improve private access and light, President Franklin Roosevelt moved the room to its current location in 1934 and added the three French doors leading to the Rose Garden. The room’s architecture has changed little since except for the flooring. Presidents decorate the office to suit their own personal tastes and needs. Neither President Eisenhower nor Carter changed the room as furnished by their predecessors. President Obama added a striped wallpaper in 2010. A portrait of George Washington is always present in the Oval Office. The painting over the mantel here is a reproduction of an original by Rembrandt Peale done in 1853. The Presidential desk is a reproduction of “The Resolute Desk”, a gift from Queen Victoria to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880. The plaque on the face of the desk tells its story. It first appeared in the Oval Office of President John F. Kennedy. While many have used the desk in their private study, it was also in the Oval Office of Presidents Carter, Reagan, Clinton, George W. Bush and the current President, Barack Obama. -
Team Players: Triumph and Tribulation on the Campaign Trail
residential campaigns that celebrate our freedom to choose a leader by election of the people are events P unique to our country. It is an expectant, exciting time – a promise kept by the Constitution for a better future. Rituals developed over time and became traditions of presidential hopefuls – the campaign slogans and songs, hundreds of speeches, thousands of handshakes, the countless miles of travel across the country to meet voters - all reported by the ever-present media. The candidate must do a balancing act as leader and entertainer to influence the American voters. Today the potential first spouse is expected to be involved in campaign issues, and her activities are as closely scrutinized as the candidate’s. However, these women haven’t always been an official part of the ritual contest. Campaigning for her husband’s run for the presidency is one of the biggest self-sacrifices a First Lady want-to-be can make. The commitment to the campaign and the road to election night are simultaneously exhilarating and exhausting. In the early social norms of this country, the political activities of a candidate’s wife were limited. Nineteenth-century wives could host public parties and accept social invitations. She might wave a handkerchief from a window during a “hurrah parade” or quietly listen to a campaign speech behind a closed door. She could delight the crowd by sending them a winsome smile from the front porch campaign of her own home. But she could not openly show knowledge of politics and she could not vote. As the wife of a newly-elected president, her media coverage consisted of the description of the lovely gown she wore to the Inaugural Ball. -
Modern First Ladies: Their Documentary Legacy. INSTITUTION National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC
DOCUMENT RESUME ED 412 562 CS 216 046 AUTHOR Smith, Nancy Kegan, Comp.; Ryan, Mary C., Comp. TITLE Modern First Ladies: Their Documentary Legacy. INSTITUTION National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC. ISBN ISBN-0-911333-73-8 PUB DATE 1989-00-00 NOTE 189p.; Foreword by Don W. Wilson (Archivist of the United States). Introduction and Afterword by Lewis L. Gould. Published for the National Archives Trust Fund Board. PUB TYPE Collected Works General (020) -- Historical Materials (060) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC08 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *Archives; *Authors; *Females; Modern History; Presidents of the United States; Primary Sources; Resource Materials; Social History; *United States History IDENTIFIERS *First Ladies (United States); *Personal Writing; Public Records; Social Power; Twentieth Century; Womens History ABSTRACT This collection of essays about the Presidential wives of the 20th century through Nancy Reagan. An exploration of the records of first ladies will elicit diverse insights about the historical impact of these women in their times. Interpretive theories that explain modern first ladies are still tentative and exploratory. The contention in the essays, however, is that whatever direction historical writing on presidential wives may follow, there is little question that the future role of first ladies is more likely to expand than to recede to the days of relatively silent and passive helpmates. Following a foreword and an introduction, essays in the collection and their authors are, as follows: "Meeting a New Century: The Papers of Four Twentieth-Century First Ladies" (Mary M. Wolf skill); "Not One to Stay at Home: The Papers of Lou Henry Hoover" (Dale C. -
Ranking America's First Ladies Eleanor Roosevelt Still #1 Abigail Adams Regains 2 Place Hillary Moves from 2 to 5 ; Jackie
For Immediate Release: Monday, September 29, 2003 Ranking America’s First Ladies Eleanor Roosevelt Still #1 nd Abigail Adams Regains 2 Place Hillary moves from 2 nd to 5 th ; Jackie Kennedy from 7 th th to 4 Mary Todd Lincoln Up From Usual Last Place Loudonville, NY - After the scrutiny of three expert opinion surveys over twenty years, Eleanor Roosevelt is still ranked first among all other women who have served as America’s First Ladies, according to a recent expert opinion poll conducted by the Siena (College) Research Institute (SRI). In other news, Mary Todd Lincoln (36 th ) has been bumped up from last place by Jane Pierce (38 th ) and Florence Harding (37 th ). The Siena Research Institute survey, conducted at approximate ten year intervals, asks history professors at America’s colleges and universities to rank each woman who has been a First Lady, on a scale of 1-5, five being excellent, in ten separate categories: *Background *Integrity *Intelligence *Courage *Value to the *Leadership *Being her own *Public image country woman *Accomplishments *Value to the President “It’s a tracking study,” explains Dr. Douglas Lonnstrom, Siena College professor of statistics and co-director of the First Ladies study with Thomas Kelly, Siena professor-emeritus of American studies. “This is our third run, and we can chart change over time.” Siena Research Institute is well known for its Survey of American Presidents, begun in 1982 during the Reagan Administration and continued during the terms of presidents George H. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush (http://www.siena.edu/sri/results/02AugPresidentsSurvey.htm ). -
Gather Around Holidays at the White House 2013
t Gather Around HOLIDAYS AT THE WHITE HOUSE 2013 hank you for visiting the White House! We are delighted to Twelcome you as we gather around and celebrate the stories and traditions that bring us together at this special time of year. As members of one American family, we are united in a story built over the course of two centuries. The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to recall our Nation’s journey, to reflect on the blessings we enjoy and the trials we weather, and to remember those who serve and sacrifice for our freedoms. It is a season when each of us can do our part to care for one another—whether by volunteering, offering a kind word to a stranger, or opening our hearts to someone in need. May you be inspired by your visit to the “People’s House,” where you will discover festive decorations and rich tales, and may we all carry the spirit of the season with us throughout the New Year. Our family wishes you and your loved ones the very best, and we hope your holidays are filled with joy and peace. h EAST VisitoR ENTRANCE AND LANDING The outer walls of the White House’s East Wing are decorated with lush garland and gleaming gold vines; flickering lanterns encourage guests to gather inside the entry way of the “People’s House.” Overhead, chandeliers are covered in fresh greenery and dangling ornaments, while the pillars are decorated with a red berry and gold‐and‐green leaf design. The first tree within the walls of the White House pays tribute to the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. -
NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER to HOST FIRST LADIES: POLITICAL ROLE and PUBLIC IMAGE Last Stop on Exhibit’S Nationwide Tour
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ashley Berke Public Relations Manager 215.409.6693 [email protected] Downloadable images and complete press kit available at: www.constitutioncenter.org/PressRoom/ChangingExhibits/ For additional images, please visit: ftp://siteguest:[email protected]/ (username: sitesguest, password: 9getfiles9) NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER TO HOST FIRST LADIES: POLITICAL ROLE AND PUBLIC IMAGE Last Stop on Exhibit’s Nationwide Tour Philadelphia, PA – America’s first ladies have fascinated generations, influenced politics and style, advocated for social causes, and navigated an unpaid, unelected, and difficult role. From October 5 through December 31, 2007, the National Constitution Center will host First Ladies: Political Role and Public Image. From the exuberant Dolley Madison and troubled Mary Todd Lincoln, to the humanitarian Eleanor Roosevelt and the intriguing wives of our recent presidents, the exhibition celebrates the remarkable individuals who have occupied this demanding post. The showing of First Ladies at the National Constitution Center is the last stop on the exhibit’s national tour. First Ladies is based on one of the Smithsonian’s most visited permanent exhibitions and contains artifacts from the rarely traveled first ladies collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Behring Center. Organized by the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), First Ladies is made possible by A&E Network. Macy’s is the local presenting sponsor and NBC 10 is the official media partner for the Center’s showing of First Ladies. -MORE- ADD ONE/FIRST LADIES EXHIBITION The exhibition features more than two centuries of elegant inaugural and evening gowns, clothing and jewelry, White House furnishings and china, photographs and portraits, and campaign and personal memorabilia. -
65Th MEETING
1 United States Mint Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee Meeting Friday April 19, 2013 The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee met in Hearing Room 220 South at 801 9th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., at 9:00 a.m., Gary Marks, Chair, presiding. 2 Members Present: Gary Marks, Chair Erik Jansen Michael Moran Michael Olson Michael A. Ross Donald Scarinci Jeans Stevens-Sollman Thomas J. Uram Heidi Wastweet United States Mint Staff Present Richard A. Peterson, Acting Director Steve Antonucci Betty Birdsong Don Everhart Gwen Mattleman Bill Norton April Stafford Megan Sullivan Greg Weinman Also Present: Kathy Dillaber John Feal Sandy Felt Arthur Houghton Paula Jacobs Laurie Laychak Carole O’Hare* *Participating via telephone 3 Contents Welcome and Call to Order 5 Gary Marks 5 Discussion of Letter and Minutes from Previous Meeting 5 Gary Marks 5 Review and Discuss Candidate Reserves Designs for the 2014 Presidential $1 Coin Program 6 April Stafford, Megan Sullivan, and Don Everhart 6 Review and Discuss Candidate Reserves Designs from the Edith Wilson 2013 First Spouse Bullion Coin 23 April Stafford, Megan Sullivan, and Don Everhart 23 Review and Discuss Themes for the 2014 First Spouse Bullion Coin Program 33 April Stafford and Megan Sullivan 33 Review and Discuss Candidate Designs for the Code Talker Recognition Congressional Medal Program (Muscogee Creek Nation) 50 April Stafford, Betty Birdsong, and Don Everhart 50 Approval of the FY12 Annual Report 62 Gary Marks 62 Resolution 2013-01: Recommending an American Liberty Commemorative Coinage Program 68 Michael Moran 68 Review and Discuss Themes for Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Congressional Gold Medals 83 4 April Stafford 83 Sandy Felt 85 Laurie Laychak 87 Megan Sullivan 88 Carole O'Hare 91 Paula Jacobs 91 Kathy Dillaber 93 Wrap up and Adjourn 101 5 Proceedings (9:12 a.m.) Welcome and Call to Order Gary Marks Chair Marks: Good morning. -
Activity Book Navigating the Bill Process
Activity Book Navigating the Bill Process 2 Know Your Presidents Can you find all these words in the crossword above? ADAMS GARFIELD LINCOLN ROOSEVELT GRANT ARTHUR MADISON TAFT HARDING BUCHANAN MCKINLEY TAYLOR BUSH HARRISON MONROE TRUMAN CLEVELAND HAYES NIXON TRUMP HOOVER CLINTON OBAMA TYLER COOLIDGE JACKSON PIERCE VANBUREN EISENHOWER JEFFERSON POLK WASHINGTON JOHNSON FILLMORE REAGAN WILSON FORD KENNEDY Bonus: Several Presidents shared the same last name – how many do you know? names) five (Hint: 3 Know Your Civics Can you find all these words in the crossword above? AMERICA GOVERNOR POLLING BALLOT HOUSE PRESIDENT BILL JUDICIAL PUBLIC HEARING CANDIDATE LAW PUBLIC POLICY CAPITOL LEGISLATURE REPRESENTATIVE CIVICS MAYOR SENATE COMMITTEE NATION SENATOR CONGRESS NONPARTISAN UNITED STATES COUNTRY POLITICAL TESTIMONY ELECTION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE VOTE GOVERNMENT POLITICAL PARTY WHITE HOUSE 4 U.S. Citizenship Practice Test Could you pass the U.S. Citizenship test? Take these practice questions from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to find out! 1. Name the US war between the North and the South. a. World War I b. The Civil War c. The War of 1812 d. The Revolutionary War 2. What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for? a. U.S. diplomat b. Youngest member of the Constitutional Convention c. Third President of the United States d. Inventor of the Airplane 3. Who did the United States fight in World War II? a. The Soviet Union, Germany, and Italy b. Austria-Hungary, Japan, and Germany c. Japan, China, and Vietnam d. Japan, Germany, and Italy 4. Who signs bills to become laws? a. The Secretary of State b. -
8-7-75 Receiving Klapthor Book on White House Porcelain” of the Betty Ford White House Papers, 1973-1977 at the Gerald R
The original documents are located in Box 3, folder “8-7-75 Receiving Klapthor Book on White House Porcelain” of the Betty Ford White House Papers, 1973-1977 at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Copyright Notice The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Betty Ford donated to the United States of America her copyrights in all of her unpublished writings in National Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. /. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON MRS. FORD EVENT: Photo accepting newly published book on White House porcelain by Mrs . Klapthor. DATE: Thursday, August 7, 1975 TIME: 3:00 p.m. PLACE: Photo- China Room Refreshments- Vermeil Room SEQUENCE: 3:00 p.m. Susan Porter will escort you to the Map Room China Room where Clem Conger will introduce you to your guests: Mrs. Margaret Klapthor Author of the book and Curator of division of Political History at the Smithsonian. Miss Louise Heskitt Editor of the booJs Smithsonian Press Dr. Brook Hindle Director of Museum of History and Technology Photos of your accepting copy of the book. 3:05 p.m. At your invitation to have refreshments, the group will go next door to the Vermeil Room for simple refreshments . -
Lyndon B. Johnson Film Collection
Johnson, Lyndon B. (1908-1973.) Film Collection, 1958-1969. Special Collections Department/Long Island Studies Institute Contact Information: Special Collections Department Axinn Library, Room 032 123 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY 11549 Phone: (516) 463-6411, or 463-6404 Fax: (516) 463-6442 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.hofstra.edu/Libraries/SpecialCollections FILMING LBJ: A SPECIAL COLLECTION FROM WHITE HOUSE NAVAL PHOTOGRAPHER COMMANDER THOMAS ATKINS, 1963-1969 The Lyndon B. Johnson presidency is unique in its collection of recordings of the chief executive’s activities. In the 1960s, the White House Naval Photographic Unit (NPC) began producing films that highlighted special presidential trips, visits, and events. Commander Thomas Atkins produced these films for the NPC, starting in 1963 in the John F. Kennedy administration and continuing through the Johnson years. About 43 of the 70+ films are available for viewing on the Lyndon B. Johnson Library’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL853F6EAB74B64D1D . Hofstra University’s Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency has a full digitized set of the Atkins films, which are available for research in the Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library’s Special Collections room. In the summer of 2013, Ms. Nancy Lindemeyer (who, along with her husband, Robert Lindemeyer, served with Commander Atkins in the Navy) contacted Hofstra on behalf of the Atkins family to see if the Kalikow Center might be a suitable repository for the collection. Thanks to the generosity of the Atkins family and the cheerful, unstinting efforts of the Lindemeyers, the original 16 mm films were transferred to DVDs and became part of Hofstra’s holdings in 2015.