First inauguration of Calvin Coolidge facts for kids
First correct composite photograph made of President Coolidge's first dramatic inaugural in Plymouth, Vt. The oath is being administered by notary Colonel John Coolidge, the president's father, and witnessed by Mrs. Calvin Coolidge, Porter H. Dale, and Leonard L. Lane.
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| Date | August 3, 1923 (Private ceremony) |
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| Location | Coolidge Homestead, Plymouth Notch, Vermont |
| Participants | President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge |
The first inauguration of Calvin Coolidge was a very special moment in American history. It happened on Friday, August 3, 1923, in a small town called Plymouth Notch, Vermont. This event was unusual because it took place in the middle of the night at his family home.
Calvin Coolidge became the 30th President of the United States after the sudden death of President Warren G. Harding. His own father, John Calvin Coolidge Sr., who was a notary public, gave him the presidential oath of office. This marked the start of Coolidge's first term as president.
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What is an Inauguration?
An inauguration is a special ceremony where a new president officially takes office. During this event, the president-elect takes an oath. This oath is a promise to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. It is a very important tradition.
Usually, inaugurations are big public events. They happen in Washington, D.C., with many people watching. However, Calvin Coolidge's first inauguration was very different.
Calvin Coolidge: From Vice President to President
Calvin Coolidge was born in Plymouth Notch, Vermont in 1872. Before becoming president, he was the Vice President under President Warren G. Harding. He had also been the governor of Massachusetts.
Coolidge was known for being quiet and serious. People often called him "Silent Cal." He believed in hard work and careful spending.
The Sudden Death of President Harding
President Warren G. Harding was the 29th President of the United States. In the summer of 1923, he went on a trip across the country. He traveled to Alaska and then to California. Sadly, President Harding became very ill during this trip.
On August 2, 1923, President Harding passed away in San Francisco, California. This news shocked the entire nation. It meant that Vice President Calvin Coolidge would now become president.
A Midnight Oath in Vermont
When President Harding died, Calvin Coolidge was visiting his family home. This home was in the small, quiet village of Plymouth Notch, Vermont. It was the middle of the night when the news reached him.
Around 2:30 AM on August 3, 1923, officials arrived at the Coolidge homestead. They brought the official papers confirming President Harding's death. They also brought the news that Coolidge was now president.
The Oath Administered by His Father
Because of the urgent situation, there was no time for a formal ceremony. Calvin Coolidge's father, John Calvin Coolidge Sr., was a notary public. A notary public is someone legally allowed to witness and certify signatures and oaths.
In the simple living room of their family home, John Calvin Coolidge Sr. administered the oath to his son. It was a very personal and historic moment. This was the only time in U.S. history that a president was sworn in by his own parent.
Witnesses to History
Several people were present during this unique event. Besides his father, Coolidge's wife, Grace Coolidge, was there. Other witnesses included a local congressman, Porter H. Dale, and Leonard L. Lane. The scene was lit by a kerosene lamp, adding to the dramatic atmosphere.
Coolidge's Presidency Begins
This midnight inauguration marked the beginning of Calvin Coolidge's time as president. He served the rest of Harding's term. He was then elected for a full term in 1924.
Coolidge's presidency was a time of economic growth in the United States. This period is often called the "Roaring Twenties." He focused on reducing government spending and taxes.
In Spanish: Investidura presidencial de Calvin Coolidge en 1923 para niños
