White House Chauffeur Francis H. Robinson
This is a great personal story of a behind-the-scenes man. Francis H. Robinson was a long-time chauffeur for the White House, having arrived in Washington back in 1910. Robinson was originally from Massachusetts, born around 1876, and had been driving...
President Taft at Washington Baseball Games
Here is a nice series of photos of our newest racing president, William Howard Taft.
An Older Walter Johnson Reminisces …
Here is a very different photo of the “Big Train” in April 1939. He is looking at a box of baseballs, autographed by six presidents. These are baseballs that were thrown out as the first pitch by presidents when Johnson...
Inauguration of Rutherford B. Hayes in 1877
Not exactly the most revered or most remembered president, poor Rutherford B. Hayes was zinged by our current president. We’d like to shine a little light on poor Rutherford, even if he didn’t think the telephone was a good invention...
Amazing Photographs of Teddy Roosevelt’s Inauguration in 1905
Here are two amazing photographs from Teddy Roosevelt‘s Inauguration in 1905. Thanks again to the Library of Congress.
What To Wear To Inaugural Events (in 1969)
Plenty of Washingtonians will spend inaugural weekend re-learning how to tie a bow tie or remembering to stash comfortable shoes for late-night post-Ball hijinks. What to wear? It’s always a question — for those shelling out big bucks for balls and for...
January 17th, 1913: President-Elect Wilson Bans Inaugural Ball
Going to an Inaugural Ball this weekend? The austerity of Obama’s second mirrors the desires articulated by newly elected President Woodrow Wilson. Take a look at the front page of the Washington Herald on Friday, January 17th, 1913, exactly 100...
James Brown Said It Loud At Nixon’s Inauguration
James Brown performed “Say It Loud – I’m Black And I’m Proud” at Richard Nixon’s 1969 inauguration. Wait. What? Believe it. The Godfather of Soul chose that particular song to celebrate the Republican president’s transition to power. Confusingly, James Brown actually backed Democrat...
Helpless Drunk Slips and Falls in Front of President
Another delightfully bizarre post for you from the early 20th century. Leave it to Teddy Roosevelt to be in the middle of another good story. Considerable prominence has been given to an episode which occurred a few days ago on...
Gentlemen of the Senate … John Adams Nominates John Marshall to be Chief Justice
We love these. Amazing letters saved by the National Archives. This one is from President John Adams — who just lost the election and was out of office in about 10 weeks — nominating John Marshall to become Chief Justice...
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