Title: 12 Surprising Facts About a Former President That Even Many Americans Don’t Know
When thinking of former American presidents, certain sit with larger-than-life legacies that make their stories almost mythical. However, even the most renowned leaders have memorable facts and anecdotes that are not as widely known. Today, we’ll dive deep and uncover the intriguing and unexpected tales behind six former presidents’ lives that even many Americans are unfamiliar with!
1. Washington Cherry Trees: A well-known folklore places George Washington as a boy planting cherry trees with his beloved hatchet, symbolizing honesty. Interestingly, the story is believed to be made up in the early 20th century.
2. Madison’s Alphabet Newsletter: President James Madison, known for his pivotal role in drafting the Constitution, was also a talented writer. He authored a satirical newsletter called “The Mangled Alphabet” under the pseudonym “Heliconius.”
3. John Quincy Adams Category 5 Introduction: John Quincy Adams, the sixth president, showed courage in the House of Representatives pushing for the impeachment of President Andrew Jackson, earning him the nickname “Old Man Eloquent.”
4. Habitual Dress: Unlike today’s fashion-conscious presidents, Andrew Jackson was often spotted wearing the same outfit for days, even weeks, due to his frugal habits and disinterest in clothing.
5. Lincoln’s Autograph: Despite Abraham Lincoln being one of the most iconic figures in American history, it was discovered that he never obtained documents until he was 22 years old – and only then, he was asked to autograph a book, leaving the first signature of few pages.
6. Theodore Roosevelt’s Speech on the Drawer: In January 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt’s speech “The Strenuous Life” called for Americans to rise to the country’s challenges, famously quoting, “Here stands this house as it stood a thousand centuries ago when all our fathers were bright-eyed boys.”
7. Wilson’s German Attack: Woodrow Wilson’s father had been a German language teacher, which made him fluent in German, much to the shock of many. He corrected foreign correspondents who spoke broken English in a meeting.
8. Harding’s Famous Phrase: Warren G. Harding was a master of political humor, frequently using phrases creatively during his address. As a result, the phrase “a frog in a blender” is said to denote a situation beyond fixing. The saying was used so often that it became part of a campaign button.
9. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Locker: Despite having limited mobility due to polio, FDR had his own master locker at the White House where he’d hang clothes by himself and privately change.
10. Epic Van Blankenstein and Franklin: President Herbert Hoover, an engineer by trade, had a good friend named Marion Blankenstein, who was also a Human Rights activist. They reportedly saved hundreds of denigrated Jews through their user-friendly network.
11. GI Million Writer: John F. Kennedy, a leader and renowned scholar, was a substantial author. One of his most important works, “Profiles in Courage,” won the Pulitzer Prize in 1957 for literature.
12. Truman’s Comedian Tricks: Harry S. Truman was renowned not only for the tough choices in his presidency but for his quirky sense of humor. Known to entertain guests with songs and jokes, Truman was sometimes seen carrying a piano up the staircase at home.
FAQs:
Q1: What is the Mangled Alphabet?
Response: The Mangled Alphabet is a satirical newsletter authored by James Madison under the pseudonym “Heliconius.”
Q2: Why does Abraham Lincoln have no autograph until 22?
Response: Abraham Lincoln didn’t sign official documents until he was 22 when he was asked to autograph a book, leaving the first signature of few pages.
Q3: How did Kennedy win the Pulitzer Prize?
Response: John F. Kennedy won the Pulitzer Prize for literature in 1957 for his book “Profiles in Courage,” a recount of political figures who decided based on their principles.
