Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Official Pass &Things That Make You Say Hmmm?

Did you know you are invited to Bloggington D.C. today for Inauguration Day festivities? Click the official Cyber Pass to be a part of this historical event.



In honor of the "Day," here are some little known facts about past presidents.

At his inauguration, Washington had only one tooth. At various times he wore dentures made of human teeth, animal teeth, ivory or even lead. Never wood.
(John) Adams was the great-great-grandson of John and Priscilla Alden, pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620. Older that any other president at his death, he lived 90 years, 247 days.
(Thomas) Jefferson was the first president to shake hands with guests. Previously people bowed to Presidents.

James Madison: First president to wear trousers rather than knee breeches. He stood 5 feet 4 inches, the shortest president.
James Monroe: First president to ride on a steamboat. First U.S. Senator to become president. First inaugural to be held outdoors. His daughter was the first to be married in the White House. The U.S. Marine ban played at his second inaugural and every inauguration since.
(John Quincy) Adams swam nude (weather permitting) in the Potomac River every day. First elected president not to receive either the most electoral college votes or popular votes. He named one of his sons George Washington.
Andrew Jackson:In 1835 he made the final installment of national debt making Jackson the only president of a debt free United States. He was the only president to serve in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. He was the only president to have been a prisoner of war. He was the first president to have been born in a log cabin. First president to ride a railroad train. Wounded in a duel at the age of 39, Jackson carried the bullet, lodged near his heart, to his grave.
Martin Van Buren: First president born in the United States of America. He and his wife spoke Dutch at home.
(William Henry) Harrison gave the longest inaugural address - one hour 45 minutes. First president to die in office. Inaugurated on March 4, 1841, contracted pneumonia in late March, died in the White House on April 4. Served 30 days.
(John) Tyler served as president without being a member of any political party. He was a grand-uncle of Harry S Truman.
James Knox Polk: Before the advent of anesthetics and antiseptic practices, Polk survived a gallstone operation at age 17.
(Zachary) Taylor served in the regular Army for 40 years and never voted, never belonged to a political party nor took any interest in politics until he ran for president at age 62. He was elected in the first national election held on the same day in all states (November 7, 1848).
Millard Fillmore: No formal education. Fillmore couldn't not read Latin and refused an honorary degree from Oxford University, saying a person shouldn't accept a degree he couldn't read.
Franklin Pierce: Because of religious considerations Pierce affirmed rather than swore the Presidential Oath of Office. He gave his inaugural address from memory, without the aid of notes. He installed the first central heating system in the White House.
James Buchanan: He was never married, so the duties of White House hostess were performed by his niece, Harriet Lane. One of his eyes was nearsighted and the other farsighted. As a result he always cocked his head to the left. Buchanan tired of being president and refused to run for reelection.
Abraham Lincoln: At 6 feet 4 inches he was the tallest president. Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd, had a brother, half-brothers and brothers-in-law who fought in the Confederate Army. Lincoln was the only president to receive a patent, for a device for lifting boats over shoals. He was the first president to wear a beard. His son Robert Todd Lincoln, was in Washington, D.C. when Lincoln was killed, was also on the scene when President Garfield was shot in 1881, and President McKinley was assassinated in 1901. A poll of historians named Lincoln the nation's greatest president. Washington was second.

If you want to read more fun facts about our past presidents click here.

20 comments:

  1. Very interesting! Presidintial trivia is quite fascinating. This is one that I remember: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the same day - July 4, 1826 and James Monroe died on July 4 five years later. I think I backspaced you name off my list yesterday - thanks for the reminder!! I brought you a nice plate of mutton hash and some of that delish shrub. If you have any security problems call Janeen!

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  2. Wow, this is a great post for today! I only knew 1 thing you listed, the rest was all new. Its fun to learn new things like these you have here.

    Well stop by for some scones and tea later when you need an afternoon break! My ChaCha security detail will keep me busy today so I'll check back in with you all tonight!

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  3. I really enjoyed this post as I am a History freak......Thanks !

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  4. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I so enjoyed this. Now, I am off to Janeen's, I sure hope the tea and scones are ready. Blessings.

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  5. I'm just getting off the carriage provided by Muse and am directly
    at your desk of Presidential information which is quite extensive! Didn't know the half of it! I'm returning to my carriage that much more enlightened. Thank you, Stevie!

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  6. All fascinating trivia about our past Presidents.
    Today history is being made and we are fortunate to be able to see it. God bless America!

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  7. Interesting stuff! Some day, I may go on Jeopardy and will a gazillion dollars because of this post so thank you in advance!

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  8. Excellent post my friend. I've been watching "The Presidents" on the History channel. Really good.

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  9. This was fun...most facts I'd never heard!

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  10. Oh so fun! Great post! For some reason John Quincy Adams always cracks me up. I imagine him being a really crazy toddler.

    btw I dig Modigliani too!!

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  11. Blicky - you made me laugh and forget what I was going to tell Stevie...think I'll go back over to Janeens for some of those deviled eggs.

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  12. Thanks for sharing! I forwarded the info on to other friends.

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  13. Thanks for this interesting information. Little known facts that are actually quite fascinating.

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  14. I really enjoyed reading this post and the previous one for which I couldn't find a comment link. Well done! The artists work is certainly interesting and shows personal character of the person in the portrait. - Dave

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  15. Interesting little-known facts, thanks for posting them, Steviewren.

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  16. I will take a lesson from William Harrison and keep my speechifying short...

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  17. Thanks for all the interesting facts. I love American history.
    The painting you did of your daughter is beautiful. Is it hanging in your house? The ATC is above and beyond. Your work should be hanging all over your house.
    denise

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  18. Awesome post. I really liked this and the history. :)

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I'm glad you stopped by and I look forward to your comments. As Dr. Fraser Crane would say, "Hello, I'm listening."