Ronald Raegan believed heavily in Astrology. He was known to consult the Astrologer Joan Quigley to set his daily agenda. He trusted her so much that she set the dates for his speeches, debates, and even take-off and landing times of Air Force One.
330 lbs. William Taft required a customized over-sized bathtub because the one in White House did not accommodate him well.
Abraham Lincoln was known to have quite a high pitched (almost whiny) voice. Many agree that Daniel Day Lewis’ portrayal of Lincoln’s voice was fairly on point.
Ulysses Grant was known to be quite shy and timid. He often refused to shower in front of soldiers in the camps during the Civil War.
Lyndon B. Johnson used to refer to his merchandise as “Jumbo”.
There is historic speculation that the 12th president, Zachary Taylor, had died from over consumption of cherries and milk – causing severe gastroenteritis. His symptoms were cramping, diarrhea, nausea and dehydration. However, cholera was quite a dominant disease at the time and many claim that he may have passed away from that, instead.
Franklin Pierce was known to be an avid drinker or a “party guy”. In his diary, Clement March, a close friend of Franklin Pierce wrote, “[The general] and I dined at the Tremont at one o’clock, a glass of brandy and water before, a pint of champagne at dinner, went to the Fair Grounds and returned to the Tremont at 5, drank brandy and water till 71⁄2, supped at Parker’s on broiled oysters, beefsteak, and Pomy’s Claret, went to the Theatre, and saw Fanny Kemble and her daughter in a private box by mistake, returned to Parker’s and drank some very old brandy in his private room, went back to the Theatre and took possession of our ‘proscenium box,’ then again to Parker’s and had raw oysters and a bottle of Stein Wine, then to the General’s room, drank two pint bottles of champagne, took a stroll about the streets, and made a call in Fruit Street, where we disbursed some thirty dollars, and at 4 o’clock repaired.” We dare you to keep up!
John Tyler became the “acting” president once President William Henry Harrison had died. However, he claimed himself as the President and received nothing but hatred from his peers (probably the most hated president). He was mockingly referred to as “His Accidency”.
Actual Photo of President Franklin D. Roosevelt!!
Franklin D. Roosevelt grew up wearing dresses. In fact, the guidelines for gender-specific (clothing) tradition did not pick up until the era of the Baby Boomers.
Many are aware of Reagan’s film career, however, most might not be aware of Gerald Ford’s career as a fashion model, he was even on the cover of Cosmopolitan!
Warren G. Harding once gambled away the entire White House china collection. He obviously had a severe gambling problem.
Thomas Jefferson was known to be quite shy and lacked charisma (a quintessential quality for most leaders) and thus refrained from making public speeches.
Astounded by dial tones, President Eisenhower did not know how to use the telephone – or at least felt extremely uncomfortable using one – and therefore had others dial for him.
Nixon’s presidency certainly has its share of debaucheries and conspiracies. One of his lesser known exploits tells the tale of how he was planning to kill the reporter Jack Anderson, who persistently sought to expose Nixon.
Richard Reeves conducted an interview with British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan who discussed a moment he had with President Kennedy; he quoted Kennedy and said, “I wonder how it is with you, Harold? If I don’t have a woman for three days, I get terrible headaches.” Let’s just say Kennedy’s adventures with women went way farther than Marilyn Monroe.
The doctors treating President James Garfield – he had just been a victim of a prospective assassination – ultimately ended up causing the death due to ignorance. Alexander Bell had just invented a metal detector. The idea was to use it locate the bullet. However, the bed Garfield was on had metal springs – a fact the doctors failed to mention to Bell – and it affected Bell’s readings. Also, head doctor Dr. D. Willard Bliss was so sure that the bullet was on the right side of the body (which he claimed publicly) that he did not let Bell inspect the left half – doing so would have saved Garfield’s life as the bullet had shifted towards the left half. This lead to unnecessary and unsanitary (oh yeah, doctors back then thought germs were unreal so no precautions were taken) cutting to locate the bullet, conveniently, no second opinion on the matter was taken either.
George Washington, our first Commander in Chief, and recognized army figure actually holds some of the worst war records. He practically lost all important battles during the Revolutionary war and in fact, lost more than he won.
John Quincy Adams believed that Earth was hollow; to prove his stance, he Ok’d an exploration of the core.
President Bill Clinton had lost nuclear codes for months during his presidency.
Herbert Hoover expected his entire White House staff to be “invisible”. The clerks were expected to jump into the nearest closet or hiding spot whenever he and/or first lady entered the room.
Grover Cleveland married Frances Folsom. She was 28 years his junior. Cleveland was executor of her father’s estate and upon his death had taken responsibility for her upbringing.
