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In 1879 Grace Goodhue was born an only child in Burlington, Vermont, to Lemira and Andrew Goodhue. When Grace was only a young girl, she developed a keen interest in the deaf. This interest continued through the years. As a result, by the time she graduated in 1902, she'd decided to teach deaf students. The following fall, she began her teaching career at the Clarke Institute for the Deaf, located in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Grace met Calvin Coolidge in Northampton, during the second year of teaching. Both Miss Goodhue and Mr. Coolidge found themselves frequently in the company of one another. They were members of some of the same clubs. Also they were of the same religious affiliation, which was membership in the First Congregational Church.
Calvin Coolidge was known to boast on countless occasions, giving one primary reason he felt that he'd never need a wife. He'd indicate to others that while he was in good health, he'd probably not marry, insinuating that his mind may change if he grew to be an old man. Those thoughts ceased when he met Grace Goodhue. Although she stole his heart, he was not one to express feelings easily. She knew he loved her whether others believed that was the case or not.
Calvin Coolidge was analytical man, mildewing into a nature of perfect qualities for the legal profession. He talked and wrote like a lawyer. In fact, his first love letter to Grace molded easily into the appearance of a business letter. Written in fact, it was only four or five lines.
Grace was like no other woman when in love. She, too, was blind at first. Later after reading and rereading this letter from her love, she made every effort to overlook its stately elements - few though they were. Finally, she confessed to a good friend that she couldn't find affection in the entire letter. However, she managed to keep in mind that Calvin Coolidge was beginning to love her. She just knew it.
She was right, indeed. Coolidge showed up at the home of the Goodhues in Burlington, Vermont. Mr. Goodhue asked if he was in town pertinent to a legal case. Coolidge surprisingly responded that he had come to ask for the hand of his daughter. Overhearing the remark, Grace's mother immediately broke into what we call today a panic attack. She felt that Grace had no business being a wife to anyone. She couldn't boil water. In fact, Mrs. Goodhue told her daughter that she needed to take a year from her work and learn how a woman's place in the home works. She told them that her daughter had no idea how to cook.
Flabbergasted by this comment, Coolidge promised her that he could afford food for the two of them. In 1905, Grace Goodhue became Mrs. Calvin Coolidge in the home of her parents. Later it was revealed that Calvin Coolidge stretched the truth by stating that he could afford food. He was such a young and small-town lawyer. Financial problems evolved. They struggled through many difficult moments, but they moved mountains while doing so.
Just months after the marriage Grace Coolidge brought a newborn son into the marriage. A couple of years later, another son was born to the Coolidges.
Grace began budgeting their finances, and did quite well, with the good head between her shoulders. Although it was apparent that Coolidge was becoming proud of his wife and family, his characterization of demanding tendencies continued to be extremely surreal. Grace Coolidge was the one with good humor, which enabled her to take his demands in stride. He benefited greatly in having her by his side.
Grace was a versatile woman, indeed. She lightened up the sometimes stale air. She played ball in the backyard with their sons. Actually, not unlike many First Ladyies, Grace loved her husband all the way in and out of the political arena. She was behind him all the way to Governor, and then some.
In 1921, Calvin Coolidge became President of the United States. Grace carried through as the First Lady, remaining ever so close to the man she adored.
This First Lady came a long way - all the way from mending Calvin's socks to becoming a sociallite in Washington, D. C. She wore stylish clothes, which added to her already beautiful and elegant demeanor. She was her own person, a wonderful lady who was filled with genuine friendliness to everyone. Practically everyone liked Grace Coolidge, with one exception. Florence Harding deplored Grace. She also disliked her husband, Vice President Calvin Coolidge.
Developing a permanent residence for the Vice President had become quite an issue in Congress. A bill was about to pass, granting this privilege at the time Calvin Coolidge was Vice President; however, Florence Harding commented to friends and acquaintances that she convinced her husband, President Warren Harding to stop the process. The Coolidges never saw that house.
However, it was not long after this happening that Calvin Coolidge rose to the Presidency of the United States. It all occurred when President Harding was suddenly struck by death. At that time President and Grace Coolidge soon moved into the White House.
The moments, however, were not fillled with glory. It was during the White House years that they lost their young sixteen-year-old son. Although the grieving period of her son's death was excruciating for Grace Coolidge, she continued by the President's side with love and support. In 1929, the Coolidges left the White House.
They spent the latter days of their life in a large estate in Northampton, enjoying privacy with simple pleasures on spacious grounds. It was named, "The Beeches." Calvin Coolidge died in this estate in 1933.
After the President's death, Grace Coolidge sold "The Beeches" and moved to a smaller place. She also took her first trip abroad. Upon returning home, she spent many a beautiful day with her son, John, and his family.
Grace Goodhue Coolidge kept her vows to her family and her country. She loved both until the last smile that she left America, during the year of her death. Grace Coolidge died with love and dignity in 1957.
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