President Calvin Coolidge Recalls the First Time He Ever Saw a U.S. President

The Bennington Monument in Vermont is a large obelisk in memory of a successful Revolutionary War battle against British Commander Burgoyne. In 1891, the dedication of the monument was attended by none other than then-President Benjamin Harrison, who traveled to Vermont for the occasion.  In the audience for that event was a young resident of Vermont, future President Calvin Coolidge.  It is remarkable to think of young Coolidge in the audience, knowing as we do that one day he would occupy the same office as the day’s host, President of the United States.

Typed letter signed, as President, January 15, 1924, to Russell Benjamin Harrison, Congressman from Indiana and son of the former President.  “My dear Mr. Harrison: It was a real pleasure to have a communication from you. Your father was the first President of the United States  I ever saw.  You may recall that he attended the dedication of Bennington Monument in Vermont, in August, 1891.  Should you ever be in Washington, I trust you will let me know so that we can have you break bread with us.  With kindest regards, I am very truly yours, Calvin Coolidge.”

This letter was acquired directly from the Harrison descendants and has never before been offered for sale.