Indiana

HAPPY PRESIDENT?S DAY

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

I’m taking President’s Day off. Maybe I’ll go buy a mattress or something. In the meanwhile, here are a few facts about this day a friend sent me. Enjoy.

Presidents Day was established as a national holiday in 1885 to celebrate George Washington’s Birthday. In the 1980’s, tradition began to include Abraham Lincoln, who was also born in February, as part of the holiday. To this day, in some states, other presidents such as John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Calvin Coolidge, and John Kennedy are also remembered. Alabama, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and several other states commemorate the holiday by different names. More recently, Presidents Day has come to celebrate Washington, Lincoln, and Andrew Shepard (just wanted to see if you’re still paying attention).

One other quick fact, Benjamin Harrison is the only president from Indiana. He was born in Ohio in 1833 but later moved to Indiana. He served in the US Senate before becoming president. He did not win the popular vote in his election, but did win the majority vote in the Electoral College (sound familiar). Electric lights were installed in the White House during his term; but, his wife never turned them on because she was frightened of the switches. Harrison, a Republican, served only one term and was the 23rd POTUS from 1889-1893.

My personal favorite Presidents have been Lincoln and Truman. I thought Nixon was the most tragic and Reagan and Roosevelt the most inspirational. I still can’t figure out what purpose Rutherford B. Hayes and Zachary Taylor served. But I do know Ulysses Grant would have been fun to party with.

Got a favorite Commander-in-Chief? Happy Presidents Day!

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on February 18, 2008 (boomark / email).