*Presidential Fun Fact of the Day

Some tidbits from Theodore Roosevelt's inaugurations.

Incidentally, TR was not a Jew. (That comment is explained here.)

1. Roosevelt ascended to the presidency in 1901 when McKinley was assassinated. TR was hiking in the Adirondack Mountains with his family at the time, and he was rushed to Buffalo to take the Oath of Office.

2. Roosevelt elected in 1904, and was ecstatic. The day before the inauguration he proclaimed, "Tomorrow I shall come into office in my own right. Then watch out for me!"

3. Among the souvenirs for his 1905 inauguration, there were little brown bears that danced when wound up.

4. His parade featured cowboys, Rough Riders, and six prominent Native Americans--including Apache warrior Geronimo. Roosevelt watched the entire parade with great enthusiasm, interacting with the participants.

5. The president's daughter, Alice, had her own suggestion for participants in the parade. She suggested that her father's campaign opponent could march along the parade route in chains, accompanied by other powerful Democrats.

Posted by Jennifer at April 5, 2004 12:54 PM

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