Calvin Coolidge’s Unusual Oath: A Unique Presidential Transition

When it comes to presidential oath-taking, Calvin Coolidge’s ascent to the presidency in the early hours of August 3, 1923, stands out as a unique and poignant event. In a departure from the usual grand ceremonies in Washington, D.C., Coolidge’s swearing-in took place in the comforting confines of his family home in Plymouth Notch, Vermont—a setting reminiscent of Lyndon B. Johnson’s impromptu taking of his first-term oath, albeit under different circumstances. Calvin Coolidge’s Unusual Oath: A Unique Presidential Transition in Vermont deserves to be remembered.

The extraordinary circumstances unfolded with the unexpected and unexplained death of President Warren G. Harding in San Francisco just two years into his presidency. Harding, seemingly robust and healthy at 57, lacked a well-documented health history. Aside from periodic psychiatric episodes in his youth leading to hospitalization, the details surrounding his medical history and the events leading to his demise remain subjects of historical inquiry. Despite various theories about the cause of his death, we may never know the answer, as his widow declined requests for a complete autopsy.

Coolidge, visiting family in Vermont at the time, found himself abruptly assuming the presidency. In the quiet hours after midnight on Friday, August 3, 1923, Coolidge’s father startled him awake with the shocking news.

While the Constitution outlines the required oath for the President, it doesn’t specify the details of administration. Traditionally, the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court conducts the oath during the inauguration ceremony. Organizing such an event from Plymouth, VT, to the District of Columbia would have created a significant gap, potentially spanning many hours or days. In the face of this practical challenge and recognizing the profound responsibilities of the presidency, Calvin Coolidge, known for his pragmatic approach, promptly took the oath, emphasizing the urgency of assuming presidential duties without delay.

Calvin Coolidge’s Unusual Oath

Reporters were quickly summoned to the home that lacked electricity. In these extraordinary circumstances, Colonel Coolidge, a notary public, performed the ceremony in the family sitting room, illuminated only by a kerosene lamp. This low-key event marked a departure from the usual grandeur of presidential inaugurations.

Coolidge’s response to this solemn moment reflected his characteristic calm and collected demeanor. Despite the gravity of the situation, he embraced the oath with a sense of duty, expressing later, “I felt I was doing the will of the people.” This unique ceremony not only signaled an unusual transition of power but also underscored Coolidge’s commitment to stepping up when the nation needed him.

Fast forward to today, and the Coolidge legacy lives on, thanks to Calvin Coolidge’s son, John. Realizing the historical importance of the Coolidge family home in Plymouth, the site of Calvin Coolidge’s Unusual OathJohn played a crucial role in preserving it, eventually donating it to the state of Vermont in 1956. Although the town has only 555 residents, it is a beautifully preserved place to visit. John Coolidge’s dedication went beyond just the Coolidge site; it contributed to preserving Plymouth’s history. Today, the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site is a charming destination for anyone keen on exploring a piece of American history in the heart of Vermont.