| Tuesday, June 2, 2009 |
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The Clevelands Grover, Frances and Baby Ruth |
SpotlightGrover Cleveland became the first — and, so far, only — president to be married in the White House when he and Frances Folsom wed on this date in 1886. Cleveland was 49 and Folsom 21 at the time. Folsom was the daughter of Cleveland's former law partner; when his friend died, Cleveland remained close with the Folsom family and corresponded with Frances when she reached adulthood. The Clevelands' first child (of 5) was named Ruth and was said to be the inspiration for the name of the Baby Ruth candy bar. Though his wedding was not held in the White House, John Tyler was the first president to marry while in office. Tyler also holds the record as the POTUS with the most children — 15.
Quote"Some day I will be better remembered."
Question of the DayWhy is the White House called the White House and who originally created this name?
In the early days the white house was formally called the "President's Palace"; although this title soon changed over to "Executive Mansion" in 1810 to avoid connections with royalty. Even with all these name changes, the majority of society referred the building as the White House. The porous sandstone walls were coated with a mixture of lime, rice glue, casein, and lead, giving the house its familiar color and name. It wasn't until October 12, 1901 when President Theodore Roosevelt officially adopted the name "White House".
Word of the daysaturnine
- Having the temperament of one born under the supposed astrological influence of Saturn.
- a. Melancholy or sullen.
b. Having or marked by a tendency to be bitter or sardonic: a saturnine expression on his face. - Produced by absorption of lead.
Usage: Opposite of mercurial.
Yin and yang, pro and con, hither and yon... there's nothing so perfect as a thing and its opposite. Here are some words presented with their maybe, possibly opposites.
Today's History
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| At the Coronation |
- Native Americans: were granted US citizenship (1924)
- Lou Gehrig: Yankee slugger died of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a rare degenerative disease that now carries his name (1941)
- Queen Elizabeth II: coronation of the long-reigning monarch was held in Westminster Abbey; she wore a gown embroidered with floral emblems of the countries of the Commonwealth (1953)
Today's Birthdays
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| Wentworth Miller |
- Martha Washington (1731-1802): America's first First Lady; First Lady Helen Taft (1861-1943) shared this date
- Thomas Hardy (1840-1928): the novelist who wrote Tess of the D'Urbervilles; plus, writers Marquis de Sade (1740-1814), John Lehmann (1907-1987?) and Barbara Pym (1913-1980)
- Johnny Weissmuller (1904-1984): swimmer who switched strokes and became an actor, Tarzan the Ape Man
- Marvin Hamlisch (65): composer of A Chorus Line; other musicians born on this date were Charlie Watts (68) and Merril Bainbridge (41)
- Kyle Petty (49): racecar driver
- Wentworth Miller (37): Michael Scofield on Fox's Prison Break; also, actors Stacy Keach (68), Dennis Haysbert (55), Dana Carvey (54), Wayne Brady (37), Zachary Quinto (32), Nikki Cox and Justin Long (both 31)
