George Washington had some rather famous false teeth, made in a day when prosthodontia still was in its early stages of development. But the dentures were not made of wood as many have believed. “No such thing,” says the librarian at Mount Vernon, the first presidents historic home on the Potomac. “I just don’t know… Continue reading Famous False Teeth Not Wood
Category: History
President Used to Make $25,000
How much do we pay our U. S. president? Assuming this should be of more than passing interest during the election campaign, let’s review presidential salaries from 1789 to the present. George Washington, the first of 39 men to hold the office, received $25,000 per annum. Today, under the 1969 salary law passed by Congress, the pay is $200,000. Extensive… Continue reading President Used to Make $25,000
Divided Berlin: Lesson in Freedom
Where could you find a more striking contrast of the fruits of freedom versus repression than on the two sides of the infamous Berlin Wall? Gail S. Halvorsen has some special insights on why so many East Berliners “have left behind everything but the clothes on their backs and then given their lives in an… Continue reading Divided Berlin: Lesson in Freedom
Trivia Quiz: U.S. Vice Presidents
This is a good time to test your knowledge of the vice presidency, which is receiving so much attention in the election campaign. Our quiz will begin with a question everyone should he able to answer. Q. What is unique about the 1984 vice presidential race? A. For the first time in history, a woman (Geraldine Ferraro)… Continue reading Trivia Quiz: U.S. Vice Presidents
Constitution 197 Years Old Today
Citizenship Day (Sept. 17) usually passes without much fanfare – in some cases even without public recognition. Americans at least ought to display the flag. And at minimum, it would be well if some patriotic organization in each community would call the day’s significance to the people’s attention. Citizenship Day marks the anniversary of the… Continue reading Constitution 197 Years Old Today
Inspiring Words From Presidents
Presidential oratory has fascinated me during most of my adult life. Glued to the radio, I was enchanted as the silver-tongued 32nd president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, presented his “fireside chats” to rally hope during the Great Depression. Earlier, in his inaugural address, Roosevelt had called for courage in these ringing words: “The only thing we… Continue reading Inspiring Words From Presidents
Candy Smiles
During the crucial Berlin Airlift 3 1/2 decades ago, rays of gladness were spread by human interest stories of an American “candy bomber” who dropped sweets to destitute German children. If you are old enough to remember the historic airlift (called Operation Vittles) – the Allies’ answer to the infamous Berlin Blockade by the Soviets… Continue reading Candy Smiles
Visiting Shrines Helps Patriotism
A reader contemplating a trip to the Washington D.C., area Called the other day, excited about his plan to visit sites and shrines important in United States history. I shared his enthusiasm. A few years ago my family and I made such a pilgrimage … and returned with a deeper pride and commitment in our citizenship. Our… Continue reading Visiting Shrines Helps Patriotism
Salute to Freedom Fete Workers
“One cannot help coming away from the celebration uplifted, grateful for a free country… proud to be an American!” The smiling and energetic man who spoke these words was Steven R. Shallenberger, general chairman of America’s Freedom Festival at Provo. He, his top two aides Ben E. Lewis and Don T. Nelson, and over 500… Continue reading Salute to Freedom Fete Workers
Reflections on Our Great Country
As we mark Independence Day 1984, let take a few minutes to reflect on what happened July 1, 1776 – also on some other dates and events significant in America’s birth of freedom. On the Fourth, the Continental (Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence at Philadelphia. (The building in which the lawmakers sat received the… Continue reading Reflections on Our Great Country