Coolidge, Grace Goodhue (1879-1957), was the wife of Calvin Coolidge, who served as president of the United States from 1923 to 1929. She won praise for her work in helping disabled people, especially those who were hearing impaired. Mrs. Coolidge was also known for her charming personality. Her cheerful, outgoing manner contrasted with that of her husband, who tended to be quiet in public.
Mrs. Coolidge, whose maiden name was Grace Anna Goodhue, was born in Burlington, Vermont, on Jan. 3, 1879. Her father was an engineer and a steamboat inspector. Grace graduated from the University of Vermont in 1902. After graduating, she became a teacher at the Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Grace Goodhue met Calvin Coolidge in Northampton in 1904. The couple married on Oct. 4, 1905. They had two sons, John, in 1906, and Calvin, Jr., in 1908.
Calvin Coolidge became vice president of the United States in 1921, under President Warren G. Harding. Harding died in 1923, and Coolidge became president. Mrs. Coolidge, a woman of great charm and wit, became one of the most popular first ladies in history. She invited many former students of the Clarke School and other hearing impaired people to the White House. She gave her support to a number of causes aimed at helping the disabled. Her many other interests included the performing arts. The Coolidges entertained stage and motion-picture stars in the White House. Grace Coolidge also had a strong interest in baseball and was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox.
Tragedy struck the Coolidges in 1924. Their son Calvin, Jr., developed a foot blister while playing tennis on the White House grounds. The blister led to blood poisoning, and the 16-year-old boy died.
Calvin Coolidge died in 1933, four years after his presidency ended. Grace Coolidge continued to work to help the disabled for many years. She died on July 8, 1957.
See also Coolidge, Calvin .
