President's Day: Fun Facts about US Presidents

As we are heading into the Chinese New Year celebrations here in Singapore, back home in the US, friends and family are getting ready for their three-day weekend. President's Day started out as a way to pay tribute to George Washington, the nation's first president. It has since evolved into a collective nod to all US presidents.

Origins of President's Day

Back in the early 1800s, the nation honored George Washington's birthday on February 22. Washington was a man known for his leadership, stoic demeanor, and yes, those legendary wooden teeth. Fun fact: Did you know that Washington wasn't just a president, but also an accomplished surveyor in his earlier years?

Evolution of the Celebration

Fast forward to the 1960s when the Uniform Monday Holiday Act transformed the landscape of holidays, including President's Day. The shift to the third Monday of February not only gave us more three-day weekends, but also broadened the scope to encompass all US. presidents. It's not just Washington's party anymore — it's a celebration of the diverse leaders who've shaped the nation.

Quirky Tales of Presidents

We think of US presidents as these legends, but they were just men and many of them had an interesting passion or two.

Picture Thomas Jefferson, the third president, savoring his love for ice cream, introducing this sweet treat to the American palate. Or envision a young Abraham Lincoln, known for his towering stature, engaging in wrestling matches and earning a reputation as a formidable opponent. Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president, was not just a political force, but also an avid boxer in his youth.

Here's a few more fun facts for you:

Teddy Roosevelt's Teddy Bear: The teddy bear got its name from an incident involving President Theodore Roosevelt. He refused to shoot a bear during a hunting trip, and a cartoon depicting the event inspired the creation of the iconic stuffed animal.

Thomas Jefferson's Grizzly Gift: Lewis and Clark brought back a grizzly bear to President Thomas Jefferson as a present. Can you imagine having a bear as a presidential pet? Taft and the Bathtub: William Howard Taft was a hefty guy, and there's a legendary (though likely exaggerated) story about him getting stuck in the White House bathtub. The truth might be stretched, but it makes for a funny mental image. JFK's Jelly Beans: John F. Kennedy was a fan of jelly beans, and he especially loved the ones made by the American company, Goelitz Confectionery. He loved them so much that he had a special dispenser installed in the Oval Office.

Gerald Ford's Modeling Career: Before becoming president, Gerald Ford worked as a model. He appeared on the cover of Cosmopolitan in 1942. Quite the dapper gentleman!

Andrew Johnson's Unique Impeachment: Andrew Johnson, the 17th president, was impeached in 1868. Interestingly, he was acquitted by just one vote in the Senate, narrowly avoiding removal from office. Jimmy Carter and UFOs: In 1973, Jimmy Carter filed a report claiming he saw an unidentified flying object in Georgia. He even promised that if elected, he would make all information about UFOs held by the US government available to the public. Calvin Coolidge's Budget Etiquette: Calvin Coolidge, known for his frugality, had a unique way of saving money. He would ask White House staff to turn off the lights, even during official dinners. Talk about setting the mood for austerity!

Happy President's Day, and may the legacy of leadership continue to inspire us all!