Calvin Coolidge - The Man from Vermont

Book excerpt: CALVIN COOLIDGE- The man from Vermont By CLAUDE M. FUESS. Originally published by 1939. Introduction: WHEN, in the summer of 1932, I had an informal conversation with Mr. Coolidge at Plymouth, Vermont, regarding his possible biography, he finally said drily, Better wait till I'm dead, and changed the subject to the much pleasanter one of Amherst College. Within a few months he was in his grave, and I was un expectedly at work on this book. The preparation of the manuscript has been delayed by matters beyond my own control, particularly by the fact that new material was constantly being found. It seems unlikely, however, that many more of Coolidge's private letters will be brought to light or will greatly alter verdicts already formed. Mrs. Coolidge has generously permitted me to examine a large number of letters written by Coolidge to his father and stepmother from his schoolboy days until Colonel Coolidge's death in 1926 letters which the latter had carefully preserved in a large mahogany cigar humidor. Furthermore she has enabled me to have access to some other important documents and has answered many questions. It must be emphasized, however, that this is, in no sense, an official biography, and that Mrs. Coolidge is not a sponsor for it or for the views expressed herein. Mr. Frank W. Stearns, before his death on March 6, 1939, had opened up all his personal files and allowed me to quote as I pleased from his correspondence. I have had the advantage of long talks with him and his intimate associate, Mr. Benjamin F. Felt, who has advised me on various details. To Mrs. Coolidge, Mr. Stearns, and Mr. Felt, I am deeply indebted.