PRESIDENT CALVIN COOLIDGE - COLLECTION WITH FIRST LADY GRACE COOLIDGE - HFSID 90570

CALVIN COOLIDGE and GRACE COOLIDGE.
Two photographs, each inscribed and signed by one of the Coolidges to harpist Mildred Dilling, the first musician to perform for a foreign head of state in the White House. (Framed to an overall size of 30x20)
Comprises: (1) Photograph Inscribed and signed: "To Miss Mildred Dilling/With best wishes/Calvin Coolidge". Sepia, 9½x13½ overall, image 6x9 (one surface). Fine condition. (2) Photograph Inscribed and signed: "To Miss Mildred Dilling with appreciation of/her kindness in playing for us/Grace Coolidge". Sepia, 10½x13½ overall, image 6¾x9 (one surface). Fine condition. On October 4, 1905, 33-year-old CALVIN COOLIDGE (1872-1933) and 26-year-old GRACE ANNA GOODHUE (1879-1957) were married in Burlington, Vermont. Vice President Coolidge (1872-1933) succeeded to the presidency after President Harding died in 1923 and served until 1929. Grace Coolidge (1879-1957) was called her husband's greatest asset because of her warm, giving ways in contrast to her quiet husband (the White House staff called her "Sunshine"). Forbidden by Coolidge to speak in public, she once answered reporters in sign language for the deaf. Her husband set her schedule and would not let her fly in a plane, bob her hair, wear short skirts or ride a horse. The couple had two sons: John (1906-2000) and Calvin (1908-1924). MILDRED DILLING, a famous harpist, became the first musician to perform at the White House for a visiting head of state when she performed for President and Mrs. Hoover and the visiting King of Thailand on March 29, 1931. Whether former President and Mrs. Coolidge were present on that occasion, or heard Dilling at another time, is not known. Two items. Framed to an overall size of 30x29½.