Monday, July 5, 2010

Coolidge's Connection to Deaf Education

President Calvin Coolidge turned down a $2 million retirement package offered by friends when he left the White House, insisting the money be given to the Clark School for the Deaf. Coolidge met his wife, Grace Anna Goodhue, while she taught at the school in 1904. Grace taught deaf children for three years and developed a lifelong interest in their education. Coolidge served as governor of Massachusetts before being tapped as the vice presidential running mate of Republican Warren Harding in 1920. Three years later, Harding died of a heart attack and Coolidge took office of President. He was elected to a full term in 1924, but chose not to seek re-election to a second full term. It was at that time that he was offered the retirement package.