Presidents Day, officially known as Washington’s Birthday, is a federal holiday that honors the leaders who have shaped the United States. Beyond their well-documented achievements, many presidents have intriguing, lesser-known stories that offer a deeper understanding of their personalities and presidencies. This article delves into such anecdotes, spanning from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Donald Trump’s second term.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945): The Superstitious Leader
- Height: 6’2″ (188 cm)
Franklin D. Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II. Despite his public image of confidence, he harbored a notable superstition.
- Triskaidekaphobia: FDR was reportedly terrified of the number 13. He avoided having 13 guests at a dinner table and refrained from traveling on the 13th day of any month.
Harry S. Truman (1945-1953): The Piano Man
- Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
Harry S. Truman, who assumed the presidency after FDR’s death, was known for his straightforward demeanor and musical talent.
- Pianist: Truman was an accomplished pianist and often entertained guests with his playing. A famous photograph captures actress Lauren Bacall perched atop a piano while Truman played, highlighting his love for music.
Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961): The Golf Enthusiast
- Height: 5’10.5″ (179 cm)
Before becoming president, Dwight D. Eisenhower was a five-star general during World War II. His post-war years revealed a passion for golf.
- White House Putting Green: Eisenhower had a putting green installed on the White House lawn. However, he often battled squirrels that disrupted the green by burying nuts, leading him to order their removal.
John F. Kennedy (1961-1963): The Speed Reader
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
John F. Kennedy, the youngest elected president, was known for his charisma and intellect.
- Rapid Reader: Kennedy reportedly had a reading speed of 1,200 words per minute, allowing him to quickly consume vast amounts of information.
Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969): The Amphibious Car Prankster
- Height: 6’3.5″ (192 cm)
Lyndon B. Johnson, known for his larger-than-life personality, had a unique sense of humor.
- Amphicar Antics: Johnson owned an Amphicar, an amphibious vehicle. He would drive it downhill toward a lake, pretending the brakes had failed, to scare passengers before splashing into the water.
Richard Nixon (1969-1974): The Bowling President
- Height: 5’11” (180 cm)
Richard Nixon, the only U.S. president to resign from office, had a lesser-known recreational interest.
- White House Bowling Alley: Nixon installed a one-lane bowling alley in the White House basement, reflecting his passion for the sport.
Gerald Ford (1974-1977): The Fashion Model
- Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
Before his political career, Gerald Ford had a brief stint in an unexpected field.
- Modeling Days: Ford worked as a male model and appeared on the cover of “Cosmopolitan” magazine in 1942.
Jimmy Carter (1977-1981): The Peanut Farmer
- Height: 5’9.5″ (177 cm)
Jimmy Carter’s pre-presidential life was deeply rooted in agriculture.
- Peanut Business: Before entering politics, Carter ran his family’s peanut farm and became a successful agribusinessman.
Ronald Reagan (1981-1989): The Lifeguard Hero
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
Before his careers in acting and politics, Ronald Reagan spent his youth in a life-saving role.
- Lifeguard Legacy: As a lifeguard in Illinois, Reagan saved 77 people from drowning over six years, marking each rescue with a notch on a wooden log.
George H.W. Bush (1989-1993): The Youngest Naval Aviator
- Height: 6’2″ (188 cm)
George H.W. Bush had a distinguished military career before his presidency.
- World War II Service: At 18, he became the youngest aviator in the U.S. Navy at that time. During a mission, his plane was shot down, and he was rescued by a submarine after parachuting into the ocean.
Bill Clinton (1993-2001): The Rhodes Scholar
- Height: 6’2″ (188 cm)
Bill Clinton’s academic achievements set him apart.
- Oxford Education: Clinton attended the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, studying philosophy, politics, and economics.
George W. Bush (2001-2009): The Marathon Runner
- Height: 5’11.5″ (182 cm)
George W. Bush maintained a commitment to physical fitness during his presidency.
- Marathon Achievement: In 1993, he completed a marathon with a time of 3 hours and 44 minutes, showcasing his dedication to running
Barack Obama (2009-2017): The Hoops-Loving President
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
Barack Obama, the first African American president, had a deep love for basketball. He played regularly during his youth and continued the tradition in the White House with pickup games.
- Presidential Brew: Obama was the first sitting president to brew beer in the White House. The “White House Honey Ale” was made using honey from the beehive on the South Lawn.
Donald Trump (2017-2021, 2025-Present): The First Non-Political President Since Eisenhower
- Height: 6’3″ (191 cm)
Before his presidency, Donald Trump was a real estate mogul and television personality. He was the first president elected without prior military or political experience since Dwight D. Eisenhower.
- Fast Food Favorite: Trump is known for his love of fast food, particularly McDonald’s. He once had a banquet of fast food served at the White House for visiting college athletes.
- Golf Enthusiast: Trump owns multiple golf courses worldwide and frequently played while in office, sometimes with professional golfers and foreign leaders.
Joe Biden (2021-2025): The Resilient Public Servant
- Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
Joseph R. Biden Jr., the 46th president of the United States, has had a long and storied career in public service. Born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden faced personal tragedies and professional challenges with resilience and determination.
- Early Personal Tragedy: Shortly after his election to the U.S. Senate in 1972, Biden’s first wife, Neilia, and their daughter, Naomi, were tragically killed in a car accident. His two sons, Beau and Hunter, were injured but survived.
- Overcoming a Stutter: As a child, Biden struggled with a debilitating stutter. Classmates mockingly called him “Dash,” likening his staccato to Morse code, and “Bye-Bye,” on account of his attempts to say his last name. Through dedication and practice, he overcame this challenge, even reciting poetry in front of a mirror to improve his speech.
- Teetotaler: Despite his Irish heritage, Biden abstains from alcohol, citing a history of alcoholism in his family. He has quipped, “I’m the only Irishman you ever met that’s never had a drink.”
- Pet Lover: Biden is the first president to have a rescue dog, Major, a German Shepherd adopted from the Delaware Humane Association.
- Vacation Time: During his four-year term, Biden took 577 vacation days, accounting for 39% of his presidency. This surpasses the previous high by George H.W. Bush, who took 37% of his presidency off.
- Historic Legislative Achievements: Biden’s tenure saw significant legislative milestones, including the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, and the CHIPS and Science Act.
- Decision Not to Seek Re-election: In July 2024, at the age of 81, Biden announced he would not seek a second term, leading to Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee.
Biden’s life and career reflect a journey marked by personal loss, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to public service.
