In honor of the Centennial Anniversary of Coolidge ’ s momentous Oath of Office , we at VERMONT Magazine reached out to Matthew Denhart , President of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation . Denhart graciously provided a closer look at the on-site programming during the centennial season , which reaffirmed Coolidge ’ s deeply-held values of cooperation , hard work , and conscientious integrity . The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation worked collaboratively with the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation to orchestrate a series of compelling events , which made a profound impact on visitors and Vermonters alike .
A Historic Commemoration
The reenactment of President Coolidge ’ s Oath of Office served as the anchoring highlight of the centennial celebration . It took place at the Coolidge Family Homestead at precisely 2:47 AM on August 3 , 2023 , mirroring the exact time and location of the original Oath . Coolidge ’ s direct descendants played key roles in recreating this historic moment . Chris Jeter , Coolidge ’ s great-grandson , took on the role of Calvin , while Jennifer Coolidge Harville , his greatgranddaughter , portrayed Grace Coolidge . The great-great grandchildren of Coolidge also starred in the reenactment . Chris Jeter ’ s son , Chase Jeter , played Coolidge ’ s Stenographer , Erwin Geisser . The role of Joseph Fountain , the Springfield Vermont-based reporter who was present during the Oath of Office , was played by Jennifer Coolidge Harville ’ s son , Jake Harville . “ It was wonderful to have members of the Coolidge family involved ,” says Denhart . Denhart adds that Jim Douglas , the former Governor of Vermont , is Vice Chair of the Calvin
Coolidge Presidential Foundation , and also starred in the reenactment . “ He played the pivotal role of Calvin Coolidge ’ s father , Colonel John Coolidge . It was great to see him bring the role to life .”
According to Denhart , the impact of the reenactment was far-reaching , drawing a gathering of between 150 and 200 people “ We weren ’ t sure how many people would turn up in the middle of the night to witness this historic reenactment ,” says Denhart . “ People came from far and wide to be a part of it .” The reenactment was held several more times over the course of the following days , ensuring that all those who wished to participate had the opportunity to enjoy the experience .
On the morning of August 3rd , the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation also hosted a naturalization ceremony , which
Write and Shine Vermont .
If you ’ re an aspiring or accomplished writer in Vermont , now ’ s your time to shine . It ’ s the Vermont Magazine and Green Mountain Power Vermont Writers ’ Prize – honoring the literary legacy of Ralph Nading Hill , Jr ., writer , historian and longtime member of Green Mountain Power ’ s Board of Directors .
This year , there are two categories : prose and poetry , each with a $ 1,250 prize . To enter , write an essay , short story , play or poem about Vermont - its people , places , values or history in 1,500 words or less .
The deadline to enter is January 1 , 2024 . Enter today at vermontwritersprize . submittable . com / submit / 86155 / vermont-writers-prize
For details , visit greenmountainpower . com , vermontmagazine . com or call ( 888 ) 835-4672 .
Entries must be unpublished . Must be a Vermont resident . Previous winners and employees of GMP and Vermont Magazine cannot enter .
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