February 7, 1927 The White House, Washington, DC from First Lady Grace Coolidge to Hancock resident Mary L. Knight I now have them (photos of my mother and father) and after I have them framed, I shall take pleasure in sending them with one of the President and myself to the Historical Society of Hancock, NH. I take comfort in doing this because it would please my father to have them there. Thank you for your suggestion and with my best wishes, Grace Coolidge -:- The photograph of her is signed: "To the Historical Society of Hancock, NH, my father's birthplace, with his daughter's greetings and best wishes. Grace Coolidge."   More from Hancock author Howard Mansfield's manuscript about the gracious Grace:   Throngs of people came to the 150th anniversary of Hancock in 1929. The sesquicentennial was the biggest event ever held in Hancock. Mrs. Calvin Coolidge was the star of the day. Grace Goodhue Coolidge's father was born in Hancock, and the committee noted, "in her girlhood days she was a frequent visitor at her grandfather's home, and personally known to many of the townspeople."   She was kept busy: the parade halted at the common so Mrs. Coolidge could raise the flag "upon the new steel staff." She also planted an elm in front of the grade school on the common and then autographed the spade. (HHS collection) Later she took part in the community singing at the town hall.   Mrs. Coolidge returned to visit in 1938, and received visitors at the Foster Stearns' where she was staying. "This day means so much to me," she said. "It is so good to renew old acquaintances. It is unfortunate more communities do not follow the practice. Life would be so empty without old friends."   Howard Mansfield, with permission

For photos of Grace Goodhue Coolidge, Wife of President Calvin Coolidge, please click here

Return to Homepage - Write to the HHS
Hancock Historical Society, Hancock, N.H., ©2003