Washington Becomes President!

On April 30, 1789, George Washington took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. He captured his thoughts on becoming the first president when he wrote, "As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles."

President Washington retired from politics after his second term in office. As with many departing presidents, I often wish we had followed their advice. In his farewell address, Washington urged his countrymen to forswear excessive party spirit and geographical distinctions.

Although they were fashionable in his day, Washington never liked powdered wigs and rarely, if ever, wore one. I don't like wigs on men either.

Thanks to Molly for another great suggestion!

-- Charlie

Buffalo Bill

Buffalo Bill Cody (center), what a character! He got his name as just one of many who participated in the mass slaughter of our nation's wild bison herds. These herds once numbered over 100 million animals and they roamed the west in great north-south migrations. The herds and their activities supported a complex chain of life that included prairie roaming wolves and grizzly bears. Unfortunately, by the late 1800's, people like Buffalo Bill had nearly wiped them out.

Bill was also a famous scout for the US Army and received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service in 1872. While a scout, Bill cautioned the government to never make a promise to Native Americans that it did not intend to keep. (Too bad the government didn't listen.) In his later years, Buffalo Bill formed a traveling "Wild West" show. Understanding the folly of his ways with the buffalo, he purchased some of the last remaining bison, included them in his show, and, thus, protected them from slaughter. (But, don't be fooled, it was really the formation of Yellowstone National Park that saved the wild American bison.) Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show gave starts to notable performers of the day such as Annie Oakley. The show also provided odd jobs for some washed up western heroes including "Wild Bill" Hickock. Hickock was so bad at delivering lines on stage that he was quickly dropped from the show but parted with his friend Buffalo Bill on good terms.

Buffalo Bill died in 1917 and is buried near Golden, Colorado.

-- Charlie

Thank Goodness for FDR!

On April 12, 1945, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States, died. "FDR" served as President of the United States beginning in 1933 and won four consecutive reelections. He's best known, of course, for guiding the United States through both the Great Depression and World War II but he did other great things for this nation. FDR was also a champion of Social Security and survived accusations that he was a socialist simply because he wanted all Americans to have a secure and happy life all the way through and beyond retirement.

Roosevelt was also a polio survivor but went to great lengths to conceal his disabilities from the American public. He was almost always photographed sitting down, either in a chair or in a vehicle. This was because he normally used leg braces and crutches, or a wheelchair, to get around. Yes, he was related to Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. Teddy was FDR's fifth cousin.

Many people do not know that FDR loved riding in cars, just like me! He actually owned one of the first cars modified to operate with hand controls specifically for the disabled.

-- Charlie

Surrender! I Bring You Indoor Plumbing.

On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee (center right) surrendered his Confederate Army to General Ulysses S. Grant (center left) at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia. The actual surrender took place inside the McClean House. Thus would end the US Civil War -- with over 630,000 casualties, one of America's most deadly conflicts. The casualty rates from some Civil War battles have never been exceeded, even in the United States' modern history.

The McClean House did not have indoor plumbing so one had to make do. All that talking, chivalry, pomp and circumstance! My bladder just wouldn't hold out any longer.

Special thanks to Molly for suggesting this week's blog entry!

-- Charlie