Lot 883
Coolidge, Grace (1879-1957, Widow of Calvin Coolidge). Autograph free frank "Grace Coolidge" on envelope to New York with Oct. 6, 1934 of Northampton, Mass. machine cancel, also included is a signed autograph card dated "November 17, 1941".Estimate $200 - 300.
Former President Calvin Coolidge was 60 when he died in Northampton on January 5, 1933. His widow, Grace, was granted the franking privilege, free use of the mails for life, by a special act of Congress on June 16, 1934. The Former Presidents Act of 1958 formalized the granting of the franking privilege to former Presidents and their widows.
Grace Anna Goodhue married Calvin Coolidge on October 4, 1905 in Burlington, Vermont. Mrs. Coolidge was called her husband's greatest asset because of her warm, giving ways, which were in dramatic contrast to her grave, quiet husband (the White House staff called her "Sunshine"). Forbidden by Coolidge to speak in public, she once answered reporters in sign language (she had been a teacher at a school for the deaf when she met her future husband). While President, her husband set her schedule and would not let her fly in a plane, bob her hair, wear short skirts or ride a horse.
Realized: $95