Thanksgiving has long been a cherished tradition in the United States, marked by family gatherings, feasts, and the iconic presidential turkey pardon. However, the history of this tradition is not without its quirks and surprises. One such unexpected twist occurred during the presidency of Calvin Coolidge, who served from 1923 to 1929. Known for his quiet demeanor and conservative approach, Coolidge found himself at the center of an unusual Thanksgiving episode that temporarily altered the course of the holiday's White House customs.
In the early 1920s, the tradition of presenting the President with a Thanksgiving turkey was already well-established. However, the sheer number of turkeys offered to President Coolidge became overwhelming. The abundance of these feathered gifts was so excessive that Coolidge decided to suspend the tradition temporarily. This decision was not merely a reflection of practicality but also an indication of the changing times and the evolving nature of presidential customs.
The hiatus in turkey presentations continued until 1925, when an unexpected gift arrived at the White House—a live raccoon. This unusual offering was intended as a Thanksgiving meal, but President Coolidge and his wife, Grace, were charmed by the creature's playful demeanor. Rather than serving the raccoon as part of the holiday feast, the Coolidges decided to adopt her as a pet, naming her "Rebecca." Rebecca quickly became a beloved member of the White House menagerie, which already included a variety of animals, from dogs and cats to birds and even a wallaby.
Rebecca's presence at the White House captured the public's imagination and added a whimsical touch to the Coolidge presidency. She was known for her mischievous antics and was often seen accompanying the First Lady on walks around the grounds. The decision to keep Rebecca as a pet rather than a meal highlighted the Coolidges' compassion and their ability to embrace the unexpected with grace and humor.
This peculiar chapter in Thanksgiving history serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of traditions and the unique ways in which they can be shaped by the personalities and circumstances of those in power. While the turkey pardon has since become a staple of the holiday, the story of Rebecca the raccoon remains a charming anecdote that underscores the human side of the presidency.
In the years following Rebecca's arrival, the tradition of presenting turkeys to the President resumed, eventually evolving into the formal pardon ceremony we know today. Yet, the tale of President Coolidge and his raccoon continues to be a delightful footnote in the annals of American history, illustrating how even the most established customs can take unexpected turns.
