Wife of President Calvin Coolidge

Born: January 3, 1879

Died: July 8, 1957

Grace Goodhue was born in Burlington, Vermont, the daughter of Andrew and Elmira Goodhue. Her father was an inspector for the Champlain Transportation Company on Lake Champlain, Vermont. Grace graduated from the University of Vermont and became a teacher at the Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton, Massachusetts. While teaching at the school she met Calvin Coolidge, who had started a law practice in Northampton. After a slow-moving relationship, they were married on October 4, 1905, at her father's house.

From the time they were married until after the Presidency, Calvin and Grace lived in a rented house in Northampton, sharing it with another family. During this time, Calvin spent much of his time in Boston, working through terms in the House and Senate, as Mayor, Lt. Governor and Governor. All during this part of his political career, Grace remained at home raising their two children, John, and Calvin who died during their Presidency.

Grace, as First Lady was quite popular. She was however, more interested in their personal life. She was pleased when President Coolidge announced that he would not run for another term. Upon the Presidency ending, they returned to their house in Northampton.

Grace devoted her retirement to friends and church, and avoided all attempts to use her previous position in supporting charities. Upon her husband's death in 1933, Grace built a new home which entirely suited her. She lived at this home enjoying a very private lifestyle, until her death on July 8, 1957.