Little Known Facts About President Grover Cleveland

President Grover Cleveland is probably best known for being the only President to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. But else do we know about this late 19^th century Commander-In-Chief? I decided to take a trip to Cleveland's birthplace in Caldwell New Jersey to learn more facts about President Grover Cleveland.

Grover Cleveland Facts-Cleveland was born Steven Grover Cleveland on March 18, 1837. He was named after a local pastor in Caldwell New Jersey.

Grover Cleveland Facts-Cleveland is the only President born in New Jersey (Caldwell) and buried in New Jersey (Princeton)

Grover Cleveland Facts- Cleveland served as the 22^nd (1885-1889) and 24^th (1893-1897) Presidents of The United States

Grover Cleveland Facts-The Baby Ruth candy bar is named after Cleveland's first child Ruth, not Yankees slugger Babe Ruth. Ruth Cleveland was born in 1891 and was nicknamed 'Baby Ruth' by the press.

Grover Cleveland Facts-Cleveland is on the out of circulation $1000 bill.

Grover Cleveland Facts-Cleveland is the only President to be married in the White House. He married Frances Folsom, the daughter of Cleveland's late friend, on June 2, 1886. At age 21, Folsom remains our youngest First Lady.

Grover Cleveland Facts-Although Cleveland was accused of having a child out of wedlock during the 1870's, there remains no proof this child was his. However, while running for his first term in office, his Republican opponents exploited this information and coined the infamous slogan "Ma! Ma! Where's My Pa?" When Cleveland won the election, the Democrats answered the question with "Gone to the White House, Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Grover Cleveland Facts-Cleveland was an avid fisher and even published a book on the subject.

Grover Cleveland Facts-Two months into Cleveland's second term in office, the Stock Market crashed and America was thrown into its worst depression up to that point. At that same time, he was diagnosed with a malignant mouth tumor. Rather than cause people any more panic, Cleveland traveled to New York City and secretly boarded a friend's yacht with a team of doctors to have the tumor removed. This was not made public until 1917.

Grover Cleveland Facts-Hawaiians are fond of President Cleveland. He rejected an annexation of Hawaii during his second term because he recognized its sovereignty. To this day, Hawaiians make pilgrimages to Caldwell and Princeton to honor Cleveland. And the bassinet he slept in as an infant at his birthplace is topped with leis.

Thanks to everyone at the Grover Cleveland Birthplace/Museum for their assistance in writing this article.

Sources:

Grover Cleveland Birthplace/Museum Caldwell New Jersey

Philip Read First 'Presidential Luau' is held in honor of President Grover Cleveland in Caldwell, NJ.com (Star Ledger Newspaper), April 30, 2010

Philip B Kunhardt II, Philip B Kunhardt III, Peter W Kunhardt, The American President Chapter 9: Expanding Power 'Grover Cleveland' pp 363-365, Penguin Putnam Books, NYC 1999