John Calvin Coolidge was born in Plymouth, Vermont, on July 4, 1872 and was elected Vice President in 1920.  Upon learning of the death of President Warren Harding in the early hours of August 3, 1923, Coolidge was administered the Presidential oath by his father, a notary public, while vacationing at his family's Vermont home.  Famous for being our most laconic president, "Silent Cal" served as President from 1923 until 1929 and campaigned on maintaining the status quo.  Celebrated journalist and political commentator Walter Lippmann described Coolidge as having a remarkable talent for doing nothing:

"This active inactivity suits the mood and certain of the needs of the country admirably. It suits all the business interests which want to be let alone.... And it suits all those who have become convinced that government in this country has become dangerously complicated and top-heavy...."