History shows us that messages from the public at half way through the term of a presidency can sometimes be unfriendly. The current administration is getting that message loud and clear it seems. But this is a history letter not a news site so we won’t dwell on current events but instead relay a story from the past.
On this day, give or take a few months, in 1843, one of those Presidents got that message. His name was John Tyler. As you recall from fourth grade, Tyler - the back half of "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" - had ascended to the presidency when the front half (William H. Harrison) caught the attention of the Guinness people by dying after only thirty days in office.
Anyway, Tyler stepped in and seemed never to capture the popularity of his predecessors almost from the day he took office. Even his wife was somewhat controversial. That also was not unique. Some thought she was a bit too pushy or up-front. I know that’s hard to imagine with all the genteel First Ladies in our past.
Frustrated by newly sagging polls and some Congressional election reversals, Tyler decided to take a small vacation - a little trip. He sent his son down to the railroad station to arrange a special train for the trip. The station master and his staff told the young man something like - "We don't provide special trains for politicians."
Young Tyler responded by noting that the B&O had made a special train available for the corpse of the late President Harrison. The station master reportedly said - "Bring me your father in the same shape as President Harrison and we'll be glad to get him a train."
To mark how far we've come since those hostile old days, go visit some affable office holders, if you can find any. But don’t mention anything to folks who are running for President. They all think they will be the most popular President ever. That train has left the station already.
Editors note:
This article was originally penned by Arthur Cashin, a terriffic story teller who contributed to Cheeky History for a long time. Arthur is now retired.
It was updated by yours truly for newer readers. A few changes were made but it’s hard to improve on Arthur’s writing. I just added some snark for good measure.
It’s actually a lead in to a story about that same Tyler family that I wrote a few years back. That story will be refreshed and republished soon. I hope you’ll check it out when it is.