Although known as "Silent Cal" because of his reputation as a quiet man, Calvin Coolidge is known in history for restoring public confidence in the White House after the scandals of his predecessor's administration.

It's true Coolidge was a man of few words and was aware of his stiff reputation.He once told actress Ethel Barrymore, "I think the American people want a solemn ass as a president, and I think I will go along with them."He once wrote, "The words of a president have an enormous weight, and ought not to be used indiscriminately."Coolidge's wife, Grace, told the story that a woman sitting next to her husband at a dinner once retorted, "Mr. Coolidge, I've made a bet against a fellow who said it was impossible to get more than two words out of you."Without even looking at her, the quick-witted Coolidge replied, "You lose."Even his campaign slogan "Keep cool with Coolidge" reflected a calm demeanor. He added to the image by serving ice water at the White House.Despite his quiet, serious demeanor, the 30th president paved the way on a number of White House holiday traditions and became the first president to extend a White House Christmas celebration to the people by starting the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in 1923.The next summer, Coolidge suffered a personal tragedy when his youngest son, Calvin Jr., died of blood poisoning, a tragedy that changed the 30th president forever.People of the nation shared in the first family's grief the following Christmas as the White House received 12,000 cards with heartfelt condolences.In 1927, after countless requests to address the American people with a Christmas message, Coolidge finally agreed, and his short, handwritten message appeared in every major newspaper on Christmas morning. The brief message stated:"To the American people: Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.If we think of these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world."Since Coolidge decided not to run for re-election, 1928 was his last Christmas in the White House.At the National Community Christmas Tree lighting ceremony that year, he addressed a large crowd while many more heard him on their radios.Not only did Coolidge advance goodwill and happiness of the holiday season with the National Christmas Tree, he also shed light on a more conservative brand of leadership that remains strong among political conservatives.Even Ronald Reagan regarded Silent Cal as his favorite 20th century president because of Coolidge's belief in a limited federal government.By JIM ZBICKtneditor@tnonline.com