As we all know, the bond between a person and a cat could be extremely robust, and that features world leaders. When a beloved tomcat went lacking, one chief’s spouse impressed a novel concept to attempt to discover him. Bringing this kitty home was of nice nationwide curiosity!
The bond between this cat and his Cat Dad was so robust that after they had been collectively, the often stern man was recognized to crack a smile. This feline companion so utterly received over his coronary heart. But this cat received over the hearts of Army and Navy leaders, in addition to a Capital guard all on his personal.
A Tabby Went Missing in a Snowstorm on the White House
This tiger-striped tabby, named Tige, lived no atypical life. He and his sibling Blackie, lived on the White House in 1923.
They had been the companions of the Coolidges, who each beloved every kind of animals. However, it was President Calvin Coolidge who preferred cats.
Calvin Coolidge and cat, summer time 1924 at his father’s farm in Plymouth Notch Vermont through Facebook/Calvin Coolidge Presidential Libray and Museum
President Coolidge beloved Tige, and the kitten would run to the White House to greet him on the finish of each workday. Coolidge would then carry the tabby on his shoulder to the Executive Mansion. But sadly, on March 21, 1924, the adventurous Tige went lacking throughout a heavy snowstorm. He was solely seven months old on the time.
In the snow, search events tried however failed to seek out the tiny kitten. Fortunately, the First Lady was conscious of a brand new risk.
Secret Service Tries a New Idea Inspired by the First Lady
First Lady Grace Coolidge, a radio fanatic, knew how highly effective the radio was in reaching individuals immediately. She loved listening to music and baseball on the radio.
First Lady Grace Coolidge within the information exhibiting her on the radio. Coolidge Foundation
We don’t understand how the dialog went, however her Secret Service agent, James Haley, gave the radio concept a attempt. After a short broadcast, much of the japanese a part of the nation received a plea for assist in discovering the lacking cat. At the time, use of the radio was restricted to east of the Mississippi, so it was nonetheless very new.
“We regret to announce that the President of the United States has lost his cat,” mentioned Haley. “It was a seven months old Thomas cat, marked like a tiger, and answered to the name of Tige. Tige has a very affectionate disposition , and Mr. Coolidge was very fond of him. He has not been seen since Friday evening during the snowstorm. The President would appreciate it very much if anyone who has seen Tige would return him to his master. Thank you.”
Afterward, there have been lots of of affords to exchange the lacking kitten. However, the President and First Lady solely needed their striped ‘Thomas cat’ again.
Tige Charms His Way into the Military
Meanwhile, Tige was doing very properly half a mile from the White House. After straying, the tabby charmed many new associates within the army. Army Captain E. F. Koenig noticed the kitten close to the Lincoln Memorial and carried him to Navy guard Captain Edward Sullivan. He fed the kitten and saved him secure in a closet. But on the time, neither man knew that Tige was the President’s cat!
The New York Times reported that the “royal looking” Tige “immediately took possession” of the brand new Navy building.
After seeing the cat on the morning of the twenty sixth, Captain Edward Bryant, who was conscious of the radio broadcast, despatched a guard, Benjamin C. Fink, to return the kitty home. And Fink appeared within the information, smiling extensively with the good-looking tabby.
Although the information gave Fink the credit score for the rescue, the cat had truly charmed many helpers.
Tige the White House cat and pet of Mrs. Coolidge has been returned. Photo by National Photo Company, 1924 March 25.
A Rare Warm Smile
President Coolidge was delighted to listen to that Tige was again at home. According to the Coolidge Foundation, he smiled warmly listening to it. Such a smile was uncommon for the widely stern man.
“Tige’s return brought about a celebration. When told the good news, a warm smile of relief and happiness crossed the President’s face. Mrs. Coolidge, too, was happy. She must have been equally pleased that their radio appeal had worked so well and so quickly.”
According to 1 story, the the cat smiled, too!
“The cat returned promptly to the White House and at lunch time wandered into the dining room and smiled knowingly at the President. He had had his experience and appeared glad to be back in his home,” reported the Times.
The story of the reunion made for welcome and completely happy information. In a Cabinet assembly, Coolidge credited the radio and newspapers for serving to discover Tige. The new concept impressed by the First Lady’s pursuits had labored.
Afterward, the general public took a distinct view of Coolidge, a robust man who was recognized for being silent, but melted for cats and different animals.
President and Mrs. Coolidge in November 1924, Wikimedia Commons
