A Thanksgiving tale from 1926.
As Jones & Henry Engineers celebrates its centennial this year, we can’t help but reflect on a memorable Thanksgiving story from 1926—the very year of our founding. It was a time of cultural shifts and changing norms, and even the White House had its own unique stories to tell.
That year, President Calvin Coolidge, known for his reserved demeanor, received an unexpected gift from Mississippi—a raccoon to be slaughtered and served up for that year’s Thanksgiving dinner. Now, Coolidge wasn’t one for culinary adventures, and when asked if the raccoon was edible, he smiled and remarked that it might be for some, but certainly not for him. Instead of serving the raccoon on the dinner table, Coolidge made a rather unusual decision: he adopted the furry creature as a pet.
That charming decision was in line with the Coolidges’ well-known love for animals. Their home often resembled a cozy menagerie, with pets arriving from every corner of the country. President Coolidge even quipped in his autobiography, “We always had more dogs than we could take care of.” But their affection extended beyond traditional pets; they had a penchant for the exotic, welcoming creatures like a black bear, an African pygmy hippo, and even two lion cubs whimsically named “Tax Reduction” and “Budget Bureau.”
The raccoon, which the Coolidges affectionately named Rebecca, quickly made headlines by adding her own brand of chaos to the presidential household, earning a reputation as the most unruly of the family’s various pets. Often described as a “regular Houdini,” Rebecca couldn’t resist escaping from her makeshift cages, leading to frantic chases within the White House. The Cleveland Plain Dealer noted her antics, highlighting her propensity to rip up clothing and claw at the upholstery—a true whirlwind of a companion.
To bring some semblance of order to her mischief, the Coolidges built Rebecca a cozy wooden house nestled in a tree on the South Lawn, conveniently close to the president’s office. In a delightful gesture, they presented her with a collar inscribed with the proud title “Rebecca Raccoon of the White House.”
As time passed, President Coolidge formed a close bond with Rebecca. She became his constant companion, joining him for strolls around the White House grounds by day and snuggling up on his lap in front of the fireplace by night. When the Coolidges temporarily relocated to a mansion in Dupont Circle during White House renovations, Coolidge couldn’t bear to be apart from Rebecca. He arranged for the presidential limousine to bring her to him, showing just how much she had become a cherished part of his life.
Rebecca’s charming story is a delightful slice of American history. It not only captures the lighter side of presidential life but also showcases the unique personalities of those who have inhabited the White House. As we celebrate the legacy of Jones & Henry this year, tales like Rebecca’s inspire us to appreciate the importance of companionship and joy—qualities that can bloom in the most unexpected situations, especially as we embrace the spirit of gratitude this season.
First Lady Grace Coolidge holds the family’s pet raccoon, Rebecca. Library of Congress, National Photo Company Collection
