June 2022

Page A22 JUNE 2022 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Se c t i on A state over the death of his son began to wear on his health, which had never been robust. In 1932, while visiting his father’s home in Plymouth Notch, Coolidge experienced a severe attack of hay fever and ongoing asthma attacks. By the fall of 1932, he was using a variety of sprays to help him breathe. Hardly a night went by that he did not suffer great distress. In reality, Coolidge was suffering from chronic heart disease. He experienced chronic indigestion, weight loss, and exhaustion, even after a night of sleep. He would not admit to heart trouble, but those around him noticed that he took his pulse often. On January 5, 1933, Coolidge arose at 7:00 AM. He did not shave immediately but went for breakfast, and then he was driven to his downtown office. By 10:00 AM, he was taken back home. At 12:45 PM, Mrs. Coolidge returned from shopping and went upstairs. There on the dressing room floor she found her husband dead, lying on his back in his shirt sleeves. It looked like he was preparing to shave. Northampton undertaker, Oscar F. Ely, along with his son Charles were called to the residence where Charles embalmed the President and prepared for the funeral. Coolidge had lived 60 years and 185 days. Mrs. Coolidge made clear to Undertaker Ely that she wanted the funeral to be a simple affair in keeping with the President’s simple way of life. When the death call was received at the Ely Undertaking Company, by chance a salesperson from the Boston Burial Case Company was visiting. When this alert salesperson realized that the death call was for a former president, he immediately told the Elys that if the Coolidge family approved, his company would furnish their best casket at no charge. The Coolidge family accepted the offer. On Friday the 6th, Ely brought a solid bronze, glass sealing casket to the residence and casketed the President. Coolidge was laid out in formal attire. By Todd Van Beck When President Harding died in San Francisco, California, his vice-president Calvin Coolidge was sound asleep across the country in Plymouth Notch, Vermont. A young man on a bicycle rode twelve miles in the middle of the night to awaken Coolidge and let him know that he would soon be the thirtieth president of the United States. The oath of office was given to Coolidge by his father John Coolidge, who was a notary public. The Coolidges concluded that this was constitutional. Later, Coolidge was given the presidential oath in Washington, just to make sure. Coolidge was a quiet man. However, he started out his presidency with full force. Tragically, in 1924, his youngest son Calvin, Jr. contracted sepsis from an infected blister and died. The loss of his son devastated Coolidge. By the end of his presidency, he was in a deep depression and sleeping sixteen hours a day. After his presidency, Coolidge returned to Northampton, Massachusetts to retire. Being in a chronic depressed Calvin Coolidge the thirtieth President of the United States of America Rest in Peace, Mr. President. That was the hope...that our presidents would rest in peace, but that has not always happened. For example, between 1865 and 1901 Lincoln’s remains were moved 18 times. Funerals are a reflection of how people live their lives, and this remains true for the funerals of our U.S. presidents. This series offers a glimpse into the deaths and funerals of our presidents, while offering overdue recognition to the scores of funeral professionals who labored ceaselessly to carry out the wishes of the presidents, their families, and in some cases, the wishes of the United States government. Each account tells an interesting story. —TVB Rest In Peace, Mr. President The funeral for President Coolidge was held in the historic Edwards Congregational Church, where the Coolidges were members. The funeral was held on January 7, 1933, and at 9:45 AM, the bronze casket was closed and permanently sealed. Mrs. Coolidge had requested that the funeral be simple and no eulogy be read. The entire 20-minute funeral was composed of holy scripture and prayer. After the funeral, the family prepared for the 100-mile trip up to Plymouth Notch, where more than six generations of the Coolidge family were buried. After a short rest at her home, Mrs. Coolidge was ready to make the trip to bury her husband. At Plymouth Notch Cemetery, a canvas canopy was erected. Willard Cabot, an undertaker from Woodstock who was a close friend of the family, oversaw the committal service. Cabot had already buried the late President’s father and son. As taps sounded, the last remnants of daylight hovered over the western rise of the Green Mountains. The procession left the cemetery, andWillard Cabot lowered the casket into the earth. Finally, the gravedigger Azro Johnson began filling in the grave. Todd W. Van Beck is associated with John A. Gupton College in Nashville, and has been an author, teacher, practitioner, and speaker for over 40 years. On May 30, 2018 Van Beck celebrated 50 years in funeral service. You can reach Todd at 615-327-3927. F U N E R A L H O M E & C E M E T E R Y N E W S w w w . N o m i s P u b l i c a t i o n s . c o m Monthly Columnsonline at The DD2000-XLC incorporates the capability to secure a standard and oversized cot side-by-side. The system allows four cremation containers, four cots, two air trays, or two caskets to be transported safely by one person. The powered upper deck with safety latch raises and lowers within seconds and can be easily installed inside a full-size cargo van. Robust features like an aluminum deck and steel frame help create the most reliable and durable deck system in the industry. DOUBLE DECK TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT DD2000-XLC Funeral Home Lobby and moved to that cemetery. Dale wrote a touching service that was appreciated by all family members present, including the mother, who was 98 at the time. Through the years, Dale has seen a lot of changes in the industry and with how people think of things nowadays. “Dropping everything when Grandpa dies doesn’t seem to be so important now. People don’t think anything of waiting a week or two or more even with a full body funeral,” Dale says, adding, “Most funeral homes are cooperative with one another and will do the best they can with their colleagues in their time of need.” “Our business is unique. We’re in a profession that serves people at their worst time. We serve at the darkest hour – day or night,” says Dale. “We come when they call in this sad time. It might be a time of thankfulness that they don’t have to suffer or linger any longer or sometimes it’s a great tragedy or accident. From a stillborn child to age 100 or more, we’re here to serve.” For more information on the Niewoehner Funeral Home, visit their website at www.niewoehnerfh.com or call 701-776-6222. Niewoehner Funeral Home Continued from Page A18 lowed the wagon to the cemetery and the deceased’s horse was following directly behind the wagon.” He’s had the honor of acting as celebrant for many services and has developed services around each person’s life. He directed the reburial and ceremony of a young child who died of polio on September 18, 1946. The boy’s father had been buried in a different cemetery, so the child was disinterred www.nomispublications.com SEND US YOUR NEWS! PO Box 5159, Youngstown, OH 44514 1-800-321-7479 info@nomispublications.com

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