The White House is truly a family affair – did you know all 46 U.S Presidents have been fathers? In honor of Father’s Day, we’re taking a look at some memorable stories from some of the most famous dads in the country.
Like Father, Like Son
In the course of our nation’s history, we’ve had not one, but two father and son presidential duos: John Adams (2nd president) and John Quincy Adams (6th president), and George H.W Bush (41st president) and George W. Bush (43rd president).
A Presidential Prom
Most high school seniors have their parents drop them off at their prom. Gerald Ford’s youngest daughter, Susan, went one further and held hers in the White House!
President Gerald Ford, First Lady Betty Ford, and daughter Susan Ford at a White House Christmas party, Washington, D.C.
Snakes in the White House!
When Teddy Roosevelt was quickly ushered in as President in 1901, his daughter Alice would fast become known as the rabble-rousing child of the White House. When she wasn’t sliding down the White House stairway railings, she was terrifying guests with the snake she carried around in her bag. (Brother Quentin didn’t make things much easier – he once ran a toy wagon through a priceless full-sized portrait!) To help keep her out of trouble, Roosevelt made her a White House hostess, and would often send her in his place if he couldn’t attend an event.
From left to right: Quentin, Theodore Sr., Theodore Jr., Archie, Alice, Kermit, Edith, and Ethel.
Playful in the Presidents’ Palace
President John F. Kennedy’s children had no lack of enjoyment while living in the White House! They certainly made Dad’s job interesting, whether it was daughter Caroline’s pony roaming the grounds or John Jr. hiding under his desk.
Making the East Room Her Room
While Amy Carter had a more famous residence than most kids while growing up in the White House, she played around like any other kid – often roller-skating around the East Room, or helping dad out with some reading.
Amy Carter and Jimmy Carter participate in a speed reading course at the White House, 1977
Perfect Podcast Partners
Chelsea Clinton was just twelve when her father Bill Clinton became president, but they were close, despite the combination of teenage angst and her father’s busy job! In 2013, former President Clinton was named Father of the Year by the National Father’s Day Council! Currently, Chelsea and Bill even host their own podcast together.
