Happy Birthday Mr. President

Herbert Hoover celebrated his 80th birthday in his hometown, West Branch, Iowa.  It was a celebration of small-town America, a time capsule of the ‘good old days’ when friends and neighbors got together to share life’s big events.  Hoover’s birthday party drew on the volunteer efforts of local citizens to cook, organize the parade, and … Continue reading Happy Birthday Mr. President

Days of Reckoning-Herbert Hoover’s Birthdays at age 80+

by Matthew Schaefer Many years after Hoover left the White House, he became a respected elder statesman.  Hoover relished this role, giving advice to Democrats and Republicans alike as he entered his eighties.  At this late stage of his life, Hoover came to be seen as a model of vigorous aging.  Magazine articles were written … Continue reading Days of Reckoning-Herbert Hoover’s Birthdays at age 80+

The Value of Knowing Your Birthday

By Thomas F. Schwartz Most people have forgotten the days when you were born at home, often married at home, and had your wake and funeral at home.  These significant events were of importance to immediate family members and their church family members.  Records of births, marriages, and deaths were recorded in family Bibles and … Continue reading The Value of Knowing Your Birthday