Letter from Calvin Coolidge to John Coolidge

Date: March 14, 1932

Context: In the letter, Coolidge comments that a “good many families have been raised on much less income that you have. Your grandfather’s was.” In his Autobiography, Coolidge writes, “My father, John Calvin Coolidge, ran the country store. He was successful… His profits were about $100 per month on the average… He was a good business man, a very hard worker, and did not like to see things wasted.”


My dear John,

You are doing very well. A good many families have been raised on much less income than you have. Your grandfather’s was. You will find you will always have to go without many things you would like.

To day was your grandmother’s birthday. She died forty seven years ago this afternoon.

Give my love to Florence

Your father


Citation: Coolidge Family Papers, Vermont Historical Society

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The Coolidge Foundation gratefully acknowledges the volunteer efforts of Agustin Reiter, who prepared this document for digital publication

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