Monday, December 17, 2007 Presidential Trivia

When discussing the U. S. Presidents, history books focus on the important events of the day and how a given President handled them. This activity looks at the Presidents in a less serious way. I hope this "trivia" based way of looking at the Presidents will help you "see" them in more human terms. I'll start out with some interesting facts and then you'll seek out the answers to some trivia on your own.

The heaviest President was William Howard Taft (1909-13), who sometimes tipped the scales at more than 300 pounds (136 kilograms) during his tenure. After he became stuck in the White House bathtub, Taft ordered a new one installed. The replacement was big enough to hold four grown men of average size. (Above is a political cartoon concerning President Taft).

Benjamin Harrison (1889-93), the 23nd President, was the first President to attend a baseball game. He saw the Cincinnati Reds beat the Washington Senators 7 to 4 on June 6, 1892.

George Washington (1789-1797), Thomas Jefferson (1801-09), and John Adams (1797-1801) were all avid collectors and players of marbles.

John Kerry's hometown newspaper, the Lowell Sun, endorsed George W. Bush for president. Bush's hometown newspaper, the Lone Star Iconoclast, endorsed John Kerry for president?

Jimmy Carter once reported a UFO in Georgia?

Now visit the following web site and answer these questions:

1. How many Presidents have also been military generals?

2. Who was our tallest President (how tall?)?

3. Which Presidents appear on paper money? (Hint: There are nine of them)

4. Use google to find out which bill each of the nine former Presidents can be found on.

5. Which presidents have been assassinated in office?

6. How much money does the President get paid?

7. Which President had the most children?

8. What seven "heritages" or ethnic background mix have all the Presidents come from?

9. How many Presidents never attended college?

10. Who and how old were the oldest and youngest elected presidents?

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/prestrivia1.html