“If you wish to win a man over to your ideas, first make him your friend.” Today is Lincoln’s birthday, formerly a holiday all on its own. Here’s the first of two photos taken of Fido, his beloved dog. This is one of the earliest photos of a member of the nation within. Fido – a mix of the kind called yaller back then – did not make the trip to Washington, but was still in Springfield when they brought the body home and he attended the funeral. For anyone interested in Lincoln as a writer – and there’s not much question that he was our best presidential writer, with a remarkable rhythmic touch and of course a thorough knowledge of Shakespeare and the Bible, lurking in sentence after sentence – a book called Lincoln’s Sword is very good.
2/12/1809
4 Comments on “2/12/1809”
My father’s family (not sure how many greats) had a furniture shop down the street from Lincoln’s law office. One of the sofas in the Lincoln home was made by this relative. Of course you have to get behind and tilt it forward to see the Ruckel name and date it was made. Happy Birthday Abe!
That is amazing about the couch!! Small tidbits of family history!
I remember when we celebrated both Lincon’s and Washington’s birthdays on THEIR day, thus getting a day off of school for each. Never really liked the President’s Day consolidation.
It is amazing how many dog photos were taken when photography first started to take off. Lots of families included their dogs in the studio photos they commissioned. I have one of my family from likely the late 1800s and there is the family dog. If you collect old postcards made from these antique photos there are dogs in the family portraits, dogs posing with the children and single men and women posing with their beloved dogs. I am not surprised the Lincoln had a photo of his dog taken when photography was in its infancy. What is even more amazing is that Fido held still long enough for a photo to be taken. I’m sure there were more than one attempts until they got a clear one. Fido was a very popular name for a dog, I’m sure because of Lincoln and his dog.
Fido. Faithful. Is there a better name for a dog?
Happy Birthday, Mr President.
Greetings!
mlaiuppa: I also remember when Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthday were celebrated on their actual days and having both days off from school.
Amazing that this photo of Fido still exists.
Happy birthday, President Lincoln!
Good afternoon to all!