Since our last-minute write-in campaign for president didn’t quite catch on as we had hoped, New Hampshire is still home to just one person to occupy the Oval Office – Franklin Pierce.
Pierce was the 14th president, serving from 1853-57, and because of that, he’s kind of big deal around here.
Now we understand that none of you were alive when Pierce was, unless you’re somewhere in the neighborhood of 147 years old and if that’s the case give us a call. Sounds like there’s a story there.
But just because none of us had the opportunity to meet Pierce doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate his life. Next Wednesday marks what would have been Pierce’s 212th birthday and every year, at least for the last few decades, there has been a special gift sent to Concord all the way from Washington, D.C. – and more specifically the White House.
“It happens all over the country where former presidents come from,” said Pierce Brigade President Joan Woodhead.
A wreath is sent North each year to remember Pierce’s birthday and his contributions to the country he led for four years. But since his birthday falls on or near Thanksgiving each year, the Tuesday before the holiday is the date for the annual remembrance.
So on Nov. 22 (next Tuesday) there will be a ceremony at the Old North Cemetery where the wreath will be placed at Pierce’s final resting spot. While it is usually a member of the Pierce Brigade, the group that oversees the Pierce Manse, who does the wreath laying, this year Matt Steinhauser will have the honor. Steinhauser did his eagle scout project at the Pierce Manse, cleaning the banking of Horseshoe Pond behind the former president’s house.
“I think it’s an honor,” Woodhead said.
The second and fourth graders from Christa McAuliffe School will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the Star Spangled Banner. The Governor’s Horse Guard will also present the colors and a salute.
“It’s not a real long ceremony, probably 20 to 30 minutes,” Woodhead said.
The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and will be followed by light refreshments at Pierce Manse. And who knows, you might just learn a few things about ‘Handsome Frank.’
“There will usually be people in the rooms on the first floor to answer questions,” Woodhead said.
For more, visit piercemanse.org.
Insider staff
