William Howard Taft and the First Motoring Presidency, 1909–1913
by Michael L. Bromley
“The author thanks Thomas Jefferson, the Department of Defense, and Roget for, respectively, the Library of Congress, the Internet, and always another good word, sometimes even the perfect one.”
The opening quote gives the reader an immediate sense of how the book is likely to present its story: with the same good humor for which its subject, William Howard Taft, was known. It is the very first sentence on the first page of text that begins opposite the masthead page, before the Table of Contents even.
This strong and robust White steamer was the first acquired and became Taft’s primary vehicle throughout his presidency. You can see it and learn of its whereabouts today here.
White’s differ from other steamers of that same period in that it has a water tube boiler versus all the others with fire tube boilers. This meant White’s were more conserving in water use among other virtues.
This book tells in great depth and breadth about the entire four-year presidency of William Howard Taft using the reality of his introduction of the motor vehicle into the White House stable-turned-garage as its raison d’être. Oh, it absolutely tells of the cars themselves but it also delves, as said, into the minutia of dealings with Congress, the press who reported on those dealings, staff, and so much more. If you’re a political junkie, this book is truly going to be your cuppa.
Want a detailed discussion of tariffs, their pros/cons, pitfalls and uses—philosophically and then as realities of that day and time unfolded? There’s an entire chapter and more dedicated to that discussion for the topic was debated and debated and discussed throughout Taft’s years in office.
Interested in dynamics between Rough Rider Teddy Roosevelt and his successor in office William Howard Taft? That’s there too. And there’s also an exploration of how Teddy acted while in office, not all of it flattering, though as Bromely writes, “I have no intention to chisel his [referring to Theodore Roosevelt] face from Mt. Rushmore.”
Pierce-Arrow was the maker of choice for the White House limousine when more formal occasions called for such. It was also Mrs Taft’s maker of choice for her personal landaulet.
But for our purposes, let’s focus on the automobiles with which President and First Lady Taft replaced the horses, turning the White House stables into garages and hiring motormen in place of grooms, stable hands, and carriage drivers. That the White steamers were strong and capable is amply demonstrated during a July 1911 trip from the White House to Manassas, Virginia to observe the fifty-year anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run.
Putting automobiles in the White House wasn’t Taft’s only use of newly available technologies such as the telephone, the telegraph, motion pictures, and the really new comforts of air conditioning. He also gave “the first presidential radio address.”
We know Taft was nearly 6’ tall and judging from photos of his aide Archie Butts standing beside his boss, Archie was as well. So when he removes his boots and wades out to test the depth of the swollen river and it comes to “above his waist” yet Taft orders the driver, named Rundle, of the White to cross. Rundle increased the pressure to full power before setting forth so that should the burner’s flame be snuffed out, the built-up steam would keep it moving ‘til it regained ground on the other side and could be re-lit. What’s the more remarkable is this isn’t a brand-new White but rather the first car purchased for President Taft just prior to his being sworn in so now in 1911 fully three years old and while well cared for also has many miles on it for Taft’s cars were all well used with high miles.
What would a book that features political issues and activities of the day be without a few political cartoons? This one is from 1912. Its backstory is fully explained in the book.
Taft has been unfairly overlooked as insignificant by some. Hmmm, think about it. Never before—or since—has any person who served as president been considered so learned with such balanced judgment and experience to be appointed the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court subsequent to his presidency. His intention had been to teach at Yale which he did until, only months after being sworn into office in 1921, president Warren G. Harding appointed Taft to head the Supreme Court which he would do until, in 1930, ill health forced his retirement..
Right at the outset Bromley says, “Taft was an eminently principled and practical man. He abhorred politics and played it vigorously. . . . His presidency was critical to what we call America today.” Then as the extensive Appendices and Bibliography attest, he sets out taking his readers back in time to make his case and prove his point.
The original hardcover was published in 2003.
Copyright 2025 Helen V Hutchings (speedreaders.info)
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