The former President and First Lady were invited for lunch at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, January 13, 1930. Pictured beside them, from left to right: Hamilton Holt, who would serve as President of the College from 1925-1949, after losing the Senate race in Connecticut in 1924, running as a Democrat; Mary E. Bacheller; Alexina L. Holt, Hamilton’s wife; and Irving Bacheller, a long-time trustee of Rollins College.
It was Mr. Bacheller who shared, during the event attended by the Coolidges in Rollins’ recreation hall (according to school history), “delightfully whimsical reminiscences” of the institution and his involvement with it. President Holt had promised Coolidge he would not have to speak at all nor would he be expected to take part in honorary degree ceremonies. He was welcome simply as a visitor, which was likely the most persuasive kind of invitation Coolidge would receive during this trip.
The Importance of the Obvious 