William Howard ("Bill") Taft was born in this house in Cincinnati, Ohio. Needless to say, the family was quite well-to-do. They were well-educated, intellectual, progressive, and independent.

As you can see, this is a very nice house indeed. All of the Tafts were studious, and they also played sports and were very active. As a result of a fall from a horse, Bill lost control of his appetite and just could not stop eating. As he grew older, he became inactive. He would eat a dozen eggs, a pound of bacon, and piles of pancakes for breakfast, leaving him drowsy for most of the morning (to put it mildly).

During his presidency, he took up golf, which helped him physically, but which also put him in contact with rich businessmen, thus ending his progressive attitude. He even vetoed a bill limiting child labor.

The Taft Education Center has Charlie Taft, Bill's younger brother, telling stories. Actually, he's a robot; you push a button and he'll tell you a story. Very clever.

Bill must have hated this photo; not too flattering.

Photos and text ©D.L. Mark 2002

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