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Headliner of State: Chester Arthur
The search for the funniest president continues! Chester Arthur
(1881-85) was probably a funny guy ... he was a very effective cog
in New York City's Republican political machine, so he knew how to
rub elbows with the best of 'em.
But if we've giving him a shot at the title, we need to think
outside the box. Christopher Oldstone-Moore is an expert in the
history of facial hair, grooming and other projections of
masculinity - and he just published a great book, "Of Beards and
Men." He's helping us figure out if Arthur was the funniest LOOKING
president, thanks to his amazing whiskers.
We get context for the "bearded age," the peculiar 50-year span
when America's leaders dared to wear facial hair. Chris explains
the origins of Chester's look, and the statement he was trying to
make. And ultimately, we figure out if it's cool to use our modern
standards when deciding if Arthur was, in fact, funny looking.
It's a hair-raising discussion. HA!
"Of Beards and Men" on Amazon.com
profile at Wright State University
Vermont
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Fine and Dandy" by Teddy Wilson and his
Orchestra, "Blind Arthur Breakdown" by Blind Arthur, "He's Pulling
His Whiskers" by Hot Lips Page and His Band
View all episodes
By The DC Improv
4.9
77 ratings
The search for the funniest president continues! Chester Arthur
(1881-85) was probably a funny guy ... he was a very effective cog
in New York City's Republican political machine, so he knew how to
rub elbows with the best of 'em.
But if we've giving him a shot at the title, we need to think
outside the box. Christopher Oldstone-Moore is an expert in the
history of facial hair, grooming and other projections of
masculinity - and he just published a great book, "Of Beards and
Men." He's helping us figure out if Arthur was the funniest LOOKING
president, thanks to his amazing whiskers.
We get context for the "bearded age," the peculiar 50-year span
when America's leaders dared to wear facial hair. Chris explains
the origins of Chester's look, and the statement he was trying to
make. And ultimately, we figure out if it's cool to use our modern
standards when deciding if Arthur was, in fact, funny looking.
It's a hair-raising discussion. HA!
"Of Beards and Men" on Amazon.com
profile at Wright State University
Vermont
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Fine and Dandy" by Teddy Wilson and his
Orchestra, "Blind Arthur Breakdown" by Blind Arthur, "He's Pulling
His Whiskers" by Hot Lips Page and His Band