But Teddy was most famous for his “walks.” When Teddy and his friends set out for a walk, they chose a direction, and let almost nothing alter their course. They would climb trees and fences, and swim across rivers and streams rather than go around an obstacle. Even a walk, for Teddy, became a physical challenge.
William Howard Taft (1909-1913) was a very large man, and our heaviest President. His weight varied from 300 to 360 pounds at various times during his career. In his first days in the White House, he got stuck in the bathtub, and a special tub had to be made and installed for his use. Still, he was a graceful dancer and played tennis well. He also enjoyed riding, even if the horse didn’t. When Taft was Governor of the Philippines, word reached Washington that his health was suffering in the tropical heat. Secretary of War Elihu Root cabled Taft asking about his health. Taft replied that his health was fine and he was standing the heat well. In fact, Taft cabled, he had just that day ridden twenty-five miles into the mountains and back and stood the trip well. Root cabled back, “How is the horse?” But Taft’s favorite pastime was playing golf. Teddy Roosevelt advised him against it, but when Taft refused to give it up, Teddy told him at least not to have his picture taken playing the game.
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