The Man with Whiskers

was 8th President, Martin van Buren! Van Buren's administration began with “The Panic of 1837”, a depression that lasted until 1845. Over 900 banks eventually closed and many people went unemployed. To combat this, Van Buren fought for an Independent Treasury to help ensure the safe deposit of funds. Texas applied for statehood after gaining independence in 1836. If admitted, it would have become another slave state which was opposed by the Northern states. Van Buren, wishing to help fight against sectional slavery issues, agreed with the North. Van Buren is sometimes credited with creating the word "OK." Van Buren was from Kinderhook, New York. During his campaign, Old Kinderhook (O.K.) clubs formed to support the president. Later, "OK" or "okay," came to mean "all right."
Maybe the last of the Presidents I will post.

[Pat Knowles]

I have never heard of this one......he looks rather stately sitting in his chair.....three lots of bikes too!

[Maggiemae]

At least he has the sitting down position - all the others have to stand! @happypat

[Rick Schies]

Some good background information

[Margaret Pengelly]

Did a good job with the bikes in this one, an interesting series.

[Beryl Lloyd]

Great capture and background info !! He looks as if he is in a leather jacket --just yearning to be on the bikes in the background !!!!

[Kerri]

Awesome shot

[Tony]

Lovely shot of the statue, bonus multiple bikes and is that a mural across the street. Great shot.

[Terry]

You must be at a bike conference, many of your shots have them in it.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

Mr. President looks like he wishes to ride on a bike rather than sit on the sidewalk!

[Cathy Donohoue]

How very cool. I certainly learned something from reading your post. Great shot.

[richard saffold]

good ole martin. he'd have to do something about the hair to get elected today.

[Taffy]

It's been fun learning about this set of sculptures from you. And I like in this scene that the bikes are in the background.

[Daisy Miller]

Great shot with great composition and details.

[Bev]

Great shot, Maggie... you have learned a lot of presidents! Love the history lessons :)

[Darlene]

You have done an amazing job photographing and writing about the presidents that you have posted here. Another great photo, Maggiemae and of course with motorcycles in the background. FAV

[Mary Downing Hahn]

Wow, I never knew that's where OK came from -- and I've been to Kinderhook.

[Harry J Benson]

another good photo and info like the bikes in the background