5. All Dressed Up—in His Birthday Suit?
President Theodore Roosevelt looked dashingly dapper at the podium, delivering speeches or even casually dressed, spending time with his family. But sometimes when he took to the great outdoors, especially after a strenuous hike, he’d take an icy plunge to cool off—in his birthday suit! Au naturale in nature!
One time, while strolling along the Potomac River in 1903 with French dignitaries, T.R. decided it was a perfect time for a swim. So, he and the Chief of the Division of Forestry, shed their threads and dove into the river. The French ambassador joined in the antics but maintained a modicum of social decorum. He kept his gloves on because “…we might meet ladies.”