The Careful Dutchman (and 13 other incredible nicknames)
In my recent trading card vote — Martin Van Buren ranked pretty high for two reasons:
His unique hair (“bald-headed but whiskered”).
His colorful nicknames.
One submission came from the Netherlands (Wow, dat is zo tof!!!). Another referenced this adorable tv commercial. (Trust me. It’s worth a watch.)
With The Little Magician’s impressive assortment of nicknames, it’s not easy to pick just one for his trading card.
So. Many. Choices!
Matty Van earned many memorable monikers. Which one is your favorite?
The Careful Dutchman
Prince of Villains
According to DeWitt Clinton. (That guy the Erie Canal was nicknamed after. Clinton’s Ditch.)DeWitt was George Clinton’s dad — the guy with the most glorious eyebrows in all of America.
The Red Fox of Kinderhook
For his cunning politics. Also, he was from Kinderhook.The Enchanter
The Great Manager
Little Van
He was 5’ 6”, seven inches shorter than his predecessor Andrew Jackson.
The Little Magician
This was a complimentary nickname, from his friends.Sly Fox
This one was not complimentary.The Master Spirit
The American Talleyrand
As in, our version of Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, prince de Bénévent. Talleyrand was kicked out during the Reign of Terror, so… this nickname isn’t endearing.King Martin
Matty Van
Martin Van Ruin
Because … economic collapse. The Panic of 1837 and a terrible depression.Aunt Matty
…As dubbed by Davy Crockett, who, by the way… he seemed like kinda a jerk.
Encore field trip
I recently visited Van Buren’s home with one of his descendants, my friend Randy. He brought me back again. (YAY!) We met up with the delightful Jane Miller, Friends of Lindenwald president. If you’re planning a visit to Lindenwald soon, be sure to check out their calendar. They have some fun events coming up!
This time, we toured the upstairs and servants’ quarters. Last weekend, I stood in the room where President Grant died. This weekend, I stood in the room where President Van Buren died. I’m not gonna lie to you. I dorked out a bit over that when it hit me.
If you’re bummed there are no toilet pics here, check out the pics from our last visit.
But wait! There’s more!
Randy and I also visited two other notable sites, associated with two other notable figures that are going on my next batch of trading cards. Pics and doodles headed your way any day now.
COMING SOON!
I’m hoping to have the new Martin Van Buren trading card available for purchase on my website within the next couple of months. Want a freebie? Consider signing up for my free newsletter — The POTUS Notice. I send a free trading card to new subscribers. If you don’t mind waiting a month or two for your card, you can select Martin Van Buren and be one of the first to receive it!