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Macomb, IL – Among those honored on Presidents Day is Grover Cleveland, who is the only US president to serve non-consecutive terms.
Cleveland was elected to his first term in 1884. He lost a bid for re-election four years later, then recaptured the Oval Office in 1892.
Casey LaFrance, who studies Public Administration at Western Illinois University said Cleveland won the second term due to name recognition and the lack of information resources available to the public.
LaFrance believes Cleveland will remain the only president to serve non-consecutive terms.
"Our attention cycle is so limited nowadays," LaFrance said. "You are either in the limelight or you're not, and it's very difficult once you've stepped out of that limelight to come back."
Cleveland, a Democrat, defeated James Blaine in the 1884 election. Cleveland won the popular vote in 1888, but lost the electoral college - and thus the presidency - to Benjamin Harrison. Cleveland and Harrison squared off again four years later. This time Cleveland easily defeated Harrison in the popular vote and the electoral college.
Cleveland was also the only president married in the White House. His marriage to Frances Folsom took place in June, 1886.
LaFrance said this is another thing that might never happen again. He said the public today expects presidential candidates to be married.
He said image is important to voters.
"Ever since the Nixon/Kennedy debate, we have been fixated on what our presidents look like. Being well-spoken just doesn't cut it anymore," LaFrance said.
LaFrance said that during Cleveland's time, voters often relied on word-of-mouth and the influence of those who worked closely with politicians. Now voters have numerous options for finding information.