The Memory Palace: Episode 233 - Nan + Warren

Release Date: July 3, 2025
Host: Nate DiMeo

Introduction

In Episode 233, titled "Nan + Warren," Nate DiMeo delves into the compelling and controversial relationship between Nan Britton and Warren G. Harding, the 29th President of the United States. This episode navigates through Nan Britton’s unyielding infatuation, the societal implications of their liaison, and the lasting legacy of her bold claims.

Nan Britton’s Early Infatuation with Warren G. Harding

Nate DiMeo sets the stage by introducing Nan Britton’s teenage crush on Warren G. Harding.

• Formation of a Crush:
  [05:30] “At 14, to Nan Britton, a hometown hero running for governor was just about the apotheosis of American manhood.”

• Obsession in Marion, Ohio:
  Nan adorned her bedroom with Harding’s campaign posters, much to her parents' chagrin. Despite her parents' concerns over Harding's negative traits—such as his tobacco use and significant age difference—her infatuation deepened.

• Parental Concerns and Social Obsession:
  [12:45] “Her parents thought it was just a harmless teenage phase, but Nan’s fixation bordered on obsession.”

The Secret Affair

Nate narrates how Nan Britton's relationship with Harding deviated from the host’s initial portrayal.

• First Encounter Misrepresented:
  In her book, Nan describes a picturesque first meeting. However, DiMeo reveals that their actual relationship was far more clandestine and morally questionable.

• Consummation and Concealment:
  [22:10] “They consummated their relationship in a New York hotel room overlooking Broadway about a year later. Their liaison was kept secret through bribes and destruction of evidence.”

• Harding’s Pattern of Affairs:
  Harding, already notorious for multiple extramarital affairs, continued his pattern with Nan, leading to a complicated and secretive affair.

The Birth of Elizabeth and Public Secrecy

The episode explores the consequences of Nan Britton’s affair with Harding, particularly the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth.

• Pregnancy and Abortion Attempt:
  [35:50] “Nan became pregnant in 1919 and refused to take the homeopathic abortion pill Harding suggested.”

• Birth and Concealment:
  Elizabeth was born later that year, and Harding discreetly provided for her and Nan through monthly payments delivered by Secret Service agents.

• Lack of Presidential Acknowledgment:
  Despite being Harding’s daughter, Elizabeth never met her father, as Harding never publicly acknowledged his paternity.

Nan Britton’s Fight for Recognition

Nan Britton's pursuit to have her relationship and child legally recognized forms a significant part of the narrative.

• Attempted Lawsuit:
  [47:20] “After Harding’s death, Nan filed a lawsuit to gain recognition, but lacked concrete evidence as she had destroyed all correspondence.”

• Publication of her Book:
  Facing rejection from publishers and societal condemnation, Nan self-published her book detailing her affair with Harding.

• Public Backlash:
  Her book was met with severe criticism, labeled as pornographic and seditious, yet it sold over 110,000 copies despite attempts to ban it.

• Press Coverage:
  H.L. Mencken’s review in the Baltimore Sun provided legitimacy, criticizing the suppression of her free speech while acknowledging the authenticity of her claims.

Legacy and Historical Validation

Nate DiMeo concludes with the long-term impact of Nan Britton’s revelations and their place in history.

• Foundation for Unwed Mothers:
  Nan utilized proceeds from her book to start a foundation aimed at supporting unwed mothers and children born out of wedlock, although it struggled to gain traction.

• Posthumous Recognition:
  Decades later, DNA analysis confirmed Elizabeth as Harding’s daughter, vindicating Nan Britton’s claims. However, Nan remained private, choosing not to capitalize on her story.

• Elizabeth’s Life:
  Elizabeth led a quiet, middle-class life, attributing her stability to her mother's courage in sharing their story.

Notable Quotes

• Nan Britton on Public Disclosure:
  [15:40] “I told my story not just for myself, but to improve conditions for motherhood and childhood in America.”

• Warren G. Harding’s Public Statement:
  [28:55] “It's a good thing I'm not a woman. I would always be pregnant. I can't say no.”

• H.L. Mencken on Nan’s Book:
  [52:30] “I’m deeply interested in the way that so many people in and out of government are working to suppress her free speech.”

Conclusion

Episode 233 of The Memory Palace offers a nuanced exploration of Nan Britton's tumultuous relationship with President Warren G. Harding. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Nate DiMeo sheds light on a chapter of American history marked by secrecy, scandal, and eventual vindication. Nan Britton's courage to reveal her story not only challenged societal norms of her time but also paved the way for future dialogues on personal agency and recognition.

Production Notes:
This episode was written and produced by Nate DiMeo with research assistance from Eliza McGraw. The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia, a network of independently owned and operated podcasts from PRX, a not-for-profit public media company.