Why did Benjamin Harrison have two possums?

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, received two possums as a gift from a group of schoolchildren in 1891. The children sent the animals to the White House as a playful gesture, reflecting their admiration for the president. Harrison's wife, Caroline, initially expressed reluctance to keep them, but they ultimately became a part of the presidential household, showcasing the lighter side of life in the White House.