Author Archives: Feather Schwartz Foster

Unknown's avatar

About Feather Schwartz Foster

Feather Schwartz Foster is an author-historian who has made more than 500 appearances discussing presidential history. She teaches adult education at the Christopher Wren Association (affiliated with William and; Mary College), and adult Education programs at Christopher Newport University. She has been a guest on the C-SPAN "First Ladies" program. She has written five books.

TR and the White House Gang

When Theodore Roosevelt became President in 1901, he brought his wife and six kids – the largest group of youngsters in the White House. The Young Roosevelts At 42, Theodore Roosevelt was our youngest president, and not surprisingly, his family … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, Nifty History People, Theodore Roosevelt | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Mary Lincoln’s Old Clothes

The close but unlikely friendship between Mary Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley would be permanently shattered by what Mrs. Lincoln would consider a gross betrayal. It was not intended as such. Mrs. Lincoln’s Debts When Mary Lincoln was First Lady, merchants … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, Abraham Lincoln, American Civil War, Nifty History People | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Caroline Harrison: White House Artist

In the late 1880s, bustles were in fashion, and Caroline Harrison was the most “bustling” of all the First Ladies Mrs. Harrison: Domestic Diva Most women today will readily admit to disliking the drudgery of housework, to include cooking and … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, Benjamin Harrison | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

ULYSSES UNDERGROUND: A Book Review

If anyone wants to know anything – even the most minute detail about the abolitionist movement and/or the Underground Railroad, particularly as it applies to Southern Ohio & Indiana, let them look no further than G.L. Corum, who knows practically … Continue reading

Posted in Recommended Reading | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Tom and Dolley: The Original Ben and Jerry

Ice cream has always been one of America’s favorite desserts. But was it Thomas Jefferson or Dolley Madison who deserves the credit? Many people believe that “Dolly Madison” ice cream is named for the First Lady because she invented ice … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Grace Coolidge: The Press Conference

  The Coolidge Presidency saw two important “entertainment” milestones: one very small, and one very large. The Small Milestone Calvin Coolidge (1872-1932) was the first president to receive a budget allowance for entertaining.   Previously, with few exceptions, all dinners, luncheons, … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, Calvin Coolidge | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Under This Roof: The White House and the Presidency: A Book Review

Everyone knows the White House. Everyone should know the Presidents. And the rooms themselves are a national treasure! Paul Brandus is a long time Washingtonian  POTUS expert, and happily for all, a fellow who understands his audience. He does not … Continue reading

Posted in Recommended Reading | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Moving Mamie Eisenhower

   Mamie Doud was only nineteen when she married recent West Point graduate Lt. Dwight Eisenhower. Young Army Bride Mamie’s parents, John and Elivera Doud were not happy about their daughter’s marriage.  They adored Dwight David Eisenhower, and would consider … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, Dwight D. Eisenhower | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Lou Henry Hoover: The Desk Story

In 1914 when World War I began in Europe, Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover were millionaires, living in a posh London townhouse. The Millionaire Part Neither of the Hoovers were born rich. Lou’s family were solidly middle class, but hardly … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, Herbert Hoover | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

General Grant in New Jersey

General Grant was the most famous person in the country after the Civil War. All the rich and powerful and famous were anxious to court his favor, and the General usually obliged. A Tale of Gifts and Laws Simply put, … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, American Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments