Tag Archives: First Ladies history

Dr. Charles Leale: Forgotten Hero of Ford’s Theater

Ford’s Theater: April 14, 1865 Enjoying a pleasant night out, Abraham and Mary Lincoln and their guests attended a comedy at Ford’s Theater. Around 10:30 p.m. a shot rang out in the Presidential Box, and a scream was heard. Within … Continue reading

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Lucy Hayes: Camp Mother

Lucy Hayes was born to be a mother. Lucy: Girl to Woman Lucy Ware Webb (1831-1889) was born and raised in Chillicothe OH, when the state was becoming a major industrial force in the country. In-home manufacturing was declining and … Continue reading

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GW: The Very First New Year’s Day Reception

George Washington held the first New Year’s Day Reception at the President’s House in New York. New York: 1790 The weather was unseasonably balmy January 1, 1790. The doors and windows were opened wide and throngs of well wishers and … Continue reading

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Abigail Adams: The Shining Moment

AA: Revolutionary Patriot With her husband some 400 miles away in Philadelphia trying to create an independent nation from 13 disassociated colonies with all their inherent problems, needs, quibbles, and disparate personalities (including his own), Abigail Adams voraciously consumed the … Continue reading

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The Miracle of Dorchester Heights 1775-6

It was pivotal. It was bold. It was a colonial victory. It was never a battle. Boston, Massachusetts There is little doubt that Boston was the cradle of the American Revolution. In the 1760s, when Great Britain began imposing various … Continue reading

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John Adams Goes to Congress

Lawyer Adams John Adams was never a wealthy man, and never would be – at least compared to his fellow Founding Fathers like Washington or Jefferson. Or John Hancock or Benjamin Franklin. When he married at 29, he had become … Continue reading

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Martha Washington’s Secretary

A Lady’s Secretary In the 18th century, a “secretary” was also a synonym for a writing desk. Also, in the 18th century, communication between individuals (if not spoken) was via pen and paper. Specifically quill pen, ink and handcrafted paper. … Continue reading

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Dolley Madison, Alass, Alass

The Quaker Girl Dolley Payne (1768-1849) was born into a family who had converted to the Quaker religion. Like many who “choose” their faith, her father was strict in his observances. Dolley wore the Quaker gray gowns and bonnets, no … Continue reading

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Abigail Smith: Becoming Mrs. Adams

Abigail: Third Generation Abigail Smith Adams, born in 1744, was already the third generation born in Massachusetts Bay. If her forebears didn’t come on the Mayflower, they surely followed along on some later “midsummer flower.” They were all Englishmen (and … Continue reading

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Martha Washington, Lucy Knox and Kitty Greene: Revolutionary Pals

In late fall, 1775, Martha Washington joined her husband in Cambridge, MA. The Continental Army General It was never a secret that the bonds of affection between the American Colonies and Great Britain, the mother country, had been fraying for … Continue reading

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