Tag Archives: First Ladies

Bess Truman’s First Press Conference

Few First Ladies were more reluctant to be in the public eye than Bess Truman. Mrs. Truman becomes FLOTUS Late in the afternoon of April 12, 1945, Bess Truman (1885-1982) received a phone call from her husband. There was a … Continue reading

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The Death of Warren Harding

With the possible exception of John F. Kennedy, no president’s death generated more  speculation and controversies than that of Warren G. Harding. The President Dies On August 2, 1923, the country was stunned when the news came over the telegraph … Continue reading

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First Lady Nellie Taft and the CSO

Helen Herron Taft had two passions in her life. First and foremost was politics. Then came music. Nellie Taft: Musician and Politician Piano lessons was practically a given in most nineteenth century middle-class families. Of course, then as now, not … Continue reading

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Mary Lincoln’s Big Sister: Elizabeth Edwards

Elizabeth Todd Edwards was the oldest of Mary Lincoln’s siblings. The Todd Family Robert and Eliza Todd of Lexington, KY had six children who lived to adulthood. Mary was the fourth. Eliza died when Mary was only seven; eighteen months … Continue reading

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Julia Grant and the Actress

Marie Dressler, probably forgotten today, was a mega-star character movie actress of the early 20th century. She starred with Charlie Chaplin – and Greta Garbo! Miss Dressler, Actress Marie Dressler (1868-1934) was a large woman, plain, and plus-sized. But she … Continue reading

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Mrs. Truman and the Housekeeper

Bess Wallace Truman would not tolerate any disregard to her authority. Bess Wallace: Homebody Bess Wallace (1885-1982) was the granddaughter of a well-to-do flour mill owner from Independence, MO. Her mother, Madge Gates, was a spoiled and self-centered woman, who … Continue reading

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John Quincy Adams: When The People Cheered

John Quincy Adams was a brilliant man of many substantive accomplishments. Popularity was not one of them. JQA: A Spectacular Upbringing By the time John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) was twenty-one, he was arguably the most cosmopolitan man of his generation … Continue reading

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Abigail Fillmore and the White House Library

Abigail Fillmore is one of those early First Ladies who has faded into oblivion. She needs to be re-explored. Miss Powers, Teacher Abigail Powers (1798-1852) was only two when her father died. She later claimed to have inherited two important … Continue reading

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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

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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

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