Tag Archives: First Ladies

Dolley Madison and the War of 1812: A Book Review

This is a book for middle-school readers. Eons ago, when old-me was a very very young-me, Scribner’s published as “Scribner’s Junior” – a series of biographies geared to perhaps second through sixth grades, depending on reading skills. (Mine were excellent!) … Continue reading

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Poor Ex-FLOTUS Julia Tyler

Literally. Rich FLOTUS Julia Gardiner Tyler Julia Gardiner (1820-1889) was a wealthy New Yorker. Her father, David Lyon Gardiner owned considerable property in Long Island. Her mother, Juliana MacLachlan was the only child of an even wealthier brewer. Julia and … Continue reading

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Mary Lincoln: The Lizzie Friends

“Elizabeths” were imporant in Mary Lincoln’s life – and that doesn’t even include her mother Eliza and stepmother Betsey! Friends in General It has been said that some friends are for a season, a reason, or a lifetime. Hmmm. But … Continue reading

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Calvin Coolidge: Losing Grace

But… Most modern historians conclude that Coolidge was one of the most “sexist” Presidents we ever had. Born in 1872 in rural Vermont, Calvin Coolidge was deeply imbued with the Calvinist religious philosophy (hard work, and saving and knowing one’s … Continue reading

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Florence Harding: The Poison Rumor

Spoiler alert! She didn’t do him in! The Death of Harding When President Warren G. Harding died unexpectedly in August, 1923, the country was sincerely shocked and saddened. The people liked and thought well of him. The fact that he … Continue reading

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The Three Forgotten FIRST LADIES

Following Dolley Madison, there was a big gap in the role of the First Lady Elizabeth Monroe was a reclusive woman by nature, and her grown daughter was a snobbish substitute. Louisa Adams was in chronic poor health; her husband … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, Franklin Pierce, James K. Polk, James Monroe, John Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Zachary Taylor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mary Lincoln and the Seed Pearls

No question abut it, Mary Lincoln liked nice stuff! The Well-Born Miss Todd Miss Mary Todd (1818-1882) was born into what might be called Lexington, Kentucky aristocracy. At birth, she was already 3rd generation Lexingtonian. The Todds had done well … Continue reading

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The Third Act of Millard Fillmore

The First Act being his youth and political rise, the Second Act being his Presidency… Millard Fillmore: Lame Duck Millard Fillmore (1800-74) had been elected Vice President on the Whig Ticket led by General Zachary Taylor in 1848. He did … Continue reading

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Mrs. Coolidge and Mrs. Hoover: A Rare Friendship

On the surface, there were only superficial commonalities between FLOTUS Grace Coolidge and her successor Lou Henry Hoover. The FLOTUS Sorority Many historians refer to the position of First Lady as a sorority. There are only a few dozen FLOTUSES … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Nifty History People | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bess Truman and The Airplane

Few First Ladies were as reluctant as Bess Truman. Bess: The Reluctant Everything Bess Wallace (1885-1982) was considered outgoing and personable all the way through high school. She was a good student, an excellent athlete (a rarity at the turn … Continue reading

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