Tag Archives: White House history

Dolley Madison’s Heartache: Payne Todd

Posted on June 14, 2014 by Feather Schwartz Foster

Dolley and James Madison had no children of their own. John Payne Todd was the son of her first marriage.   Dolley and James Madison Are Wed  The Widow Todd, as she was then called, was helping manage her mother’s … Continue reading →

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Nellie Taft, Edwardian

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Feather Schwartz Foster

  No one wanted to be First Lady more than Helen Herron Taft!  The Root of Nellie Taft’s Ambition Nellie Taft (1861-1943) had her eye on the White House from her teens.  Her family was prominent in Cincinnati, Ohio, and … Continue reading →

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The Family Feud of the Second Mrs. Harrison

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Feather Schwartz Foster

Benjamin Harrison and his second wife, Mary Lord Dimmick created a near-scandal when they married, and the family never forgave them. The Twenty-Third President’s Menage When Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901) came to the White House in 1889, he brought a large … Continue reading →

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Dolley Madison and the Inaugural Ball

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Feather Schwartz Foster

Dolley Madison was already a superstar when James Madison was elected President in 1808. The Early Inaugurals The inaugurations of George Washington had been solemn affairs, both in New York City and Philadelphia. No government of the “we the people” … Continue reading →

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Caroline Harrison Electrifies The White House

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Feather Schwartz Foster

   New York City was electrified n the early 1880s, but the White House would not be on the grid until 1891. Benjamin Harrison Arrives in Washington Incumbent Democrat Grover Cleveland was running for a second term against Republican Benjamin … Continue reading →

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Rachel Jackson’s Inaugural Gown

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Feather Schwartz Foster

  The Smithsonian Institution maintains a priceless collection of First Ladies’ inaugural gowns – at least those of the past hundred years. But if they had collected and maintained every First Lady’s inaugural gowns, the most valuable could arguably be … Continue reading →

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Calvin Coolidge Takes the Oath of Office

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Feather Schwartz Foster

Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) was sworn in as the 30th US President by his own father – one of those quirks of history not likely to be repeated. Calvin Coolidge: Political Mediocrity Nothing in Calvin Coolidge’s background ever suggested that he … Continue reading →

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Woodrow and Edith Wilson: Honeymooners

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Feather Schwartz Foster

The widowed Wilson married the widowed Mrs. Galt only eight months after they had met. The Wilsons:  A New First Couple The morning of December 16, 1915, Woodrow Wilson was a happy man.  Aides said the new bridegroom was whistling … Continue reading →

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The Year of Four First Ladies: 1860-1861

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Feather Schwartz Foster

Two First Ladies born in a year is unusual; three is rare. Four is extraordinary. Four First Ladies Are Born    Between 1860 and 1861, four little girls were born who eventually would marry men who became Unites States Presidents. One … Continue reading →

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The Jackson Inaugural Brawl

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Feather Schwartz Foster

    Andrew Jackson was a 62-year old widower when he was inaugurated in 1829. Jackson’s Road to the White House: The road to the White House was a long one for Andrew Jackson.  His laborer father was killed in an … Continue reading →

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