Celebrating Presidents' Day:
10 Fun Facts About First Ladies
We remember our country's leaders on Presidents' Day, but what about the women who stood behind their men during their time in office? In celebration of Presidents' Day, we're sharing fun facts about 10 of our First Ladies.
1) Abigail Adams
Adams was the first woman to be both a president's wife and a president's mother, and she was frequently called "Mrs. President," due to her political knowledge. She was the first President's wife to reside in the White House and often complained it was cold and drafty. She maintained the comfort of her living quarters and gave a glow to her home decor by keeping fires lit constantly.
2) Martha Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson's wife died 18 years before he was elected president and therefore her daughter, Martha Jefferson Randolph frequently served as the hostess of the White House.
3) Dolley Madison
She is considered a bit of a hero for saving a portrait of George Washington when the British burned the White House in 1814. She was considered one of the most important socialites of her time, and James Madison was her second husband.
4) Edith Wilson
She was, for all intents and purposes, an interim president for President Wilson during the many months in which he was recovering from a stroke. She controlled who was allowed to see him, and made many of his decisions, prompting Senator Albert Fall to deem her the president of the "Petticoat Government."
5) Lou Hoover
Herbert Hoover's wife spoke five languages, including Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Italian, and French. When she and the President wanted to keep a conversation private, they were known to speak in a few words of Chinese.
6) Jacqueline Kennedy
John F. Kennedy's wife won an Emmy award for her televised tour of the White House in 1962.
7) Pat Nixon
Richard Nixon's wife was the first First Lady to wear pants in public.
8) Barbara Bush
President George H.W. Bush's wife wrote a memoir from her dog's perspective.
9) Hillary Clinton
Bill Clinton's wife is the only First Lady elected to public office, having served as Senator for New York, and she is the only First Lady to ever actively run for the Presidency herself.
10) Michelle Obama
At 5'11, President Obama's wife is tied with Eleanor Roosevelt for tallest First Lady. She's also no stranger to kitchens and cookbooks, and released her own garden and kitchen book in 2012, titled "American Grown."
The Lakeside Collection has everything you need to do your holidays right! Host a trivia night for Presidents' Day, or find more holiday gifts and decor for every season.
