Misplaced Pages

#288711

90-601: Helen Louise " Nellie " Taft (née Herron ; June 2, 1861 – May 22, 1943) was the First Lady of the United States from 1909 to 1913 as the wife of President William Howard Taft . Born to a politically well-connected Ohio family, she took an early interest in political life, deciding at the age of 17 that she wished to become first lady. Herron married Taft in 1886, and she guided him throughout his political career, encouraging him to take actions that would bring him closer to

180-593: A U.S. senator for the seventeen-day overlap before Bill Clinton's term came to an end. Established in 1912, the First Ladies Collection has been one of the most popular attractions at the Smithsonian Institution . The original exhibition opened in 1914 and was one of the first at the Smithsonian to prominently feature women. Originally focused largely on fashion, the exhibition now delves deeper into

270-505: A William Howard Taft presidency, and Roosevelt would even strategize politically with Taft rather than with her husband as the 1908 presidential election approached. By 1907, Taft's husband was considered to be a potential candidate for the presidency, and the Tafts traveled across the country in a speaking tour. Taft found the experience more intensive than she had expected, and she was deeply embarrassed by one incident in which she lost track of

360-516: A William Howard Taft presidency. Taft was vehemently opposed to her husband taking such a position, fearing it would end any further political aspirations. She personally met with Roosevelt and discouraged him from nominating her husband in a half hour discussion. Taft had spoken to the president on several occasions, earning his trust to improve her husband's position in the Roosevelt administration. This would eventually contribute to Roosevelt's support of

450-883: A career for her. Herron first met William Howard Taft at a sledding party in 1880, though the Herron family and the Taft family were familiar with one another. They would go on to perform together as part of the community theater company. In 1884, Herron founded a salon to discuss intellectual topics each Sunday afternoon with other people of her age. Among the people she invited were Taft and his brother Horace . Taft courted Herron, accompanying her to dances and sending her letters and flowers. Self-doubt caused Herron to avoid commitment to Taft, fearing that he did not truly care for her or value her opinions. Taft proposed to her multiple times, and she eventually accepted in June 1885, though she asked that he keep

540-459: A chance to learn more of international politics and make connections abroad. The couple traveled together to Panama and Japan, and she also took their children on a vacation to England while her husband stayed behind. Taft's husband's career came to a crossroads in 1906 when President Roosevelt considered nominating him for a position on the Supreme Court , while at the same time momentum grew for

630-603: A channel for her ambition and independence, she enrolled in Cincinnati's prestigious Miss Nourse School for Girls where she was educated in many subjects, including several languages. She then attended Miami University , and she also briefly attended the University of Cincinnati . Herron took an interest in law when she was young, often reading her father's legal books at his law office. In 1877, she accompanied her parents when they visited President Hayes and stayed for several weeks at

720-455: A couple, they shared not only an emotional companionship but an intellectual one, and they held high regard for each other's ideas. Her husband would welcome her opinion when she thought he was in error, describing her as his "best critic", and she would sometimes mother him. He generally took her advice, though she failed in her attempts to convince him to live a healthier lifestyle and better control his weight. Taft's husband considered Taft to be

810-850: A global fashion icon: her style was copied by commercial manufacturers and imitated by many young women, and she was named to the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in 1965. Mamie Eisenhower was named one of the twelve best-dressed women in the country by the New York Dress Institute every year that she was First Lady. The "Mamie Look" involved a full-skirted dress, charm bracelets, pearls, little hats, and bobbed, banged hair. Michelle Obama also received significant attention for her fashion choices: style writer Robin Givhan praised her in The Daily Beast , arguing that

900-516: A government in the Philippines in 1900, as Spain had transferred the Philippines to the United States the previous year. Though neither of them knew what the job would entail, Taft encouraged him to accept the position. She relished this opportunity for travel and excitement, stopping in Hawaii and Japan while her husband went on to the Philippines. She also believed that the position would move him closer to

990-477: A lack of opportunity. She was active in other causes, such as safe workplace conditions, throughout her tenure as first lady. Her stroke at the beginning of her tenure prevented her from further political activity, a fact that she regretted. Her husband recognized her influence in White House politics, considering the accomplishments of his presidency to be hers as well. She also spoke openly about her own influence on

SECTION 10

#1732859470289

1080-487: A love for campaigning. She was also musically inclined as a child, eventually becoming proficient in the piano. Herron's many siblings, eight of whom survived to adulthood, made life complicated for her family, causing her to develop a personal insecurity and distance herself from her family. As a teenager, Herron would rebel against the societal expectations for upper class women; by the age of 15 she had secretly begun smoking cigarettes, drinking whiskey, and gambling. Seeking

1170-475: A personal victory when her husband was elected president in 1908, as she had guided him toward the office. She eagerly planned for the upcoming inauguration and her term as first lady, including how she would manage the White House. She also had her inaugural dress sent to the Philippines so that it could be embroidered there. President Roosevelt was unavailable on the day of President Taft's inauguration [disputed - discuss], so Taft determined that she would ride to

1260-650: A popular socialite in the city and regularly attended Congressional proceedings, both of which allowed her to build political connections. Among her closest friends in Washington were the family of Attorney General William H. H. Miller and the wives of the Supreme Court justices. They returned to Cincinnati in 1892 when Taft's husband was appointed as a judge on the federal circuit . He enjoyed this position, but Taft again feared that it would stifle his ambition and that he would progress no further. While her husband served on

1350-464: A staff to support these activities. Lady Bird Johnson pioneered environmental protection and beautification. Pat Nixon encouraged volunteerism and traveled extensively abroad; Betty Ford supported women's rights; Rosalynn Carter aided those with mental disabilities; Nancy Reagan founded the Just Say No drug awareness campaign; Barbara Bush promoted literacy; Hillary Clinton sought to reform

1440-439: A stroke, impairing her speech and limiting movement in right arm and leg. She left Washington to recover, causing newspapers to report that she had suffered a nervous breakdown. Over the following year, Taft was forced to relearn how to speak. She took a less active role after her stroke, but she remained involved in White House affairs. Though her condition improved over time, she would never fully recover. The nature of her stroke

1530-589: A woman's goal. As a young adult, she worked for her father in his law office. Her debut took place at this time, which she enjoyed despite considering her social obligations to be frivolous. Herron lamented her lack of career options as a woman, eventually taking up teaching as it was the only available career for which she was qualified. She taught French at a private school in Walnut Hills , Ohio for two years beginning in 1881, but she found it unpleasant. She wished to write or perform music, though neither developed into

1620-431: The 1912 presidential election , and she left the White House reluctantly. After leaving the White House, the Tafts moved to New Haven, Connecticut , where Taft's husband held a chair at Yale University . Taft was unhappy with life outside of the White House, and she was often alone when her husband was traveling and her children were away at school. She was, however, happy to be out of the public eye. In 1914, Taft became

1710-521: The Malacañang Palace in Manila . While in the Philippines, Taft organized a nutritional program that provided milk for Filipino children. When she wrote her autobiography years later, the majority of her writing addressed her years in the Philippines, overshadowing even her time in the White House. The Tafts took leave from the Philippines and began a voyage to return home on December 24, 1901. The winter

1800-566: The National Museum of American History to begin the First Ladies' Gown display, one of the Smithsonian ’s most popular exhibits. Taft took an interest in everything relating to her husband's presidency, and she maintained her own opinions on important matters. Though she did not believe that women should be "meddling" in politics, she spoke publicly on her beliefs, even when they contradicted

1890-488: The New Deal policies that were implemented in the 1930s. Taft died in Washington on May 22, 1943, and was buried next to her husband at Arlington National Cemetery . Taft was one of the earliest first ladies to become directly involved in the political career of her husband. Her influence in presidential politics was not given significant attention by historians after her death in 1943, and like other first ladies, her influence

SECTION 20

#1732859470289

1980-533: The Nexis database, the abbreviation FLOTUS (pronounced / ˈ f l ə ʊ t ɪ s / ) was first used in 1983 by Donnie Radcliffe, writing in The Washington Post . Several women (at least thirteen) who were not presidents' wives have served as first lady, as when the president was a bachelor or widower, or when the wife of the president was unable to fulfill the duties of the first lady herself. In these cases,

2070-577: The United States Marine Band playing for the public. One major undertaking of Taft's tenure as first lady was the transformation of the West Potomac Park into an esplanade . Inspired by Luneta Park in Manila, she had a bandstand constructed and organized weekly concerts. She also arranged for the planting of Japanese cherry trees , accepting a donation of trees from the mayor of Tokyo, who

2160-447: The War of 1812 . Madison set the standard for the ladyship and her actions were the model for nearly every first lady until Eleanor Roosevelt in the 1930s. Roosevelt traveled widely and spoke to many groups, often voicing personal opinions to the left of the president's. She authored a weekly newspaper column and hosted a radio show. Jacqueline Kennedy led an effort to redecorate and restore

2250-498: The White House . Her younger sister Lucy Hayes Herron was baptized at that event and named for Mrs. Hayes . This visit instilled in Herron a strong desire to return to the White House as first lady, one that she would often present to her eventual husband. Herron long wished to leave Ohio, feeling that the region offered her little opportunity. She did not consider marriage to be a viable option, believing that matrimony should not be

2340-452: The 1900s, the role of first lady has changed considerably. It has come to include involvement in political campaigns, management of the White House, championship of social causes, and representation of the president at official and ceremonial occasions. Additionally, over the years individual first ladies have held influence in a range of sectors, from fashion to public opinion on policy, as well as advocacy for female empowerment . The use of

2430-407: The 45 presidents of the United States have been males, and all have either had their wives, or a female hostess, assume the role of first lady. Thus, a male equivalent of the title of first lady has never been needed; in 2016, as Hillary Clinton became the first woman to win a major party's presidential nomination, questions were raised as to what her husband Bill would be titled if she were to win

2520-616: The Cincinnati Superior Court in 1888, but she was optimistic after he was appointed Solicitor General of the United States in 1890, a position which she had helped him in obtaining through her acquaintance with President Harrison. She saw their move to Washington, D.C. , as an opportunity to escape Cincinnati, where she had felt confined, and she hoped that her husband would build connections in Washington politics. She assisted her husband in his presentation in this role, instructing him in oration to better plead cases. She also became

2610-542: The Democratic presidential nominee in the 2024 presidential election . Had Harris' presidential campaign been successful, Emhoff would presumably have been granted this title. However, Harris lost the election, again rendering this a moot point. The position of the first lady is not an elected one and carries only ceremonial duties. Nonetheless, first ladies have held a highly visible position in American society. The role of

2700-644: The First Lady is an entity of the White House Office, a branch of the Executive Office of the President . When First Lady Hillary Clinton decided to pursue a run for Senator of New York, she set aside her duties as first lady and moved to Chappaqua, New York , to establish state residency. She resumed her duties as first lady after winning her senatorial campaign, and retained her duties as both first lady and

2790-456: The First Lady's style had helped to enhance the public image of the office. Since the 1920s, many first ladies have become public speakers, adopting specific causes. It also became common for the First Lady to hire a staff to support her agenda. Recent causes of the First Lady are: Walnut Hills, Cincinnati The neighborhood was named from the farm of an early settler, Reverend James Kemper, which he called Walnut Hill. For generations,

Helen Herron Taft - Misplaced Pages Continue

2880-735: The Kemper family lived in the Kemper Log House . Walnut Hills was annexed to the City of Cincinnati in September, 1869. After the turn of the century, new migrants from Cincinnati's downtown basin moved to the area. Like South Avondale, Walnut Hills was home to many Jewish and Italian families. An area on the western side of McMillan St. was known as “Little Italy.” After construction of the Union Terminal , and other public housing projects demolished housing in

2970-530: The Land , popularized the title further. By the 1930s, it was in wide use. Use of the title later spread from the United States to other nations. When Edith Wilson took control of her husband's schedule in 1919 after he had a debilitating stroke, one Republican senator labeled her "the Presidentress who had fulfilled the dream of the suffragettes by changing her title from First Lady to Acting First Man". According to

3060-473: The Land", referring to Mary Todd Lincoln . The title first gained nationwide recognition in 1877, when newspaper journalist Mary C. Ames referred to Lucy Webb Hayes as "the First Lady of the Land" while reporting on the inauguration of Rutherford B. Hayes . The frequent reporting on Lucy Hayes' activities helped spread use of the title outside Washington. A popular 1911 comedic play about Dolley Madison by playwright Charles Nirdlinger, titled The First Lady in

3150-455: The Philippines, learning how to ride a horse in order to do so. She also accompanied her husband when he traveled to China, Japan, and Hong Kong on official duties. She considered her primary responsibility in the country to be the hosting of gala events, where she would mingle with the Filipino people. Her husband became Governor-General of the Philippines on July 4, 1901, and the Tafts moved into

3240-508: The Taft presidency. Though Taft did not identify as a feminist , she supported women's rights and used her position to advance the cause, convincing her husband to appoint women in government. In 1912, she attended a House Rules committee inquiry to hear testimonies of police brutality against women, bringing awareness to the issue. She also supported the rights of African Americans and other marginalized groups, believing that they were hampered by

3330-515: The West End, many African Americans moved to the area in the 1930s. When modern suburbs were created after World War II, many of community's middle class white residents moved out of Walnut Hills. Similarly, middle class African Americans moved from the area after less affluent residents moved to the area. Almost 80% of Walnut Hills was populated by African Americans by 1970. Walnut Hills is home to multiple historic sites. The Harriet Beecher Stowe House

3420-460: The White House for the first time, and she made accommodations for the White House silver collection by installing a vault and a silver cleaner. She also made staff changes, replacing the ushers with footmen and the steward with a housekeeper. Taft was strict about cleanliness and presentation in the White House, and her decorative talents were celebrated by contemporary journalists. In May 1909, shortly after her husband's term began, Taft suffered

3510-482: The White House lawn and the West Potomac Park into social hubs with regular live shows and events. Her decision to plant cherry trees in the park proved to be a success, creating a popular tourist attraction. Taft's influence as first lady was cut short by a stroke two months into her tenure, permanently limiting her mobility and leaving her absent for a year while she partially recovered. Though President Taft

3600-423: The White House with her husband in Roosevelt's place, becoming the first presidential wife to do so. Upon entering the White House, Taft had the White House redecorated, and she removed the trophy heads that Theodore Roosevelt had mounted on the walls. She made several other decorative changes, taking inspiration from Eastern cultures and using flowers from the White House greenhouse. She had twin beds put into

3690-402: The White House. Many first ladies became significant fashion trendsetters. Some have exercised a degree of political influence by virtue of being an important adviser to the president. Over the course of the 20th century, it became increasingly common for first ladies to select specific causes to promote, usually ones that are not politically divisive. It is common for the first lady to hire

Helen Herron Taft - Misplaced Pages Continue

3780-525: The bench, Taft raised their three children: Robert , born 1889; Helen , born 1891; and Charles , born 1897. She helped found a hospital at this time, and she founded the Cincinnati Orchestra Association , serving as its president. She lamented the lack of excitement in Cincinnati, with her only respite being a vacation home in Murray Bay, Quebec . Taft's husband was sent to help establish

3870-681: The board of trustees of the National Cultural Center, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts . Near the end of her husband's presidency , Hillary Clinton became the first first lady to seek political office, when she ran for United States Senate . During the campaign, her daughter Chelsea took over much of the first lady's role. Victorious, Clinton served as junior senator from New York from 2001 to 2009, when she resigned to become President Obama's secretary of state . Later, she

3960-523: The census of 2020, there were 6,344 people living in the neighborhood. There were 4,223 housing units. The racial makeup of the neighborhood was 32.8% White , 60.1% Black or African American , 0.2% Native American , 1.4% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 0.8% from some other race , and 4.7% from two or more races. 2.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 3,777 households, out of which 32.6% were families. About 65.7% of all households were made up of individuals. 12.7% of

4050-418: The character of his nominees. She convinced her husband to recall ambassador Henry White because of a long-standing grudge that she held against him. She also rejected the appointment of Nicholas Longworth as a diplomat because he was married to Alice Roosevelt Longworth , whom she disliked. This latter action is cited as one of the reasons that Presidents Roosevelt and Taft began to oppose one another during

4140-414: The contributions of first ladies to the and American society. In 2008, "First Ladies at the Smithsonian" opened at the National Museum of American History as part of its reopening year celebration. That exhibition served as a bridge to the museum's expanded exhibition on first ladies' history that opened on November 19, 2011. "The First Ladies" explores the unofficial but important position of first lady and

4230-550: The court. In June 1912, she attended both the Republican National Convention that re-nominated her husband and the Democratic National Convention that nominated his opponent Woodrow Wilson . She took a front-row seat at the latter in order to deter speakers' criticism of her husband. Though her husband disliked the presidency, Taft was saddened when her husband lost reelection to Woodrow Wilson in

4320-478: The duties of White House hostess. She resumed her responsibilities in 1910, and she had returned to an active schedule by 1911. Taft hosted many parties and social events, but the social highlight of her tenure was the Tafts' silver wedding anniversary gala on June 19, 1911, for nearly 5,000 guests. Another 15,000 observers crowded outside of the White House. Taft exerted some level of autonomy while she served as first lady. She declined to participate in luncheons with

4410-474: The election, rendering this a moot point. In 2021, Kamala Harris took office as vice president, making her husband Doug Emhoff the first male spouse of a nationally elected officeholder. Emhoff assumed the title of Second Gentleman of the United States ("gentleman" replacing "lady" in the title) making it likely that any future male spouse of a president will be given the title of first gentleman. Harris would later go on to replace President Joe Biden as

4500-562: The engagement secret. Herron married Taft on June 19, 1886. They went on a honeymoon in Europe, spending three months in England before visiting Germany and Italy. She managed the budget on their vacation, limiting their spending to five dollars per day. After returning, her husband borrowed money to have a home built for them in Walnut Hills, and they lived with his parents until it was complete. As

4590-490: The first first lady to publish a memoir with the publication of Recollections of Full Years , which had been written with her daughter Helen and journalist Eleanor Egan . She took an interest in the events of World War I , and during the war she provided support for the American Red Cross . The Tafts continued to travel after retiring from the White House, visiting Bermuda, Panama, England, and Italy, being greeted in

SECTION 50

#1732859470289

4680-469: The first lady has evolved over the centuries. She is, first and foremost, the hostess of the White House. She organizes and attends official ceremonies and functions of state either along with, or in place of, the president. Lisa Burns identifies four successive main themes of the first ladyship: as public woman (1900–1929); as political celebrity (1932–1961); as political activist (1964–1977); and as political interloper (1980–2001). Martha Washington created

4770-461: The fourth of eleven children, the daughter of Harriet Collins Herron and lawyer John Williamson Herron. Throughout her life, she went by "Nellie". Her father was an associate of two future presidents: he was a college classmate of Benjamin Harrison and a law partner of Rutherford B. Hayes , while her mother was the daughter and the sister of U.S. congressmen. Growing up around politics, Herron developed

4860-459: The healthcare system in the U.S.; Laura Bush supported women's rights groups, and encouraged childhood literacy. Michelle Obama became identified with supporting military families and tackling childhood obesity; and Melania Trump used her position to help children, including prevention of cyberbullying and support for those whose lives are affected by drugs. Since 1964, the incumbent and all living former first ladies are honorary members of

4950-511: The household always had domestic staff, since the early 20th century, the first lady has been assisted by her event staff, which has grown over the years to include communications, personal, and program staff. Her office is now known as the Office of the First Lady and is headquartered in the East Wing of the White House . Jill Biden has served as the first lady of the United States since 2021, being

5040-727: The latter two countries by King George V and the Pope, respectively. Continuing in her interest in politics, Taft joined the Colonial Dames of America in 1923 and became its honorary vice president in 1925.She also served as the honorary leader of the Girl Scouts of the USA . After her husband's death in March 1930, she lived with her housekeeper in Washington, D.C., occasionally traveling to other countries. She continued to follow politics later in life, opposing

5130-441: The neighborhood's population were under the age of 18, 71.8% were 18 to 64, and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. 48.5% of the population were male and 51.5% were female. According to the U.S. Census American Community Survey , for the period 2016-2020 the estimated median annual income for a household in the neighborhood was $ 30,259. About 30.5% of family households were living below the poverty line . About 27.8% of adults had

5220-418: The pillow at dawn, and after breakfast, retired to her chamber for an hour for the study of the scriptures and devotion." According to popular belief, Dolley Madison was referred to as first lady in 1849 at her funeral in a eulogy delivered by President Zachary Taylor ; however, no written record of this eulogy exists, nor did any of the newspapers of her day refer to her by that title. Sometime after 1849,

5310-420: The political aspects of the presidency, regularly sitting in on meetings and serving as her husband's closest advisor. She held a strong influence over the president's decisions, expressing her concerns when she disagreed with him and providing her input on presidential appointments. She also carried out a reorganization of the White House staff and decor. Inspired by her experience in the Philippines, she converted

5400-411: The politician of the family, and early in their marriage he expected her to develop a political career that would outpace his own. She managed the finances of the Taft household, and she encouraged her husband's political career, pushing him toward the executive branch rather than his preferred career in the judiciary. Taft worried about their political future when her husband accepted a five-year term on

5490-453: The position has been filled by a female relative of the president, such as Jefferson's daughter Martha Jefferson Randolph , Jackson's daughter-in-law Sarah Yorke Jackson and his wife's niece Emily Donelson , Taylor 's daughter Mary Elizabeth Bliss , Benjamin Harrison 's daughter Mary Harrison McKee , Buchanan's niece Harriet Lane , Chester A. Arthur 's sister Mary Arthur McElroy and Cleveland's sister Rose Cleveland . Each of

SECTION 60

#1732859470289

5580-416: The position of Secretary of War in 1904, Taft convinced him to accept, and the Tafts returned to Washington, D.C. Taft became a cabinet member's wife when her husband became Secretary of War. In this role, she was expected to call upon and receive other cabinet members' wives in Washington. She considered the position to be a downgrade from her time in the Philippines, where she had grown accustomed to being

5670-407: The positions of her husband. She managed his appearance and scheduling to ensure he maintained proper presentation, and she would provide him with political information such as names and statistics as he needed them. She would also stay near him to prevent his narcolepsy from affecting his responsibilities. Taft also influenced appointments during her husband's presidency, providing her thoughts on

5760-473: The preparation of food. In particular, she would observe the preparation of one of her specialty dishes, turtle soup . As first lady, Taft also saw to the replacement of horse and buggy with the first presidential automobile fleet. She was open with the press, and she broke precedent by actively participating in media interviews. She particularly engaged with women journalists to support their work and earn their support. In 1912, she donated her inauguration gown to

5850-457: The presidency, prompting criticism from her husband's political opponents. Taft was the first first lady to visit the American judiciary . In 1911, she visited the Supreme Court of the United States to hear the arguments of Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey v. United States . She also asked to observe the inauguration of new Supreme Court justices, becoming the first woman to ever sit in the bar of

5940-419: The presidency. Accompanying her husband to the Philippines in 1900, she became a prominent socialite in Manila , contributing to US-Philippines relations. After her husband was appointed Secretary of War , she played a significant role in convincing him to run for president in the 1908 presidential election and making the necessary connections to ensure his success. As first lady, Taft was closely involved in

6030-480: The presidency. After Taft arrived in the Philippines, she sought to win the approval of the Filipino people and respect the culture of the Philippines by learning the language, wearing a native Filipino costume, and inviting Filipinos to social events. Taft's treatment of the Filipino people contributed to improved relations with the country, including her work to end the system of racial segregation that had previously been in place. Taft traveled extensively throughout

6120-482: The presidency. During the campaign, the title of First Gentleman of the United States was most frequently suggested for Bill Clinton, although as a former president himself, he might have been called "Mr. President". In addition, state governors' male spouses are typically called the first gentleman of their respective state (for example, Michael Haley was the first gentleman of South Carolina while his wife, Nikki , served as governor). Ultimately, Hillary Clinton lost

6210-399: The president's term in office. Although the first lady's role has never been codified or officially defined, she figures prominently in the political and social life of the United States. The first lady of the United States is the hostess of the White House . Historically, when a president has been unmarried or a widower, he has usually asked a relative to act as White House hostess. While

6300-524: The purchase of foods wholesale and the care of a cow on White House grounds to provide milk and butter. The presence of the cow was poorly received. As first lady, Taft received guests three afternoons a week in the Red Room . She introduced musical entertainment after state dinners which became a White House tradition. The Tafts attended symphony, opera, and theater performances in Washington, D.C.; she started another summer tradition at West Potomac Park with

6390-673: The role and hosted many affairs of state at the national capital (New York and Philadelphia). This socializing became known as the Republican Court and provided elite women with opportunities to play backstage political roles. Both Martha Washington and Abigail Adams were treated as if they were "ladies" of the British royal court. Dolley Madison popularized the first ladyship by engaging in efforts to assist orphans and women, by dressing in elegant fashions and attracting newspaper coverage, and by risking her life to save iconic treasures during

6480-399: The title First Lady to describe the spouse or hostess of an executive began in the United States. In the early days of the republic, there was not a generally accepted title for the wife of the president. Many early first ladies expressed their own preference for how they were addressed, including the use of such titles as "Lady", "Mrs. President" and "Mrs. Presidentress"; Martha Washington

6570-506: The title began being used in Washington, D.C., social circles. The first person to have the title applied to her while she was actually holding the office was Harriet Lane , the niece of James Buchanan ; Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper used the phrase to describe her in an 1860 article about her duties as White House hostess. Another of the earliest known written examples comes from a November 3, 1863, diary entry of William Howard Russell , in which he referred to gossip about "the First Lady in

6660-530: The ways that different women have shaped the role to make their own contributions to the presidential administrations and the nation. The exhibition features 26 dresses and more than 160 other objects, ranging from those of Martha Washington to Michelle Obama , and includes White House china , personal possessions and other objects from the Smithsonian's unique collection of first ladies' materials. Some first ladies have garnered attention for their dress and style. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis , for instance, became

6750-563: The week and she was seen playing cards with her husband on the Lord's Day . Afterward, they returned to the Philippines and took a trip to other countries. Upon returning to the United States, Taft declined to join her husband in campaigning. She did advise him during his campaign, however, and she closely followed news coverage of the race so that she would be aware of the criticisms against him. She also advised him as to how his decisions as Secretary of War would affect public opinion. Taft considered it

6840-448: The wife of the 46th president, Joe Biden . Jill Biden is also one of twelve second ladies to have gone on to become first ladies during their spouses' terms as president. While the title was not in general use until much later, Martha Washington , the wife of George Washington , the first U.S. president (1789–1797), is the first First Lady of the United States. During her lifetime, she was often referred to as "Lady Washington". Since

6930-471: The wife of the region's chief executive. This also required her to be in regular contact with first lady Edith Roosevelt , with whom she developed a strong rivalry. At the same time, Taft's husband developed a close political and personal friendship with President Roosevelt: a relationship that Taft encouraged and helped facilitate. His work in the Department of War did allow for more travel, providing Taft with

7020-463: The wives of cabinet members, feeling that they were of little consequence and simply a means of putting her aside as a woman. Instead, she observed presidential meetings and closely managed the organization of the White House. She felt that the presidential salary of $ 75,000 was well above what they needed, she reduced their spending to $ 50,000 per year, accumulating a savings of $ 100,000 by the end of her husband's term. Among her cost-saving practices were

7110-487: Was a friend of the Tafts. The Potomac cherry trees would continue to be a popular tourist attraction, particularly during their blooming. Prohibition was a major political issue while the Tafts lived in the White House. Taft opposed the Prohibition movement, and she served alcohol to White House guests against the wishes of the president. Unlike most other first ladies, Taft would visit the White House kitchens and oversee

7200-479: Was difficult for Taft, as she was exhausted from the constant stress of her role in the Philippines, compounded by her husband needing two surgeries, and both of her parents suffering from strokes, her mother's proving fatal. Taft accompanied her husband on a trip to Italy in 1902, where she was treated as a guest of honor and was personally received by Pope Leo XIII . She returned to Philippines in September 1902. When President Theodore Roosevelt offered Taft's husband

7290-409: Was first lady; she changed the locations of events to make them more efficient, and she introduced dancing at formal receptions. She made extensive use of the White House lawn, hosting garden parties, theatrical shows, and music performances. In the time that she was recovering from her stroke in 1909, Taft took a less active role in organizing events, having her sisters and her daughter supporting her in

7380-410: Was not closely examined by historians until the 1980s. Before this, she was most well known for her introduction of cherry trees in the West Potomac Park. The first biography about Taft was written in 2005 by Carl Sferrazza Anthony , who argued that she was her husband's closest advisor and that she saw herself as responsible for the presidency as her husband. Her role as a mentor and guide to her husband

7470-402: Was not disclosed to the press, following a long-standing precedent of the press not inquiring about the first lady's private life. Taft had grown accustomed to the royal style of treatment that she had experienced in the Philippines, and she wished to establish a similar regal environment as White House hostess. She sought to improve the social traditions associated with the White House while she

7560-488: Was often referred to as "Lady Washington". One of the earliest uses of the term "First Lady" was applied to her in an 1838 newspaper article that appeared in the St. Johnsbury Caledonian , the author, " Mrs. Sigourney ", discusses how Martha Washington had not changed, even after her husband George became president. She wrote that "The first lady of the nation still preserved the habits of early life. Indulging in no indolence, she left

7650-580: Was once the busiest district outside Downtown Cincinnati, with six street cars lines intersecting at McMillan and Gilbert by the end of the 19th century. The original site of Walnut Hills High School is located in the neighborhood. Several historic districts in Walnut Hills have been listed on the National Register. These include the Gilbert-Sinton Historic District , Gilbert Row , and Peeble's Corner Historic District . As of

7740-480: Was recognized by contemporary journalists and has since become a defining aspect of her legacy. She is recognized for her role in developing her husband's political career and bringing about the presidency of William Howard Taft . First Lady of the United States The first lady of the United States ( FLOTUS ) is a title typically held by the wife of the president of the United States , concurrent with

7830-609: Was relieved that his term had ended, Helen Taft was upset by his defeat for reelection. She remained active after leaving the White House, supporting the Red Cross during World War I and participating in activities for the Colonial Dames of America . She was widowed in 1930, and she was buried beside her husband in Arlington National Cemetery after her death in 1943. Helen Herron was born on June 2, 1861, in Cincinnati as

7920-541: Was the Democratic Party nominee for president in the 2016 election , but lost to Donald Trump . The Office of the First Lady of the United States is accountable to the first lady for her to carry out her duties as hostess of the White House, and is also in charge of all social and ceremonial events of the White House. The first lady has her own staff that includes a chief of staff, press secretary, White House social secretary , and chief floral designer . The Office of

8010-601: Was the president of Lane Seminary where Harriet first learned about the horrors of slavery by attending the famous Lane Debates. These were a series of presentations, held at the seminary in 1834, about the need to abolish slavery.' The Walnut Hills Library, Cincinnati's first Carnegie Library , and the Walnut Hills United Presbyterian Church 's remaining tower at Taft and Gilbert were designed by architect Samuel Hannaford . The commercial district at Peebles' Corner , originally called Kemper's Corner,

8100-484: Was where Harriet Beecher Stowe's father, Lyman Beecher, lived . Harriet spent time there since it was the center of Beecher family life in Cincinnati. While Harriet's husband was out of town her first children, twin daughters, were born in the house. Although Harriet wrote her famous anti-slavery novel in Brunswick Maine, the factual material for the novel was gathered during her almost 20 years in Cincinnati. Her father

#288711