We all know the old adage: Behind every good man, there's a good woman. The same could be said for the 44 men who have led the United States in times of victory and darkness, prosperity and depression. While they didn't work out of the Oval Office, the lives and accomplishments of some U.S. First Ladies have been felt the world over. Some first ladies were great hostesses, and others were loving mothers, but for President's Day, we highlight eight presidential spouses who truly kicked ass in their time.
First Lady Dolley Payne Todd Madison (1809 – 1817)
We all know Dolley Madison loved ice cream, but Madison is credited with preserving early artifacts of American history. During the War of 1812, as the British approached Washington, D.C., Madison refused to leave the White House without saving as many historically significant items as possible. The White House may have been destroyed, but Madison ensured that George Washington's famous portrait and other valuables were safe from fire.
First Lady Sarah Polk (1845 – 1849)
Polk was a conversationalist, as illustrated in this little gem: “If I get into the White House, I will neither keep house nor make butter.” Known for her passion for politics, she loved to talk politics with male political figures like Henry Clay, Andrew Jackson, and Franklin Pierce, instead of talking over tea and biscuits with the ladies. Polk was even known to write her husband's speeches and correspondence.
First Lady Helen “Nellie” Herron Taft (1909 – 1913)
Nellie Taft was radical in ways that we take for granted today. She was the first presidential spouse to ride a vehicle in the Inaugural Parade with her husband, viewed by many as showing her support for the suffragette movement. During her time in the White House, she hired black men as uniformed ushers, a prestigious position reserved only for whites. She also lifted the ban on divorced people, who were previously shirked from White House event guest lists. She was also pals with Walter Loving, a musician and African-American composer. Nellie even drew criticism when she announced that she would allow alcohol to be served at events, but she didn't back down, even when facing bad press and protests. An early proponent of unions, she was elected women's division honorary national chair of the National Civil Federation, where she stumped for workplace reforms and fairness.
First Lady Edith Bolling Galt Wilson (1915 – 1921)
Woodrow Wilson's second wife, Edith Wilson, took over for her husband after he suffered a stroke in 1919. And when he returned to the Oval Office, She essentially became his chief of staff, requiring all correspondence, and requests to go through her before reaching his desk.
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Surely Betty Ford deserved a
Surely Betty Ford deserved a spot on this list! Betty was an ardent feminist and supporter of the ERA and the pro-choice movement. She commented on all manner of social issues including equal pay, child care, domestic violence, alcoholism and drug addiction. She was the first to speak publicly about breast cancer, couragously sharing her own experience to bring this dreaded disease from the shadows of shame and silence. Before Betty going public with her own breast cancer, women endured this illness alone and with little support even from thier own families. Thank you, Betty! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Ford
Dolley Madison
Good article. I grew to appreciate Dolley Madison while researching my historical novel, "Madness: The War of 1812." Mrs. Madison figures prominently in the book and, in my reckoning, is probably one of the brighter lights of the war years. The book is scheduled for publication in late summer or early fall during the bicentennial of the war. For details, go to https://sites.google.com/site/madnessthewarof1812/
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