The state chronicle. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1891-1893, 1892-10-26

Those Who Have Borne the HOnOrs OF
President,s Wife Since Mrs.
Adams, Day.

W aShlngtOn Post.
A list Of the ladies who have presided
over the White House is both long and
interesting one. 1t begins with Mrs.
Adams, wife of the second President of
the United States, for Mrs Washington
was never mistress of the White House.
Her receptions in which were emulated
the formality and elegance Of the French
and English courts, were held first at
No. 3 Franklin square, New York, and
afterwards in Philadelphia.
Mrs. Adams was also of arlstocratic
tendencies, and she transplanted the Ell
qnette of the early republican court to
Washington when the seat of Govern
ment was removed here in 1900. The first
New Years reception was in the untin-
ished White House in 1901, the oval
room up stairs being used as the drawing
room Shortly afterward Mrs. Adams
health failed and she returned to Mass
achusetts, having been mistress of the
Presidents mansion but one half year.
The advent of Thomas jefferson
marked a revolution in executive society.
He had been a widOwer for nineteen
years, aud as his daughters, Mrs. Eppes
and Mrs Randolph. spent little time
with their father, the White House was
practically without hostess during his
eight years administration. President
Jefferson would have none Of the formal
ty Of fashionable society, so the home Of
his Secretary of State, presided over by
Dorothy Madison, became the social
center of the capital.
Mrs. Madison was to the manor born,
and her social administration in the
White House is celebrated as one of the
most brilliant in our history. When the
British burned the White House in 1912
Mrs. Madison held forth in the octagor
house owned by Col Tayloe, for time,
but when the Executive Mansion had
been repaired her return was marked by
the most magnificent reception that haC
been given there up to that time.
In 1917 Mrs. Monroe became lady o
the White House, but owing to her deli
cate health she was not able to equal th'
social triumphs of her predecessor. Th
most notable event of her administration
was the wedding of her youngest daugh
ter. Maria Monroe, to Samuel l.. Gou
vernour. which took place in the Eas
Room, in March, 1920. Public recep
tions were held Wednesday evenings
and at these was inaugurated the hand
shaking custom.
Mrs John @. Adams came to the Whit
House after long course OF training Il
diplomatic society abroad and ministe
rial circles al home But she was tift
wears old, and her health so precariou
as to preclude any special social efforts
Gen. Jackson also came wifeless to tn
White House. so the wife of his privat
, secretary, Mrs Emily Donelson, off
, ciated as mistress of ceremonies. Sh
VA brilliant and handsome woman
who helped to make Oid Hickory's &C
. milistration social success.
} Mrs Abram Van Buren, daughter IL
) law Of President Van Buren. performe
, the duties Of lady of the White Hou!
du ING his administration. She was
Southern woman and born social lea'
f cr. s. her administration was highly su
n cessfu.
y Mrs. Jane F. Harrison, widow Of h
e nam sake son, reside at the Viii
e House curing the one short month
}. Gen. William Henry Harrison's admin
d tration Mrs. Harrison, the Preslden
q wife had not left her home at Nor
O Bend when news of her husbands dea
reached her. The funeral of Preside
It House, the first sad chapter of its b
G tory.
Mrs. Tyler then took charge of the d
j. nestle aft .ils of the White House, b
3, left the social functions mainly in char