The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1893-05-25
Fargo Forum ]

| Fargo Forum
Every child that goes to school
knows something about the presidents
Of the United States, but very few
people could give a list Of the ladies
who have presided at the White House,
since it was finished in 1901. For
some reason the school histories in
genera use, carefully avoid all men
ton Of marriage and giving in mar
rage in relation to oar presidents, so
the Forum has though it might in
tcrcst many if it gave short history
Of the ladies who have presided over
the presidential mansion.
\ list Of the ladies who have pre-
sided over the White House IS both a
long and interesting one. 1t begins
with Mrs. Adams, wife of the second
president Of the United States, tor
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. 5
Franklin Square, New York, and after
wards al Philadelphia.
Mrs. Adams was also of aristocratic
tendencies, and she t1ansplanted the
entiQuette Of the early Republican
court to Washington when the seat of
Government was removed here in
1900. The first New Years reception
was in the unfinished White House in
1901, the oval room up stairs being
used as the drawIngroom. Shortly
afterward Mrs Adams health failed
and she returned to Massachusetts,,
having been mistress of the Presidents
mansion but cnd-half year.
The advent of Thomas Jefferson
marked a revolution in executive
society. He had been a widower for
nineteen years, and as his daughters,
Mrs. Eppes and Mrs. Randolph, spent
little time with their father, the White
House was practical without hostess
during his eight years administration.
President Jefferson would have none Of
the formality 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 octagon house owned by
Col. Taylor, for a time, but when the
Executive Mansion had been repaired
her return was marked by the most
magnificent reception that had been
given there up to that time.
In 1917 Mrs Monroe became lady
of the White House, but owing to her
| delicate health she was not able to
equal the social trlumphs of her pre-
| decess0r. The most notable event of
administration was the wedding of her
youngest daughter, Maria Monroe, to
Samuel l.. Gouvernour, which took
| place in the East Room in March,
1920. Public receptions were held
Wednesday evenings, and at these was
inauguratcd the handshaking custom.
Mrs. John Quincy Adams person.
ally discharged the duties of hostess of
the White House during the four years
administration of her husband. Their
engagement took place during MIR.
Adams visit to London while minister
at The Hague, her maiden name being
Catherine Johnson, niece of Cover
nor Johnson of Maryland. The we'd
ding took place July 20, 1897, and
she shared his joys and sorrows for
more than halt century. While Mrs.
Adams was mistress of the White
| House she entertained General
Lafayette for several days on his visit
to this country in August, 1925. Her
health was poor, though she always
presided at public receptions. In
person she was petite, with lively man.
ners, and very brilliant in conversa-
ton. During her reign the east room
was thrown open for the first time for
dancing.
Mrs. Jackson died at the age of 81
a few days before her husband set out
from Nashville, for his Inauguration,
and her place as lady of the White
House was taken by Mrs. Donelson.
Mrs. Donelson was the wife of the
presidents nephew, and was beautiful,
dignified and gracious. She was
assisted in receiving by Miss Eustis,
the presidents niece. Mrs. Donelson
refused to receive Mrs. Eaton, lady
whom Mr.. Jackson thought unjustly
maligned and returned to Tennessee
in 1850.
President NanBuren being widower
the inaugural ball was under the ad-
ministration of a committee of gentle
men, $40 admission being charged.
During his administration the White
House lost much OF its brilliant repu-
tation, which it had gained under
Presidents adams and Jackson.
Mrs. William Harrison had remained
at North Bend, Ind, on account of i'll
health, during the month between the
Presidents Inauguration and his death
/ The duties of mistress of the White
House, had been discharged bv the
Presidents widowed daughter in law
/ Mrs. William Harrison.
Wien President Tyler took office,
his wife Miss Letitia Christian of
Virginia, was dead and her place was
filled by Mrs. Robert Tyler, IT,, the
wife of his son and Miss Tyler. Mrs.
Robert Tyler was a daughter of a
noted tragedian, Mr.. Cooper, and at
one time was on the stage. The
Presidents daughter Lizzie Tyler was
married from the White House in
1872. In the same year Washington
I IryirC and Gbar1ac D;cl.o,,- !