The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1912-03-29
How Presidents Entertained

George Washington, simple vir-
ginia gentleman at the same time lie
was the first American President. set
plain table, preferably of home
raised food. He had no eye or taste
for imported deicacies and SO frowned
no extravaganza that as reproot of
his steward, one day-so the story goes
he sent away untasted from the table
a shad which costs too much. WASH
ington's favorite table wine was
MADEIRA.
In contrast to the way of the first
President was that of the third. Jeffer-
son loved elaborate dinners and French
cooking. But with oysters something
| like twenty cents a bushol and canvas
back ducks seventy-five cents a pair. it
a feast. The old accounts show that
jefferson spent $4,000 for wines AMI
other drinks during his two terms.
John Adams, coming between the
Presidents just named, was careful
but not niggarlly host. His own love
of oatcakes and tea has become proven
bal.
Dolly Madison had fondness Tor
farm fruits. tarts and other homely
desserts, and these figured pretty regu-
larly on the generously set tables
the White House under President
Madison.
Intimate history records the GOODNESS
and ceremony of the dinners while
James Monroe's aristocratic English
wife was the lady of the White House
John Quincy Adams considered it
policy to spend literally on his state
dinners, and these became functions of
bright official fame.
jackson was a poor eater himself, but
a good, free feeder of the pursuing
multitudes.
Van Buren's dinners We're like HIM
self. small, select and. II one may so
use the term, dapper. They were much
enjoyed by the few political intimates
who shared them-and much stormed
about by the unlimited.
President Tyler had a negro cook. got
large supplies from his own place. and
served large dinners at which fried
chicken and ham Of the finest Virginia
plantation quality were star dishes.
Polk entertained modestly, and SO did
Filmore-the latter with a Partially
for statesmen and scholars at his
board. Buchanan left everything to
his niece. Harriet Lane, who made, as
lady of the White House. record for
lavish expenditures In the markets and
on the table.
Lincoln was more frugal in entertain
ment. perhaps than would have been
his own desire. but more generous than
was Mrs. Lincolns wish.
With Grant came dinners of fifteen
to twenty courses. with abundant wine
and in his second term the Presiden
tial salary was raised from $4,000 t.
$4,000
Except that they were wineless, the
dinners of the Hayes administration
were beyond criticism.
President Arthur had French
steward and credited his guests with
his own fondness for good living.
With the Clevelands in the White
House. stag dinners by the President
were much in favor, offset by elaborate
ladies' luncheons given by Mrs. Cleve-
land.
Benjamin Harrison preferred in
formal dinners. with the guests that
pleased him, to his few state affairs.
The Mckinley state dinners often
| We're too big for the state dining room
requiring an overflow service.
, President Roosevelt attached to The
manner and variety of his hospitality
; as to most acts OF his administration
the quality Of individuansm. His wa,
to see a man was to dine him.