Want to know a fun fact? National Wine drinking day is the same day as President’s Day, bottom line, politics can make us drink! With so much negativity these days with presidents both past and present, I decided to give a shout out to the ladies, the First Ladies that is. The First Lady has always had an important role with the US Presidency, whether she just showed her support alongside her man, came up with a solution to a crisis in the country or helped our nation grow and prosper. No matter which way your coin lands, the first ladies have an impact.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Martha Washington – 1731-1802. She was given the title of Lady by the president as in “Lady Washington”. She was also the first wife of a president to be on a US Postage Stamp. #goals
Abigail Adams 1744-1818 the wife of John Adams. She urged her husband to “remember the ladies” when he was writing the Declaration of Independence in 1776 (talk about influence!). She was the first woman to be BOTH a wife of a president and the mother of one. She was obviously a woman of influence. She was also the first to live inside the White House.
Dolley Madison 1768-1849 the wife of James Madison and the only first lady to ever be given an honorary seat on the floor of Congress. She was also the first American to respond to a telegraph message to Samuel Morse. I’ve always said women are the best communicators! Case in point.
Louisa Adams 1775-1852 the wife of John Quincy Adams. She was the only first lady born in another country (England). She wrote satirical plays, raised silkworms and played the harp. I’ll be real people – she sounds a wee bit odd. I mean silkworms? Pass me a Samuel Adams!
Sarah Polk 1803-1891 the wife of James Polk. She worked as the president’s secretary and chose not to take a salary. She forbid dancing and card playing inside the White House. *yawn
Margaret “Peggy” Taylor 1788-1852 the wife of Zachary Taylor. She learned how to shoot a gun when she and her husband lived on the Western Frontier. When they later lived at the White House, she refused to serve as hostess and gave the role to their daughter, Better Taylor Bliss. Not gonna lie, she’s in my tribe. I connect with this one!
Abigail Fillmore 1798-1853 Millard Fillmore was the first presidential spouse to work and earn a salary before marriage. You go girl. Unfortunately, she passed away after leaving the White House and her husband later married a widow who turned out to be wealthier than he was. Apparently, this guy did not shy away from an independent woman. I salute you sir!
Mary Lincoln 1818-1882 the wife of Abraham. She was the first to hold séances in the White House, the first to be attacked by the press (for lavish purchases during wartime, tsk tsk!) and the first to fight for the abolition of slavery.
So thank you ladies for being true to who you were, silkworm raising and all!
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