Favorite First Ladies

HAPPY PRESIDENT'S DAY!!!

You know, there's a saying: Behind every great man is a great woman.

I feel like so often the first ladies are overlooked, well no on my blog! Here at the foundation, we're celebrating to women who were behind the leaders of our great country. Here are my top 5 favorite first ladies! Enjoy!

Abigail Adams

Abigail was a sickly child, so sick that she could receive no formal education. Her mother taught her and her two sisters at home and because of this, Abigail became very well versed in  Literature and Philosophy. Abigail was extremely ahead of her time when it came to ideas of women's rights and their roles in society. She was extremely open-minded on many social issues. Though her and John Adams were third cousins (It wasn't uncommon or considered icky in those days.), Abigail charmed John with her knowledge of poetry, philosophy and politics. They married on October 25, 1764.

Abigail was hardcore. She had 6 children in the course of 10 years, though not all of them survived or lived very long. Her husband was often away, leaving her in charge of the land and raising the children. As first lady she was extremely active in politics leading many to call her Mrs. President. Her husband often relied on her for advice and she inadvertently helped the women's movement.

Dolley Madison

She was the wife of James Madison who was President of the United Stated from May 20, 1768 – July 12, 1849. She is noted for her social gifts which greatly helped with her husbands popularity as President. In 1793, Dolley was widowed at age 25 when her first husband died of yellow fever. She was a single mother with no support. She soon married successful politician James Madison in 1794. In 1800, James Madison was asked to be Secretary of State by newly elected President Thomas Jefferson. Dolley had her husband purchase a large house because she felt entertaining in the Capital would be important.

Dolley worked with architect  Benjamin Henry Latrobe to furnish the first official residence to the President of the United States, The White House. She also served as honorary First Lady for widower Thomas Jefferson at official functions. She was renown for her social graces and hospitality, attributes that helped her husband win the Presidency in 1809 after Thomas Jefferson retired. Life as first lady was no cake walk for Dolley, the war of 1812 broke out and Washington was attacked in 1814, As British forces drew near, Dolley ordered the portrait of George Washington to be removed from the White House. She left it under the care of a Frenchman, Jean Pierre Sioussat, to direct the servants in the crises while she fled the city. Either way, she's badass and is one my favorite first ladies ever! Snaps for Dolley!

Harriet Lane

She was young, beautiful and artistic. Harriet Lane was far ahead of her time in almost every sense. She was extremely fashionable. Her gowns with low necklines caused quite a stir in Washington, but that's the way Harriet liked it. She served as first lady during the presidency of her life-long bachelor uncle James Buchanan 1857 to 1861. As First Lady, Harriet Lane was insanely popular. She became a major style icon with women copying her hairstyle and dresses.

Despite the glamour and confidence she exuded, Harriet used her position as First Lady to bring awareness for better living conditions for Native Americans in reservations. Harriet also brought art and music into the White House as she felt it was extremely important. Unfortunately, Buchanan's Presidency came at a terrible time in the United States. Tensions between the North and South had escalated. Harriet paid special care with seating arrangements for functions, sitting political foes far from one another and always remaining tactful and respectful to both parties. By the time her uncle retired from Presidency, seven states had succeeded from the Union.

Frances Cleveland

It was really hard! I picked Frances in the end because I just love her! She was 21 when she became First Lady. She married President Grover Cleveland on June 2, 1886 making him the first President to ever marry in the executive mansion. She took over duties as First Lady from Rose Cleveland, her sister-in-law, who gladly handed over the responsibilities.

The Country's interest peeked in the young First Lady. Her charm and youth won over the Country and she became a style icon with her fashions. She was also the first ever First Lady to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. She was such a strong presence in the country that Grover Cleveland's opponent said he could have beat Grover, but not Grover and Frances. Frances is also a symbol of changing times for women in America. She held open receptions every Saturday at the White House for working women. She had a great understanding of the times she was in, and held her position of First Lady with grace, elegance and class.

Jacqueline Kennedy

She was a symbol of a new era of youth and vitality for America. She was smart, educated, elegant and exuded a beauty that made her fascinating. Jackie came from a wealthy upbringing. She met State Representative John F. Kennedy at a dinner party in May of 1952, though they had been in the same social circles for a while. He swept her off her heels and the two were married on September 12, 1953. During her husbands campaign for Presidency, Jackie was pregnant and at home. She worked extremely hard by answering letters, taping commercials, gave televised and printed interviews.

John was elected President and two weeks later, Jackie gave birth to their son John F. Kennedy Jr. She was unimpressed with the White House, comparing it to a "dungeon." She completely revamped it and made it a more upscale, classy interior. Jackie is noted for her flawless taste in fashion and... everything really! She was an astounding asset to her husband's Presidency. She spoke several languages which impressed foreign dignitaries. She was gifted in social graces and noted for her simple, yet elegant style.

When her husband was assassinated, Jackie was devastated, as was the entire country. She showed great composure and class even during an difficult time for herself and the entire United States. During her time as first lady, she brought a sense of strength and class into the White House. Through the aftermath of her husband's murder, she showed the American people strength, class and how to properly wear a pill box hat.