DiVito Anna - A Kids Guide to Americas First Ladies

For my first ladies: Cindy Clevenger, Janet Lutz, Lynn Kelley, Barbara Melkersen, Vicky Reed, and Barbara Patton, and thanks as well to Sarah Dotts Barley and Pamela Bobowicz

K. K.

For Su Bick

A. D.

CONTENTS

Being a First Lady, the wife of a president, is a weird job. You can tell just by the curious variety in the women who have held the office.

At least two were their husbands teachers. One was his boss. Others dreamed big or showed brilliant promiseas a concert pianist, architect, politician in her own right, writer of the great American noveland could have achieved more had they not been so restricted by rules limiting womens lives.

And look at things theyve done: One multitasked her way through the American Revolutionpacking gunpowder, boosting the morale of the troops, and more. One devoted sixteen years of her life to helping hold a fragile nation together and making Washington, DC, a proper capital. Another shepherded her young son on a frightful forty-day journey across war-torn Europe. Deciding that her destiny was to run the country, one yanked her husband up the ladder with her. One encouraged her husband to go on diplomatic missions around the world and was delighted to join him every step of the way. Another didnt hesitate to take over the reins of government when her husband fell ill, with at least one direct effect on history. Still another buzzed all around Chicago in her Mercedes-Benz, learning how to solve peoples problems.

Many traveled and represented their husbands with great skill. One bravely took a train trip to campaign alone, facing hecklers with aplomb. Another dazzled people with her air of mystery and glamour and the way she researched each place she visited. Several were courageous ambassadors of goodwill, soaring into earthquake disaster areas, combat zones, and other hazards.

But what exactly is a First Lady supposed to do? Theres no job description in the Constitution or anywhere else.

She isnt the chosen onethe one who got elected. On the other hand, she usually had a lot to do with the victory.

Once she moves into the White House, she has a staff to do all her household chores. But she also might be working harder than she ever has in her life. The countryand the worldare watching her every move. The public expects her to be a dynamite hostess, a motherly figure, a role model, a style icon, an adoring wife with perfect hair and perfect children, and so much more.

Its stressful. Some women cry on the day they arrive in the White House, while some hold their tears until the day they leavecrying in relief.

And it can be really awkward. A woman has been First Lady of the United States since 1789, when our government was founded, and yet for many of those years women couldnt vote or own property or go to college or work outside the home. Meanwhile, a First Lady is a woman who suddenly has a huge amount of power to shape opinions on culture, child care, books, and much more.

Many will criticize a First Lady no matter what she does. She can have a hobby or volunteer for an uncontroversial cause, but working outside the White House is discouraged. Shes not supposed to meddle in her husbands businessof running the countryeven if she has some pretty good ideas. And if she attempts too much, she risks ridicule, condemnation, even death threats.

Oh, and she doesnt get paid.

Each First Lady has to craft her role all on her own. Some had help from cozy relationships with supportive spouses who cheered them on, but others did not. Often they influenced one another, searching for role models in the women who came before them and giving advice to those who followed.

They all became hostesses, thoughsome were better at it than others. Some women had terribly hard lives, limiting their energy and fearing the White House as a prison. Others kicked up their heels and threw themselves into their role, knowing that their parties could aid the presidents relations with other countries and leaders.

Most First Ladies have had special causes they cared dearly about and poured all their energy into. It seems odd today, but several of themrepressed by the conventions of their timesopposed the right of women to vote or make advances. But others did as much as they could for womens rights, trying to break or at least loosen the rules.

Most of them acted as their husbands eyes and ears, helping invisibly behind the scenes.

And each one had an impact on American history. Here, presented chronologically, is a galaxy of some of the most intriguing women of all timethe ones who helped shape our country.