Elizabeth Monroe

Elizabeth, Eliza, and Cry Baby Cookies

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First Ladies - 1800 to 1850

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First Lady Elizabeth, daughter Eliza, and President James Monroe

Elizabeth Kortright Monroe*

Eliza Monroe*

President James Monroe*

About James - James Monroe was the fifth President, and is known for the Monroe Doctrine, which warned European nations against colonizing the Americas. His presidency was the "Era of Good Feelings," a period of unity and stability after the War of 1812. James also helped expand U.S. territory through the acquisition of Florida from Spain.

First Lady Elizabeth Monroe
First Lady from - 1817 - 1825
Quotes from  Elizabeth - No quotes seem to exist.  James burned all her letters after she died (a family tradition).  One follower suggested this one:  "Honey, could you pick up some butter on the way home."
Factoids - 

• While living in France, Elizabeth demanded to visit Adrienne de Noailles de Lafayette, who was in prison. Adrienne was the wife of American Revolutionary War hero, Marquis de Lafayette. Elizabeth's visit was important, because it gathered U.S. support, resulting in Adrienne's release.  Had she not been released, Adrienne would have faced death by guillotine.   
• The Monroes were musical; and had pianos in every home.  Elizabeth played piano and a music notebook of her favorite pieces still exists. 
• Elizabeth had hair earrings woven from her hair.  Hair jewelry was popular back then for remembrance

Bio - 

• Elizabeth came from a well-known and wealthy family, related to the Roosevelts. She was only 17 when she married James Monroe, a former Lt. Colonel and a lawyer. They had 3 children, including Eliza who later helped as hostess at the White House. 
• The family moved to Paris, where James was Minister to France.  There, Elizabeth got the nickname, "La Belle Americaine", because of her style and beauty.  
• Elizabeth was 48 when James Monroe was elected President.  When the Monroe Family moved into the White House,  reconstruction after the War of 1812 was almost finished. Elizabeth's style remains two centuries later. She purchased many pieces of furniture and decor from France for the restored White House. When First Lady Jackie Kennedy began a new restoration in 1961, she said the furniture that Elizabeth chose was the best she had seen! 
• Elizabeth's time in Europe made White House events a bit more formal than before. She was a bit unpopular for this and for her unwillingness to mix with other political wives.  Some White House events were even boycotted.  Now, we believe Elizabeth's love of privacy was really due to health issues from epilepsy, a condition she kept private.  Elizabeth's formal style prevailed though, and is now considered the "standard" for First Ladies.

Acting First Lady Eliza Monroe
From - 1821 - 1825

• Eliza, the daughter of Elizabeth and James, acted as unofficial First Lady during much of James's second term as President. Elizabeth's health required that her daughter, Eliza, host many of the events.  Eliza was, however, outspoken and a sharp wit, which made her unpopular.  Eliza had a difficult life, as between 1830-1831, her mother, husband, and father all died.  She was so grief stricken that she moved to Paris and joined a convent.

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Cry Baby Cookies

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Food legend has it that these are called Cry Baby Cookies because they're so delicious that people cry for more! Cry Baby Cookies were a favorite of the President and very popular during the time period.​

Ingredients
Yield: 2 dozen cookies
1 cup sugar, divided into halves
1/4 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup vegetable shortening or butter
1 large egg
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons molasses
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons powdered ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. Put 1/4 cup of the sugar into a saucer.
3. Mix all the other ingredients together. 
4. With clean hands, roll 1-inch balls from the dough and roll leach ball in the sugar in the saucer.
5. Put the dough balls on an ungreased cookie sheet and flatten them just  bit with your hand or a glass.  (Not too thin, keep them rounded!) Separate them a couple of inches apart.
6. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, checking halfway through.

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Recipe Card

*Portrait Credits
Elizabeth Monroe - Eben F. Comens after John Vanderlyn ref, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Eliza Monroe - unattributed, appears as portrait attributed to S. Caruson, by the Frick Art Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
James Monroe - John Vanderlyn 1816, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Public domain