First Ladies 1850 to 1900

First Lady Abigail and President Millard Fillmore

Abigail Powers Fillmore*

President Millard Fillmore*

First Lady - 1850 - 1853
Quote from Abigail - On selecting the contents of the first presidential library, she said, "I do not recollect when I had such a mental treat."
Factoids -

Abigail was the first wife of a President to work and have a salary. She was a school teacher.
She established the first library in the White House.
The first cast iron cook stove was installed in the White House while Abigail was First Lady. No one knew how to use it, so Willard went to the U.S. Patent Office and read the instructions. Then he returned and showed everyone how to use it.

Bio -

Abigail Powers grew up in poverty in the frontier area of New York after her father died. Her mother educated Abigail at home and she went to work as a school teacher. Millard Fillmore became one of her students. She tutored him and encouraged his interest in law and politics. They eventually married, but Abigail continued to teach.

As First Lady, Abigail established the first White House library in the Yellow Oval Room. Congress appropriated funds and Abigail spent many hours selecting books. It became a perfect place for small group meetings.

Abigail was skilled at hosting state events, but a permanently injured ankle prohibited her from some events. At those times, she relied on her daughter Abby for help.
Sadly, Abigail caught pneumonia at President Pierce's inauguration nd passed away not long afterward. For her funeral, it was the first time Congress adjourned for the death of a First Lady.

About Millard - Millard Fillmore was the 13th President, after Zachary Taylor's death. He approved the Compromise of 1850, which stopped Southern states from seceding, but it didn't last. He signed the Fugitive Slave Act, which angered many in the North and hurt his popularity. Though he tried to preserve the Union, his moderate stance didn't satisfy either pro- or anti-slavery political groups.

Apple Pockets

Millard Fillmore was a great fan of apples. Foodie legend tells us that Abigail, a voracious reader and book fanatic, found this recipe in an Italian cookbook. Millard had the first iron cookstove installed in the White House; these hand pie cookies were baked in it!

Cookie Dough Ingredients
1 & 3/4 cups flour
7 tablespoons of COLD butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of baking powder (added in modern times)
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest
Apple Filling Ingredients
2 apples - peeled and cut into small cubes
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or mix white sugar and molasses together)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Steps
Steps - Cookie Dough

Stir cold butter and sugar together until it's like coarse crumbs.
Stir in the beaten egg. Then gradually stir in the flour, baking powder, and lemon zest.
With clean hands, shape the cookie cough into a ball on a floured surface. Flatten it slightly, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. (Today we stick it in the fridge. In Abigail's time, they probably took it in to the basement or cellar to cool.)

Steps - Apple Filling

In a skillet over low heat, stir together cubed apples, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Cook until soft, not mushy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Steps - Assemble Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll out dough and cut circles about the size of a glass top. Use a drinking glass to do this!
Put 1 spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Put another circle on top and pinch the sides closed together tightly, like a little pie.
Bake about 20 minutes or until golden brown; check regularly to avoid burning.
The tops may crack open, and that's perfectly fine.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Abigail Fillmore - Artist Unknown, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, c. 1840, CC0; younger - Artist unknown, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Millard Fillmore - George Peter Alexander Healy painting, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Jane Appleton PIerce

6/21/2025

Jane and Apple Thumbprint Cookies

Jane Appleton Pierce*

President Franklin Pierce*

First Lady Jane and President Franklin Pierce
First Lady from - 1853 - 1857
Quote from Jane - "Oh how I wish he [Franklin Pierce] was out of political life! How much better it would be for him on every account!"
Factoid - The tradition of a Christmas Tree in the White House started with Jane.
Bio -

Jane Pierce's story is a tragic one. Jane met Franklin Pierce when he was a young lawyer interested in politics. They did not marry until Jane was 28 and even then over the protests of her family. Early on, Jane tried to discourage Franklin from entering the political scene, but to no avail. However, after the death of their new baby, added to Jane's dislike of politics, Franklin did retire as U.S. Senator. The next year, a second son died.
Franklin fought in the Mexican, returned home, and for several years, the couple lived happily and quietly with their remaining son, Benjamin. In 1852, Franklin was made a candidate for President, causing Jane to faint when she heard the news. Franklin convinced her that life as President would be a good turn for the family, especially son, Benjamin, age 11.
Tragically, on their way to Washington , their train derailed and Franklin and Jane watched their remaining son die. Benjamin's death was mourned throughout the Nation.
Devastated, Jane did not attend either Benjamin's funeral or the inauguration. Eventually, Jane came to Washington, but the loss of their son affected her and her health for the rest of her life. Jane, highly religious, turned to prayer, as well as holding séances to communicate with her son. It was more than a year before she could handle some of her First Lady duties; her good friends Abigail Means and Varina Davis helped her. Jane rarely left the White House, welcoming only close family and friends, and writing letters to Benjamin to ask forgiveness.

About Franklin - Franklin Pierce was the 14th President. During his term, the Gadsden Purchase acquired territory in Arizona and New Mexico. Franklin supported the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which repealed the Missouri Compromise and increased sectional conflict. His administration also saw increasing violence over slavery.

Apple Thumbprint Cookies

Franklin Pierce liked simple, traditional foods from his native New Hampshire. Apples seemed to appear in most of his favorite sweets - fried apple pies, apple pies, apple pan dowdy. I've morphed these apple favorites into a cooke that I'll bet he would have loved.

Apple Filling Ingredients
2 apples - peeled and cut into very small cubes
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Cookie Dough Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla
jelly or jam of your choice
3 sticks butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks, slightly beaten

Steps for Apple Filling

In a skillet over low heat, stir together cubed apples, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Stir continually to avoid sticking.
Cook until soft, not mushy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.

Steps for Cookie Dough and Baking Cookies

Cream butter and sugar.
Mix in egg yolks, flour, and vanilla.
Roll into balls the size of large marbles. Indent with thumb and fill with dab of the COOLED apple filling.
Bake in 350° oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Jane Pierce - John Chester Buttre, Public Domain via Wikipedia Commons
Franklin Pierce - George Peter Alexander Healy, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift from Trustees - Corcoran Gallery of Art, Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Harriet Lane Johnston (Buchanan)

6/6/2025

Harriet and Apees Cookies

Harriet Lane Johnston (niece)*

President James Buchanan*

Acting First Lady Harriet Lane (niece) and President James Buchanan
Acting First Lady - 1857 - 1861
Quote from Harriet - "Uncle (President Taylor) places so much confidence in me that he gives himself no uneasiness."
Factoids - Harriet was very stylish and well-known for her low necklines and her love of roses.
Bio -

Both of Harriet's parent died when she was very young, leaving her as on orphan. Her uncle, James Buchanan, then a senator and a bachelor, became her guardian. He took her to England, when he became Ambassador. When James became President, it was natural that Harriet would step up to take on First Lady duties.
Harriet proved to be an asset to James, with her charm, political knowledge, and beauty. The public loved her and she did not lack for male suitors! Harriet used her popularity to further causes that were dear to her, such as improving living conditions of Native Americans. Harriet turned down many proposals, but did marry lawyer Henry Johnston while serving in the White House.
Harriet and Henry had two sons, who were physically impaired and for whom no medical help existed. Their death led to Harriet and Henry to help families with low income find health care for their children with long term illnesses. They founded the Harriet Lane Home in 1912, which is today the Harriet Lane Clinic, an important part of Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
Harriet was also an important benefactor to the arts; she left her art collection to the Smithsonian. Johnston left her extensive art collection to the Smithsonian Institution.

About James - James Buchanan was the 15th president; he believed the Constitution protected slavery. During his Presidency, the Confederate States of America formed in 1865. His presidency is widely seen as weak and indecisive, leading directly into the Civil War.

Apees Cookies

Apees Cookies were a favorite of James Buchanan. Originating in Germany, the American recipe was popular in the Pennsylvania Dutch community, where James was born. Apees are a spiced butter cookie which seems to have two versions: thin and crispy or cake-like. Two foodie legends tell how Apees Cookies or A.P. Cookies got their name. One says the cookies were Anis Platchen (anise cookies) and the "AP" stamped on top showed they contained anise. The second declares that baker Ann Page's cookies were the most popular in Philadelphia and the "AP" stamped on the cookie tops identified her!

Ingredients
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1/2 cup of sour cream
2 cups all-purpose flour
pinch salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps

In a mixing mixing bowl, mix together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
Turn off the mixer and gently fold in the sour cream.
Gradually stir in the flour, mixing until it's well blended.
With clean hands, form a disk with the dough, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Roll the dough on a floured surface to 3/8 to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into circles with the rim of a glass or a cookie cutter.
Place cookie dough on an un-greased cookie sheet.
Bake in preheated oven until the edges are a golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Harriet Lane Johnston (niece) - CC0, Matthew Brady Studio, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; Frederick Hill Meserve Collection, Public Domain via Wikipedia Commons
James Buchanan - George Peter Alexander Healy, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; transfer from the National Gallery of Art, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

MAry Todd Lincoln

6/4/2025

Mary and Sugar Cookies

Mary Todd Lincoln*

President Abraham Lincoln*

First Lady Mary and President Abraham Lincoln
First Lady - 1861 - 1865
Quotes from Mary -

"Plant your feet and stand firm. The only question is where to put your feet."
"I do not belong to the public; my character is wholly domestic, and the public have nothing to do with it."
"... our guests recognize the position of President as first of all; consequently, he takes the lead in everything; well now, if they recognize his position, they should also recognize mine. I am his wife."

Factoid - Mary and Abraham's two sons had many pets at the White house. Their son, Tad, played every day with a turkey named Jack! When it was time to cook Jack for Christmas dinner, Tad begged for him to be spared. He was and so began the tradition of the White House pardoning a turkey during the holidays.
Bio -

Growing up in a wealthy and politically aware family, Mary learned early on to be opinionated. It was that mutual interest in politics that attracted her to Abraham Lincoln, who met Mary when he began work as a lawyer.
They married in 1842 and had four sons. Mary was busy as mother, and home manager, but she also offered political advice to Abraham annd hosted political events. Upon learning that he won the Presidential election, Abraham ran home shouting, "Mary, Mary, we are elected."
As First Lady during the Civil War, Mary was a perfect hostess in the White House, offering diplomacy in a tumultuous time. Mary was often criticized by both Union and Confederated sides as being a traitor in the White House. Meanwhile, few gave her credit for her visits to Union troops in hospitals or her fund-raising to aid previously enslaved people moving to the North.
Two of Abraham and Mary's sons died and then Abraham was assassinated while he and Mary were attending a production at Ford's Theater. A few years later, their youngest son died. Sadly, grief played a large part in the last few years of Mary's life, affecting her mental and physical health.

About Abraham - Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President and one of the best-remembered. He led the nation through the Civil War, preserved the Union, and issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which began the process of ending slavery. He delivered powerful speeches like the Gettysburg Address and pushed for the 13th Amendment. He was assassinated in 1865, just days after the war ended.

Sugar Cookies

The recipe is inspired by the one in A. Lincoln Cookbook, A Cookbook of Epic Portions by Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened to room temp
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, room temperature, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose ﬂour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons milk or cream
3 tablespoons extra granulated sugar for rolling

Steps
If you are going to use cookie cutters to cut this dough into shapes, refrigerate the dough for a couple of hours first.

In a mixing bowl, combine butter, granulated sugar, and beat until creamy.
Beat in egg and milk, then add vanilla.
In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture and mix until blended.
Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate 2 hours. Leave in refrigerator until time to use.
Preheat oven to 375° F. Prepare cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
For regular cookies: With clean hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Drop balls into granulated sugar and roll them around. Using an everyday kitchen glass, dip the base into the sugar and press the balls out onto prepared cookie sheets about 1 to 2 inches apart.
For cookie cutter shapes: Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thick on a floured surface. Cut with cookie cutter and place on prepared cookie sheets about 1-inch apart. (If not decorating later, you can sprinkle with granulated sugar.
Bake in a preheated 375° F oven for 7 - 9 minutes or until light golden. Check frequently.
Cool on cookie sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling. If you are decorating cookie-cutter cookies, cool completely before decorating.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Mary Todd Lincoln - Artist Katherine Helm, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Abraham Lincoln - George Peter Alexander Healy, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Eliza McCardle and Martha Johnson

6/3/2025

Eliza and Sweet Potato Cookies

Eliza McCardle Johnson*

Martha Johnson Patterson*

President Andrew Johnson*

First Lady Eliza, Martha, and President Andrew Johnson
Eliza McCardle Johnson
First Lady - 1865 - 1869
Quote from Eliza - "It's all very well for those who like it, but I do not like this public life at all. I often wish the time would come when we would return to where I feel we best belong."
Bio -

Eliza was only fifteen when she met Andrew Johnson, who worked in a tailor shop and had had no education. She was well educated and after marrying Andrew at 16, she taught him writing and mathematics. Soon, Andrew's political ambitions took off and Eliza took care of both the shop and their 5 children. After serving in Congress Andrew became Vice President to President Lincoln.
When Lincoln was assassinated, Andrew, Eliza, and family moved in the White House. Eliza had chronic tuberculosis, so she managed what she could from the family's private quarters and relied on her oldest daughter, Martha, to perform First Lady duties.

Martha Johnson Patterson
Acting First Lady - 1865 - 1869
Factoid - Martha's energy knew no bounds; she bought two Jersey milk cows and started a White House dairy for fresh milk and butter.
Bio -

Martha, husband, Senator David Patterson, and their children moved into the White House when Andrew became President. Martha quickly took over First Lady hostessing, as her mother's health often did not allow. Her father's Presidency was not a popular one, as he was intent on bigotry in a time when the war had just been fought for civil rights. As her father fought against being impeached, Martha remained a steadfast hostess.
Martha was a bit like another modern-day Martha; she loved everything about homes. During Lincoln's Presidency, many of the White House carpets and furniture were ruined, curtains were torn, and all was filthy dirty. When Congress wouldn't appropriate funds for new furnishings, Martha went to work with low cost solutions. She had wallpaper put up, carpets cleaned, then covered during parties. She had simple slipcovers made for the furniture. The newly renovated White House became home to not only State events, but many children's parties, due to Andrew's love of children.

About Andrew - Andrew Johnson became the 17th President, after Lincoln was assassinated. Andrew frequently clashed with Congress over reconstruction of the South and he was lenient toward former Confederates. He vetoed civil rights legislation and opposed the 14th Amendment. His problems with Congress led to an impeachment, however one vote to acquit kept him in Office. His Presidency did, however, see the purchase of Alaska from Russia.

Sweet Potato Cookies

Andrew Johnson's favorite cooking style was that of his childhood in Tennessee. He particularly loved sweet potatoes - pudding, pie, pone, and cookies! Eliza also loved sweet potato biscuits.

Ingredients
1 cup mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs room temperature
1 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup raisins or currents (optional - I prefer without.)

Steps

Preheat oven to 400° F. Clean sweet potato, pat dry, and pierce all over with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and bake about 40 minutes, or until tender in thickest part of the potato. (Modern day, you can also microwave it.) Cool, then peel and mash. Measure out 1 cup of the mashed potato for the cookies.
Reduce oven temp to 350° F for cookies. Prepare cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, stir all purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and brown sugar until thick and smooth. Slowly add in the melted butter, applesauce, and vanilla.
Fold the mashed sweet potato into the egg and sugar mixture. Add to the flour mix and fold all together, stirring by hand until all flour is combined.
Add sweet potato mixture all at once to the flour mixture. Fold in by hand, just until no streaks of flour remain. Do not over mix. Gently fold in the raisins or currants.
Drop cookies by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes on the cookie sheet, then remove to a wire rack to complete cooling.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Eliza Johnson - Unidentified photographer, Photograph with applied color, Courtesy of the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons locket - Locket image of Eliza Johnson c. 1840, NPS Image, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Martha Johnson Patterson - Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Andrew Johnson - Washington Bogart Cooper, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Julia Dent Grant

6/2/2025

Julia and Boston Cream Pie Cookies

Julia Dent Grant*

President Ulysses S. Grant*

First Lady Julia and President Ulysses S. Grant
First Lady - 1869 - 1877
Quotes from Julia -

"And now, even though his beautiful life has gone out, it is as when some far-off planet disappears from the heavens; the light of his glorious fame still reached out to me, falls upon me, and warms me."
"My life in the White House was like a bright and beautiful dream."

Factoids -

President Grant's Inauguration Ball was planned as a huge event in a temporary ballroom with mountains of food and decor including cages of singing canaries. Freezing weather caused havoc with no heat in the temporary ballroom making the food cold and the canaries freeze!
Julia always asked that her portraits be profiles due to one of her eyes not focusing straight-on.

Bio -

Julia grew up in a wealthy family in Missouri. Her childhood was full of horse-riding, fishing, and playing in the woods - being a free spirt. As a girl, she declared she would one day marry a soldier. Indeed she did, marrying Ulysses S. Grant, her brother's West Point roommate. They were married in 1848 and their love was boundless, surviving war and hard times! Together, they had four children.
When Ulysses became President, Julia took an active part in political activities. She went to Congressional hearings, scanned her husband's mail, and met with Congressmen, cabinet members, and diplomats alike, bringing feeling of warm welcome to the White House.
During Grant's two terms of office (1869-1877), Julia was an active participant in presidential and political matters. She went to Senate hearings, read the president’s mail, advised Ulysses, and met with cabinet members, senators, justices, and diplomats.
She loved her role as America's hostess and to all her guests she brought a warm and home-like feeling to the White House. Her love for living in the White House spread to all those who visited. For the rest of her life, she remembered the family's years in the White House as some of their happiest times.

About Ulysses - Ulysses Grant was the 18th president and the most famous Union general of the Civil War. Ulysses worked to rebuild the South and protect the rights of freed slaves during Reconstruction. His presidency was marred by his cabinet and their corruption and scandals. Despite the issues, he fought strongly against the Ku Klux Klan and supported civil rights enforcement.

Boston Cream Pie Cookies

Ulysses Grant's favorite dessert was supposedly Boston Cream Pie. I couldn't find any favorite cookies for him, so l adapted the pie into Boston Cream Pie Cookies from a recipe given to me by my Aunt Bessie. It was originally was from the New England Holdaway family. She adapted this shortcut, using instant pudding mix and vanilla wafers.

Ingredients - Makes about 3 dozen small cookies.
1 small box vanilla instant pudding mix
1 cup COLD milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream, divided into 1/2 cup portions
3 tablespoons Confectioner's sugar
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
70 - 75 Vanilla Wafers

Steps

Stir together vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a mixing bowl. Make sure all the lumps are combined. Let sit for about 10 minutes to thicken and set.
Mix 1/2 cup of the whipping cream and the Confectioner's sugar together until it forms stiff peaks. Gently fold into the vanilla pudding.
Spoon the vanilla pudding to a large ziplock bag and refrigerate. You'll be using this bag like a piping bag - to squeeze the pudding onto the cookies later. If you don't have ziplock bags, don't worry, you can just spoon everything, instead of piping it.
Melt the chocolate chips and the other 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream together in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove. Stir until chocolate is melted and cream is hot. DO NOT let boil. Spoon into another ziplock bag.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Lay half of the vanilla wafers (flat side UP) onto the sheet.
Cut one small corner of the ziplock bag of vanilla pudding. Squeeze the bag to put a portion of vanilla pudding onto each wafer half. Gently press another wafer half on top to make a cookie sandwich. Repeat for all.
Cut one small corner of the ziplock bag of chocolate mix and squeeze a portion on top of each sandwich. You can use a spoon to smooth or swirl it.
Put them in the refrigerator and chill before serving, if you can wait!

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Julia Grant - CC Matthew Brady Studio, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Frederick Hill Meserve Collection, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons; Grant family - W. Pach, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Ulysses S. Grant - Sitting - George Peter Alexander Healy, "The Peacemaker", Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Lucy Webb Hayes

6/1/2025

Lucy and Big Ole Corncake Cookies

Lucy Webb Hayes*

President Rutherford B. Hayes*

First Lady Lucy and President Rutherford B. Hayes
First Lady - 1877 - 1881
Quote from Lucy - "Woman's mind is as strong as man's, equal in all things and is superior in some."
Factoids -

Lucy Hayes had the nickname, "Lemonade Lucy." She placed a ban on alcohol at the White House and instead, served lemonade! It's thought that Rutherford wanted the ban after observing male behavior after drinking alcohol.
Lucy was the first First Lady to graduate from college.
Lucy began the traditional Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn.

Bio -

Lucy was born in Ohio, where she graduated from Cincinnati Wesleyan Female College in 1850. She was the first First Lady to graduate from college. Lucy met Rutherford Hayes when she was a 15 year old student at Ohio Wesleyan University. They met again a few years later and married in 1852.
When Rutherford was elected President, Lucy embraced being First Lady! She invited friends and family to the White House to help with entertaining. Lucy was adept at matchmaking in the White House, where many politician met their future wives. She brought such a welcoming attitude to guests that it was said of her, "She is so vivacious and so responsive that everybody leaves her presence with a vague idea that he is the one person whom she was longing to see."
And all of this despite Lucy's ban on serving alcohol in the White House!
Lucy's inviting nature spilled over to four-legged and winged friends, as as well. At one point two dogs, a goat, a mockingbird, and the first Siamese Cat in the U.S. were all living in the White House.
On a more serious note, Lucy brought attention to social reform causes and donated money and time to helping charities and promoting education. Lucy was truly an admirable First Lady!

About Rutherford - Rutherford Hayes was the 19th President. Rutherford ended Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South in exchange for disputed electoral votes in the Compromise of 1877. His presidency focused on Civil Service Reform and restoring trust in government. Although he intended well, his decision to end Reconstruction allowed Southern states to reimpose segregation.

Big Ole Corncake Cookies

Rutherford Hayes loved cornmeal cakes, so here's a cookie that's similar. I'm sure the President would have loved them!

Ingredients
1 & 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup corn flour (masa harina)
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened at room temp
1 cup + 2 extra tablespoons sugar
1 egg, room temperature, slightly beaten

Steps

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Prepare cookie sheet by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix butter and sugar until thick and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
Slowly add the flour mixture and mix until just blended.
For the BIG OLE cookies - use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon to scoop 4 tablespoons of dough for each Big Ole Cookie. Place the cookie dough mounds about 4 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. (They will spread.)
Bake for 14 - 15 minutes until lightly brown on the edges, rotating the cookie sheet halfway through.
Cool for about 5 minutes on the cookie sheets, then transfer to a wire rack for cooling.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Lucy Hayes - The White House Collection; Daniel Huntington, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons;
Rutherford B. Hayes - Daniel Huntington, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Lucretia Randolph Garfield

5/31/2025

Lucretia and Milk Cookies

Lucretia Randolph Garfield*

President James A. Garfield*

First Lady Lucretia and President James A. Garfield
First Lady - March 4, 1881- September 19, 1881
Quotes from Lucretia -

"It is horrible to be a man. But the grinding misery of being a woman between the upper and nether millstone of household cares and training children is almost as bad."
Lucretia loved books and reading. "It would be of about as much use to stop breathing as to let books alone, if they are anywhere in the region about me. I have to read. . .as I have to live."

Factoid - James wrote 1,200 love letters to Lucretia.
Bio -

Lucretia grew up in Ohio, the daughter of a farmer. Her family made sure that Lucretia well-educated. At 15, her parents sent Lucretia to Geauga Seminary, where she met James Garfield, thinking he was a "strange genius". After prep school, both Lucretia and James attended college together and began a romance. Lucretia became a schoolteacher and James went on to finish his degree and finally married at age 26.
When the Civil War began, James was separated many times from Lucretia and their daughter. Then he began his political career and was away from home for long periods. The death of their first child brought the couple closer together and renewed their relationship.
Lucretia was an intellectual and played an integral part in James's career, writing speeches and despite being shy, entertaining guests and politicians. She flawlessly became First Lady, when he was elected President. Her time in the White House was brief, but she researched the history of the White house and made plans for a restoration. Lucretia also hosted events and dinners for ambassadors, military leaders and more.
Sadly, Lucretia developed malaria and went to recuperate in New Jersey. While there, she received a telegram that James had been shot. Lucretia returned to Washington and stayed by his bedside for the next 80 days, until he passed away. The public admired her devotion so much that they donated $360,000 to Lucretia and her children.

About James - James Garfield was the 20th President, serving only a few months before being assassinated. In his short period as President, he advocated for Civil Service Reform and sought to reduce political corruption. He fought against the spoils system and aimed to modernize the presidency. His death led to national support for reforming the federal bureaucracy.

Milk Cookies

James and Lucretia Garfield were a big proponents of nutrition. Their guests were served nutritious, simple foods and lots of milk. James love milk. Milk Cookies were a popular cookie of the times. My grandmother, Annie, had milk cows and often made these cookies.

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened to room temp
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup warm milk + 1 extra teaspoon
1 egg, room temperature, slightly beaten
2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder

Steps

Preheat oven to 400° F. Prepare a cookie sheet by greasing or line with baking paper.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder together.
Mix in the butter and egg. Gradually pour in the milk and mix until just combined. Don't over-mix or the cookies will be tough!
The cookie dough should form a ball and not be too sticky. If it's too sticky, add a tiny bit more flour; if it's too dry, add a little more milk.
With clean hands, scoop the cookie dough into small balls, place on prepared cookie sheet and flatten a little bit with a fork. Sprinkle with a little sugar.
Bake for about 10 min. Cool about 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then move to a wire rack to finish cooling. Cookies will be crispy on the outside and softer on the inside.
Enjoy with a glass of milk!

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Lucretia Garfield - The White House Collection; Daniel Huntington, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
James Garfield - Ole Peter Hansen Balling, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Mary Arthur McElroy

5/30/2025

Mary and Devil's Food Cake Cookies

Acting First Lady Mary McElroy (sister) and President Chester A. Arthur

Mary Arthur McElroy (sister)*

President Chester A. Arthur*

Acting First Lady from 1881 - 1885
Quote from Mary - She remarked when taking on the duties of First Lady, "When I went into it, I was absolutely unfamiliar with the customs and formalities."
Factoid - Mary believed that women should not have the right to vote.

Bio -

Chester Arthur's wife, Ellen, died less than two years before he became Vice President to James Garfield and then President after Garfield's assassination.
Chester's young daughter came to the White House with him, so he asked his married sister, Mary Arthur McElroy, to come to the White House to help raise his daughter and help with hosting duties. Due to his love for his deceased wife, Chester wouldn't grant Mary the title of First Lady. Mary, her husband, and four children moved in for months at a time to help. When she was not there, Chester organized events by himself.
When Chester died in 1886, Mary became guardian to Chester's young daughter.

About Chester - As 21st President, Chester Arthur surprised his critics by supporting civil service reform and signing the Pendleton Act, which established merit-based hiring for federal jobs. Although he was initially a political insider, he distanced himself from politics while in office. His presidency is remembered for reform and quiet competence.

Devil's Food Cake Cookies

Devil's Food Cake was a new trend in Chester Arthur’s time, but it quickly became his favorite dessert. It was served to guests at the White House, much to their delight! We've modernized Chester's favorite cake into cookie form - still delicious, just bite-sized.

Ingredients - Cookies
1 (15.25) ounce box Devil's Food cake mix
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients - Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
1 cup butter, softened
3 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa (unsweetened)
3 tablespoons cream, half & half or whole milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla

Steps - Cookies

Preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare a cookie sheet by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
Put all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir together by hand. If the dough is sticky, refrigerate about 20 minutes or so.
Scoop out dough with a tablespoon and with clean hands, shape it into balls. Place on prepared cookie sheet and flatten just a little with the back of a spoon.
Bake for about 10 minutes. Let cool on cookie sheet for about 5 minutes or so, then transfer to a wire rack to finish. Cool completely before frosting.

Steps - Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Beat butter for 2 minutes or so in a mixing bowl.
Add rest of ingredients and beat for a couple more minutes. (If it's too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar; if too thick, add more milk.
Frost cooled cookies and enjoy.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Mary Arthur McElroy (sister) - White House hostess for President Chester Arthur. 1885. Photograph. Library of Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Chester A. Arthur - Ole Peter Hansen Balling painting, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Rose And Frances Folsom Cleveland

5/28/2025

Rose, Frances, and Snickerdoodles

Rose, Frances, and President Grover Cleveland

Rose Cleveland (sister)*

Rose Cleveland
Acting First Lady - 1885 - 1886
Quote from Rose - "It is by contact with humanity that we become more tender, more unselfish, more sympathetic, more wise, and less egotistic."
Bio -

Rose Cleveland, was President Grover's sister. Since Grover was a bachelor, Rose assumed First Lady duties for a little over a year when he became President. Rose was not concerned with fashion and social obligations; instead, she was an intellectual and a writer, who studied the Middle Ages, Greek, and Latin. She wasn't thrilled with becoming Acting First Lady, but persevered, and also found time to publish several books while at the White House.
When Grover married 21-year-old Frances Folsom, Rose was free to travel, write, and fall in love with Evangeline Simpson. Eventually, widowed, the two women moved to France and lived together the rest of their lives.

Frances Folsom Cleveland*

President Grover Cleveland*

Frances Folsom Cleveland
First Lady - 1886 -1889 AND 1893 - 1897
Quote from Frances - "I want you to take good care of all the furniture and ornaments in the house, and not let any of them get lost or broken, for I want to find everything just as it is now, when we come back again four years from today." Frances told the White House Staff when leaving after her husband's first term as President. She was correct - they did come back in 4 years!
Factoids -

Frances was the youngest First Lady, at 21. She was also the only First Lady to get married in the White House and the first to give birth in the White House.
Frances and Grover Cleveland's baby daughter, Ruth, had a candy bar named in her honor - the Baby Ruth!

Bio -

Frances's father and Grover Cleveland were partners in a New York law firm. He was a close family friend, who Frances called "Uncle Cleve" when she was a young girl. Shortly after Grover was elected President, Frances visited him and they began secretly dating. Frances graduated college, and agreed to marry Grover. They were married in the Blue Room of the White House in 1886. Frances naturally took over all the First Lady duties from Rose, Grover's sister.
The wedding, Frances's youth and beauty, her style, and active social engagement made her an instant celebrity and hit with both public and press! Her fashion sense was trend-setting, as all over America women wanted to copy her style. There were even "Frankie Clubs" - fan clubs! She was skilled at hosting and jumped right in - holding two receptions per week, in addition to State dinners and other events.
While Grover lost his re-election bid, he was elected President for a 2nd term four years later! Frances was the first woman to give birth at the White House; she also established a White House Kindergarten for her daughters and proceeded to advance the popularity of Kindergarten in children's education during Grover's second term.

About Grover - Cleveland was the 22nd & 24th President. Until, Donald Trump, Grover was the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. Grover was known for his honesty and opposition to corruption. In his first term, he focused on reducing government spending and vetoed many private pension bills. His second term was dominated by the economic Panic of 1893 and labor unrest, which weakened his popularity.

Snickerdoodles

President Grover Cleveland liked to keep his food simple - no French cuisine for him! Snickerdoodles were an uncomplicated and popular cookie, and Grover liked them. Hopefully, First Lady Frances liked them too!

Ingredients - Cookie Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar*
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 & 1/3 cup sugar
1 egg + 1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Ingredients - Sugar Topping
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps

Preheat oven to 375° F. prepare 2 cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
Stir together in a bowl: flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In another mixing bowl, mix together the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix together.
Gradually add the flour mixture, beating slowly. It's going to be a thick dough! Set aside.
Make the topping, by stirring together the sugar and cinnamon - put in a saucer.
Scoop up about 17 (1/2 tablespoons) of dough and with clean hands, shape in to balls. Roll each ball in the topping and then place on cookie sheet 3 inches apart.
Bake at 375° F for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and lightly flatten the cookies down just a bit with a spoon or spatula before they cool.
Cool for 5 or so minutes, then move to a wire rack to continue cooling.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Rose Cleveland (sister) - Roseti, photographer, 197 Fifth Ave., New York, NY (1890s-1900), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Frances Cleveland (wife) - Anders Zorn, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Frances Payne, Public domain
Grover Cleveland - Anders Leonard Zorn, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of the Reverend Thomas G. Cleveland, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Caroline and Mary Harrison

5/27/2025

Caroline, Mary, and Birthday Bon Bons

Caroline Scott Harrison*

Mary Harrison McKee (daughter)*

President Benjamin Harris*

Caroline, Mary, and President Benjamin Harrison
First Lady - 1889 - 1892
Quote from Caroline - "I am disgusted with newspapers and reporters. Truth is a characteristic entirely unknown to them. But the paper proprietors and editors are alone responsible for these things as they encourage all misrepresentations and no lies they may tell are ever contradicted."
Factoids -

Caroline, as First Lady, started the tradition of having a Christmas tree at the White House.
Caroline was the first President General for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).
Caroline had electricity installed in the White House!

Bio -

Caroline was born in Ohio and well educated in music and arts. During her school years, she met Benjamin Harrison; they married at 20, with not a lot of money and his struggling law practice. They had three children; the youngest died in infancy.
Her time as First Lady started with Benjamin's 3-day Inauguration, also celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Washington becoming President.
Caroline was vocal to the public in support of Women's Rights and higher education for women. Caroline also supported both local orphanages and the Medical Fund for Johns Hopkins Medical School.
Caroline was concerned with the deterioration of the private quarters in the White House. She asked Congress remodeling funds, but they only provided money for cleaning and updates. Her concern extended to a rat infestation that was so bad, a man with ferrets was hired to run them off. One of her projects was cataloging the White House china collection, restoring some and designing new pieces.
Caroline's health began to decline due to tuberculosis and influenza. She turned to her daughter, Mary, to take over First Lady duties. Sadly, Caroline passed away at the White House in October 1892.

Mary "Maime" Harrison McKee
Acting First Lady - 1892 - 1893
Bio - Benjamin and Caroline's daughter, Mary and her family, moved into the White House when Benjamin became President. Mary had always been involved in her father's political campaign, so she was no stranger to political events. She had helped her mother with correspondence, hosting/organizing receptions, and White House renovations. When Caroline became ill with tuberculosis, Mary stepped in to fulfill First Lady duties, to look after her mother, and then, after her mother's death, to console her grieving father.

About Benjamin - Benjamin Harrison was the 24th President. He supported high tariffs and signed the Sherman Antitrust Act, the first federal law to regulate monopolies. He expanded the U.S. Navy and supported African American voting rights, although Congress didn't follow through. Benjamin's administration spent large federal budgets, leading critics to call it the "Billion-Dollar Congress."

Birthday Bon Bons

First Lady Caroline and President Benjamin Benjamin Harrison were fans of Birthday Bon Bon Cookies. They're a cross between a sugar cookie and shortbread, but with different fruit fillings and icing. The cookies get their name from the colorful icing and decorations, which make them look like little birthday cakes! If you don't wish to use food colorings, leave the icing its natural color and add pops of color with decorations on top. - Inspired by Betty Crocker

Ingredients - Cookies (Makes 2 dozen.)
1/2 cup butter, softened at room temperature
3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla or almond extract
1 & 1/2 cups all purpose flour, sifted
pinch of salt
Additions and decorations - Use inside and/or outside the cookies: coconut, nuts, maraschino cherries, chocolate pieces, raisins, dried cranberries, sugared citrus peel
Ingredients - Icing
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons heavy cream (or half & half)
1 teaspoon vanilla
food coloring (or add color in the decorations on top)

Steps - Cookies

Preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Gradually beat in the flour and salt, just until combined. If it looks too dry, add a little cream.
Wrap a tablespoonful of dough around your chosen filling - see suggestions in Ingredients above.
Place Bon Bons 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.
Bake at 350° F for 12 to 15 minutes or until a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool completely.

Steps - Icing and Decorating

Mix together: sifted powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla. (Plus food coloring, if you want.)
Dip tops of warm cookies in icing. Decorate, if desired.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Caroline Harrison - Daniel Huntington, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Mary Harrison McKee (daughter) - George G. Rockwood, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Benjamin Harrison - Official White House portrait, Eastman Johnson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ida Saxton McKinley

5/26/2025

Ida and Pecan Icebox Cookies

Ida Saxton McKinley*

President William McKinley*

First Lady Ida and President William McKinley
First Lady - 1897 - 1901
Quote from Ida - Ida McKinley said after her husband’s assassination, "He is gone, and life to me is dark now."
Factoids - This portrait miniature to the left, shows Ida's short hair. With doctors' advice, she kept her hair short to reduce the weight on her cranial nerves, to hopefully relieve her chronic headaches and seizures.
Bio -

Ida was another First Lady from Ohio! She grew up in a wealthy family, with beliefs centered in abolition and women's rights. Ida's level of education would be equal to a Master's degree today. She studied advanced math, foreign languages, and music. After university, Ida worked at her father's bank, then went on a Grand Tour of Europe, exploring, hiking, and meeting people. When she returned, with a fresh view, she began a romance married lawyer, William McKinley,
They had two daughters, who both died young. During her second pregnancy, Ida developed epileptic seizures and migraines.
Ida never let the stigma of epilepsy during those times, dictate her life as First Lady. She attended State Dinners and sat next to William, in case she had a seizure. He would cover her face with a napkin until the seizure ended. Ida sat outside William's office and listened in on his meetings, giving advice later in the day.
Ida was the only First Lady to support the Women's Suffrage Movement until the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote. She corresponded with Susan B. Anthony, lent her voice to suffrage meetings and other causes in society. When she was too ill to speak or go to meetings, Ida crocheted slippers that were auctioned off at charity events. It's estimated she crocheted over 3,000 slippers! Sadly, William was shot by an assassin in 1901 and passed away from infection.

About William - As 25th President, William McKinley led the U.S. to victory in the Spanish-American War, gaining control of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam. He supported protective tariffs and the gold standard, boosting the economy. Assassinated in 1901, his death ushered in the Progressive Era under Theodore Roosevelt.

Pecan Icebox Cookies