First Ladies 1900 to 2000

First Lady Bird and President Lyndon Baines Johnson

Claudia "Lady Bird" Taylor Johnson*

President Lyndon B. Johnson*

Lady Bird and LBJ*

First Lady - November 22, 1963 - January 20, 1969
Quotes from Lady Bird -

"Art is the window to man's soul Without it, he would never be able to see beyond his immediate world, not could the world see the man within."
"Where flowers bloom, so does hope."

Factoid -

Lady Bird Johnson was a millionaire before becoming First Lady. She owned a media empire in Austin, Texas.

Bio -

Claudia Taylor was born in east Texas to wealthy parents. Her mother died when she was young and Claudia was raised by her father, an aunt, and household employees. Her nickname of "Lady Bird " came from a nanny who said that she was "as pretty as a lady bird". Lady Bird moved to Austin, where she graduated from the University of Texas, earning two degrees - in history and journalism. She met Lyndon Johnson in Austin. The couple married in 1934 and had two daughters together.
Lady Bird inherited and used funds to invest in a radio station in Austin, Texas. She managed it for decades, even as First lady. The station expanded to include an FM station and a television station, making Lady Bird a millionaire in her own right. She donated $10,000 to promote Lyndon's bid for Congress. He won and she ran his Congressional office when Lyndon enlisted in the Navy during World War II.
In 1963, Lyndon Johnson became President when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. A few weeks later, Lady Bird and Lyndon moved into the White House and Lady Bird began a successful time as First Lady.
Lady Bird's agenda included lobbying for environmental legislation and she continued her endeavors long after leaving the White House. One of her achievements including the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, also known as Lady Bird's Bill.
Lady Bird also continued Jackie Kennedy's restoration of the historic authenticity of the White House. She hosted art exhibits, festivals, writers, musicians, and actors in a support for the Arts and Humanities.
Lady Bird redesigned the White House East Garden, dedicating it as the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden and she created a Children's Garden on the South Lawn.
After leaving the White House, Lady Bird created the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, as a place for researching and protecting our Nation's wildflowers and environment. Lady Bird earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal for her work with the environment.

About Lyndon (LBJ) - Lyndon Johnson became the 36th President after John Kennedy's assassination. LBJ's Presidency began and continued through tumultuous times in the U.S., with the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. LBJ oversaw the Civil Rights Act - with the aim of stopping discrimination based on race, color, religion, and nationality. He launched the "Great Society" to fight poverty and expand education and healthcare. Despite his domestic achievements, the escalation of the Vietnam War led to widespread protest. He chose not to seek re-election amid growing unrest.

Chocolate Nut Drops

Ingredients - Makes 6 dozen.
1 cup butter
2 or 3 eggs, slightly beaten
3 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups walnuts, chopped
2 cups light brown sugar, sifted
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 squares baking chocolate, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla

Steps

Preheat oven to 375° F. Prepare cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, mix together butter and sifted brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs.
In a separate bowl or on a sheet of waxed paper, sift together dry ingredients. Mix into butter mixture alternately with milk. Mix until smooth.
Stir in by hand: melted chocolate, chopped nuts, and vanilla.
Drop by teaspoonfuls (one-inch apart) on prepared cookie sheets.
Bake at 375° F for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheet, then transfer to wire rack to cool.

Recipe Card

Photo Credits*
Lady Bird - oil painting - Elizabeth Shoumatoff, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; with LBJ - LBJ Library photo by Robert Knudsen, Johnson Library Serial Number - "32686-19", Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Lyndon Johnson - Official White House Photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Published on: May 23, 2025

Pat Ryan Nixon

Pat and Lemon Sugar Cookies

First Ladies - 1900 - 2000

First Lady Pat and President Richard M. Nixon

Thelma Catherine "Pat" Nixon*

President Richard M. Nixon*

Dick and Pat*

First Lady - January 20, 1969 - August 9, 1974
Quotes from Pat -

"I never have tantrums. If anything makes me mad, I'm silent. If I'm not talking, leave me alone."
"All lives have triumphs and tragedies, laughter and tears, and mine has been no different."

Factoids -

Pat Nixon was the first President's wife with a graduate degree.
Pat was the first woman to wear pants in her role as First Lady.

Bio -

Thelma "Pat" Ryan was born in Nevada a few hours before St. Patrick's Day. Her father called her his "St. Patrick's Day babe" and the nickname "Pat" stuck with her for a lifetime. When both her mother and father had terminal illnesses, she worked in high school to help pay bills, including cleaning floors at the local bank before school and returning after school to work in bookkeeping. Pat supported herself as a waitress, movie extra, department store employee, and beauty products tester - working 40 hours a week while putting herself through the University of Southern California, graduating with honors.
After graduation, she was a teacher for awhile and while auditioning for a local theatre production, she met Richard Nixon. They were married in 1940 and Richard served in the Navy in World War II. Afterwards, Pat and Richard moved to Washington, had two daughters, and he began his political career as a senator, Vice-President, and finally, President.
As First Lady, Pat was a whirlwind. She was outspoken and steadfast on her endorsement of the Equal Rights Amendment and her pro-choice view on abortion. Pat visited over 80 countries, she developed foreign language brochures for foreign visitors to the White House and installed the first wheelchair ramps. When she expressed a love for giant pandas to the Premier of China, he presented the Smithsonian National Zoo with two pandas!
In 1974, President Richard Nixon resigned from office after the Watergate scandal, and he and Pat moved out of the White House. Pat had a stroke two years later and rarely appeared in public afterwards.

About Richard - Richard Nixon was the 37th president. Richard ended U.S. involvement in Vietnam and opened diplomatic relations with China. He achieved major environmental reforms, but his gains were deeply undermined by his involvement in the Watergate scandal over a 1972 break-in at the Democratic Party headquarters. Facing impeachment, Richard became the only U.S. president to resign.

Lemon Sugar Cookies

These cookies are also known as White House Cookies - sugar cookies with lemon zest!

Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups butter; at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 tablespoon lemon rind; grated
2 eggs
6 cups - 7 cups cake flour
powdered sugar or granulated sugar for dusting

Steps

In a mixing bowl, beat together sugar and butter until fluffy. Beat in vanilla and lemon zest.
Beat in eggs, one at a time; mix well after each.
Stir in the cake flour by hand. Cover and put in refrigerator at least an hour or overnight.
On a floured surface, Roll dough to 1/8" thickness and cut out with cookie cutters or rim end of a drinking glass.
Bake in preheated 375° F oven until lightly browned, about 7-8 minutes.
For topping - dust warm cookies with powdered sugar or use granulated sugar.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Pat Nixon -Portrait - White House photo office, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; On the beach with Dick - Oliver F. Atkins, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Richard M. Nixon - James Anthony Wills -White House Collection, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Published on: May 21, 2025

Betty Bloomer Ford

Betty and Double Chocolate Cookies

First Lady Betty and President Gerald R. Ford

Betty Bloomer Ford*

President Gerald R. Ford*

Susan, Betty, Liberty, and Gerald Ford*

First Lady - August 9, 1974 - January 20, 1977
Quotes from Betty -

"I believe the Equal Rights Amendment is a necessity of life for all citizens. The cabinet sometimes felt that I shouldn't be so outspoken."
"You never know what you can do until you have to do it."
"Why should my husband's job or yours prevent us from being ourselves? Being ladylike does not not require silence."

Factoid -

After leaving the White House, Betty received treatment for alcohol and pain pill addiction, leading her to founding the Betty Ford Center for drug and alcohol rehabilitation. The Center has helped many to recover with their addictions over the years.
Bio -

Elizabeth (Betty) Bloomer was born Chicago, Illinois, but grew up mainly in Michigan. Betty's young passion was dancing; after graduation she attended a dance school and joined famous dancer, Martha Graham's dance company in New York. Betty married and divorced William Warren, and eventually met and married Gerald Ford, a rising Congressional member. The Fords had four children, in addition to a political career for Gerald.
Gerald had a long career in Congress, when Vice President Agnew resigned and President Richard Nixon appointed Gerald Ford to the job. Then Nixon resigned, and Gerald and Betty entered the White House as President and First Lady!
Betty took on the role of First Lady with a zest - supporting the Equal Rights Amendment and encouraging more women in senior government roles. She was outspoken about her support of pro-choice, gun control, feminism, and equal pay.
A month after becoming First Lady, Betty was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. She was candid about her condition and was an advocate for women's health and the inspiration for American women to receive breast exams, as well as perform self-exams. Her focus on the matter no doubt saved millions of lives.
As First Lady, Betty was a welcoming hostess for events such as the 1976 American Bicentennial celebration. She also renovated the President's Dining Room.

About Gerald - Gerald Ford became the 38th President after Nixon's resignation. He tried to heal the nation, but his pardon of Nixon was so controversial, it may have cost him re-election. Gerald also faced economic troubles and rising Cold War tensions during his short term.

Double Chocolate Cookies

Betty loved cookies, and these Double Chocolate Chip ones were usually at her Thanksgiving feast. The recipe is inspired by the recipe from The Gerald Ford Foundation via The Takeout.

Ingredients - Makes about 2 dozen.
1 cup of butter, softened at room temp
1 & 3/4 cups sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 ounce unsweetened baking chocolate, melted
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cups flour
3/4 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted nuts)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts

Steps

Preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare cookie sheets by lining with parchment paper or leaving plain. Do not grease.
In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beat well. Add the vanilla.
Melt baking chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each. Do not scorch or let seize.
Stir the melted chocolate and sour cream into the dough.
In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients or mix together with a fork.
With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mix to the dough. Mix well.
Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts by hand. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto the cookie sheets, leaving space between.
Bake 12 minutes for a soft cookie or 15 minutes for a firmer one. Let cookies rest about 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Betty Ford - with flowers - David Hume Kennerly, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; with puppies - National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Gerald Ford - David Hume Kennerly, Department of Defense, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Published on: May 19, 2025

Rosalynn Smith Carter

Rosalynn and Humdinger Date Nut Rolls

First Lady Rosalynn and President Jimmy Carter

Rosalynn Smith Carter*

President James Carter, Jr.*

Amy, Jimmy, and Rosalynn Carter*

First Lady - 1977-1981
Quote from Rosalynn - "Do what you can to show you care about other people and you will make the world a better place."
Factoid - The White House Personnel Authorization Act allowed a budget for staff and allowing for staff and resources to establish the Office of the First lady.
Bio -

Eleanor Rosalynn Smith was born in Plains, Georgia. She helped her mother after her father died when she was thirteen. Rosalynn graduated as valedictorian of her high school and then graduated from college. She met Jimmy Carter, the older brother of her childhood friend, and began dating him during her last years of college and his time at the Naval Academy. They were married and moved to Virginia, then wherever his Naval career took them and their four children.
When Jimmy's father died, they returned to Georgia for Rosalynn to run the family peanut farm and for Jimmy to begin a political career as Senator and then Governor of Georgia.
As Georgia's First Lady, Rosalynn began her advocacy for mental health, which she would continue once in the White House. She supported Jimmy's bid for the Presidency, campaigning across the country for him. During the campaign Rosalynn became the first candidate's wife to make a campaign promise - she promised to reform mental health legislation.
After Jimmy's win, Rosalynn, as First Lady, was instrumental in the passage of the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980. She attended cabinet meetings and testified before Congress to support the Act.
Although Rosalynn, as First Lady, was a popular hostess for White House events, she was an important proponent of social causes, including supporting the Equal Rights Amendment. On an international scale, Rosalynn traveled to Central and South America for policy discussions with leaders of several countries.
After the Carters left the White house, they founded The Carter Center, a nonprofit dedicated to human rights and freedom of democracy. Rosalynn and Jimmy became famous for their work for Habitat for Humanity, building homes for those in need. In 1999, Rosalynn received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

About Jimmy - Jimmy Carter, as the 39th President, emphasized human rights and brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel. Domestically, however, he struggled with inflation, energy shortages, and the Iran hostage crisis. Though deeply principled, his leadership style was marred with these domestic issues.

Humdinger Date Nut Rolls

These date nut rolls, known as "humdingers," were shared by the U.S. National Archives. At the top of the typed page, were the words "a favorite recipe of Rosalynn Carter." The U.S. National Archives has compiled some of Rosalynn's favorite recipes from her White House days. In the official White House records, these were known as "Humdingers."

Ingredients
1/2 cup salted butter or margarine
1 (8 ounce) package pitted dates, chopped
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup granulated sugar
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 & 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
powdered sugar, for rolling finish

Steps

In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
Add chopped dates, chopped nuts, sugar, and salt. Cook 8 minutes over low heat, stirring often, until sugar and butter are dissolved.
Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and cereal until combined. Let cool just enough so that the dough can be handled with your hands.
With clean hands, shape the dough into walnut-sized balls or finger-sized rolls. Roll in powdered sugar.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Rosalynn Carter - Rosalyn white dress portrait - National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Amy, Jimmy, and Rosalynn in NYC at Democratic National Convention - Photographer Warren K. Leffler, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Jimmy Carter - Ansel Adams, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of James Earl Carter, Jr., Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Published on: May 17, 2025

Nancy Davis Reagan

Nancy and Coconut Macaroons

First Lady Nancy and President Ronald Reagan

Nancy Davis Reagan*

President Ronald Reagan*

Ronald and Nancy Reagan*

First Lady 1981 - 1989
Quotes from Nancy -

When asked if she ever gave the President advice: "You bet I did. For eight years, I was sleeping with the President. And if that doesn't give you special access, I don't know what does."
"Nothing can prepare you for living in the White House and nothing can prepare you for leaving it."
"I am a big believer that eventually everything comes back to you. You get back what you give out."

Factoid - Nancy Reagan was the first actress to become First Lady.
Bio -

Anne Frances was nicknamed, Nancy, by her mother. Nancy was raised by her mother, an actress, and her aunt and uncle for much of her young life. When her mother married Loyal Davis, a wealthy surgeon, he adopted Nancy and she took his last name.

Nancy went to Smith College and majored in drama. After graduation, her mother's contacts helped her get jobs, eventually ending with Nancy acting on Broadway. From there, Nancy worked in Hollywood, making 11 movies, including starring with Ronald Reagan in "Hellcats of the Navy". The stars were married in 1952 and she was forever after his advisor and protector during his political career from Governor of California to President.
As First Lady, Nancy began the Just Say No drug education program for school students. She also lent her support to the Anti-Drug Abuse Act. Nancy spoke to the United Nations on the dangers of drug trafficking.
Nancy was different from several of the First Ladies who came before her, as she seemed less liberated and more dedicated to being a wife in a traditional marriage. Nancy was, however, working behind the scenes in a political way. She fired the President's Chief of Staff, as well as other cabinet members.
Nancy's dedication to Ronald stood out later on, as she became his caretaker during his Alzheimers disease.

About Ronald - Ronald Reagan, as 40th President, began an economic policy called Reaganomics, which sought to reduce taxes and government spending. He strengthened the military and engaged in diplomacy that helped to end the Cold War and prompt the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Ronald's optimistic style and communication skills made him a transformative political figure. He brought national pride back to the country and even survived an assassin's bullet.

Coconut Macaroons

Nancy Reagan's Macaroons (adapted and inspired from Ladies Home Journal 1982 Cookie Book)

Ingredients
2 egg whites
3/4 cup sugar
1 dash salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 pack pre-shredded coconut; (7-oz)
Steps

Preheat oven to 325° F. Prepare two cookie sheets by lining with parchment paper or foil.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the egg whites, sugar, salt and vanilla.
Add the flour gradually to the egg mixture and mix well.
By hand, fold in the shredded coconut with a spatula or large spoon. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto prepared. cookie sheet 1-inch apart.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Nancy Reagan - Portrait - Official White House photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Nancy and Ron by tree - Reagan White House Photographs, White House Photographic Collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Ronald Reagan - Pete Souza - Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Published on: May 15, 2025

Barbara Pierce Bush

Barbara and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

First Lady Barbara and President George H. W. Bush

Barbara Pierce Bush*

President George H.W. Bush*

Millie, Barbara and George H. W. Bush*

First Lady from 1989 - 1993
Quote from Barbara -

"Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people - your family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way."

Factoids -

When her son, George W. Bush, was elected President in 2000, it made Barbara only the second woman to be both wife and mother of a U.S. President.
Barbara hosted a Sunday evening radio program called "Mrs. Bush's Story Time" with the help of celebrity guests.

Bio -

Barbara Pierce was born in New York. She attended boarding school, where she met George H.W. Bush at a dance. George and Barbara were engaged before George served in the Navy during World War II. While George was serving, Barbara studied at Smith College, then married George at 19, when he returned. Their marriage lasted 73 years!

George enrolled at Yale University and he and Barbara had six children. George's political career started with Ambassador to the U.N., then Chief Liaison Officer to China, and Director of the C.I.A. Barbara took care of their children throughout the job changes and moves, never pursuing a career of her own.
When George became President, Barbara's mission as First Lady was to promote literacy for all. She established the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, visiting schools and libraries all over the U.S. to promote the cause of literacy. Barbara's other campaigns as First Lady included encouraging volunteerism and support of HIV/AIDS patients.
Barbara managed to win the hearts of America's public with heartfelt roles as wife, mother, and grandmother. Her warm, welcoming, and caring attitude were much loved.

About George - George H. W. Bush was the 41st President. He managed the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. George led a successful coalition in the Gulf War against Iraq. Despite foreign policy successes, he faced a recession and broke a key "no new taxes" promise. He lost re-election to Bill Clinton in 1992.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Barbara Bush, as a Texas mother and grandmother, was known for her cooking and recipes. One of these recipes was for her famous Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (12 ounces) bag semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups quick-cooking oats (not instant)

Steps

Heat oven to 350° F. Prepare cookie sheets by lining with parchment paper or leaving bare - do NOT grease.
Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt onto waxed paper. Set aside.
Beat together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until fluffy. Stir in flour mixture until well blended. Stir in oats and chocolate chips.
Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto un-greased cookie sheets.
Bake at 350° F for 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Barbara Bush - The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; At the beach - Photo Credit: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
George HW Bush - David Valdez, George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Published on: May 10, 2025

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Hillary and Clinton Family Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hillary Rodham Clinton*

President William J. Clinton*

President and Mrs. Clinton - White House Christmas tree*

First Lady Hillary and President Bill Clinton
First Lady - 1993 - 2001
Quotes from Hillary -

"Our global future depends on the willingness of every nation to invest in its people, especially women and children."
"I've been called many things by many people," she has said. "Quitter is not one of them."
"Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world."

Factoids -

Hillary became the first First Lady to hold a law degree.
Hillary became a U.S. Senator and then Secretary of State with President Obama. In 2016, she became the first woman nominated by a major party as its Presidential candidate and won the popular vote.

Bio -

Hillary Rodham was born in Chicago, Illinois. She was a good student and a leader in her high school. After hearing Martin Luther King, Jr. speak, Hillary had a different viewpoint. She went on to attend Wesllyan College and Yale Law School, being active in student government and social action for change. It was at Yale that Hillary met William Jefferson Clinton, who she followed to Arkansas and then married. Hillary taught at the University of Arkansas Law School. Fairly soon, Bill was elected Governor of Arkansas and their daughter, Chelsea was born. Hillary was First Lady of Arkansas for 12 years.
In the 1992 election, Bill was elected President and the First Lady of Arkansas was now U.S. First Lady for the next eight years.
As First Lady, Clinton headed the White House Task Force on National Health Care Reform and established a Children's Health Insurance program.
Hillary's passion for public service led to to being very involved in public policy. She sought to get more research funding for the treatment of cancer, AIDS, osteoporosis, and diabetes, as well as supported gun control laws. As First Lady, she also wrote two best-selling books!
During a scandal and President Clinton's impeachment, she bravely stood by his side.
Hillary was elected U.S. Senator from New York in 2000 and ran for President in 2007. She did not win the Democratic nomination, but did become Secretary of State for the Obama Administration.
Hillary ran for President again in 2015 and became the first woman to be nominated by a major political party. Although she won the popular vote, she lost the electoral vote to Donald Trump.
Hillary remains active in public policy and still champions the rights of others. She was a staunch supporter of Vice-President Kamala Harris, candidate for the Presidency in 2024.

About Bill - Bill Clinton, as the 42nd President, led the country into strong economic growth, welfare reform, and budget surpluses during his presidency. He signed into law the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), that created free-trade bloc among the United States, Canada and Mexico. Bill was impeached for perjury related to the Monica Lewinsky scandal, but was acquitted and completed his term.

Clinton Family Chocolate Chip Cookies