Fun Fact Friday - First Ladies

Today's topic was inspired by DD blurting out fact number one as she worked on her homework. I'm sure that we could go on and on with these facts, but hopefully these interesting facts will just inspire you to continue the journey:





Rutherford B. Hayes’ wife, Lucy Webb Hayes, had a college degree. She was the first among the national first ladies to have one.
- LifePac, Grade 8, Unit 6, page 65



Caroline Harrison, 1832-1892Benjamin Harrison’s wife was the first to use electricity and have a Christmas tree in the White House. She was the second first lady to die in the White House.
http://www.firstladies.org/FacinatingFacts.htm

Elizabeth Monroe became a popular figure in France, where she was affectionately called la belle Americane because of her beauty and style. . . Their youngest daughter, Maria, was the first presidential child to be married in the White House, in a small, private ceremony. . . The couple supplied some of their own furniture to the government because the White House was almost empty when they moved in. . . Nine pieces remain in the White House today.
http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/firstSpouse/?action=monroe Note: The USmint has a wonderful array of teacher resources - not just related to money, but also history, math, and other subjects.

Dolly Madison prevented a valuable painting of George Washington from being destroyed by British soldiers during the War of 1812.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/firstladies

“I do not believe that being first lady should prevent me
from expressing my views . . .”
—Betty Ford
http://www.aetv.com/class/firstladies/index.jsp

The first Thanksgiving dinner was hosted by this First Lady.
Sara Polk. Sarah Childress was born in 1803. She helped her husband during his political career. Sara was a devout Presbyterian and as such would not let anyone drink or play cards in the White House. During the inaugural ball, she would attend but not dance. Sarah would not let any business be conducted on the Sabbath while they were in the White House. Sara's home was not destroyed during the Civil War because it was deemed neutral by the Union and Confederacy. Sarah Childress Polk remained in 'Polk Place' until her death in 1891. http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/Behind-Every-Great-Man---155170.html