THE

LADIES

OF THE

WHITE HOUSE

1882

This auction is for an 1882 edition of "THE LADIES OF THE WHITE HOUSE; OR IN THE HOME OF THE PRESIDENTS" by Laura C. Holloway. YOU'LL LOVE THIS BOOK!!! as it showcases a complete work, comprising a biographical sketch of every President's wife and hostess of the Executive Mansion from MRS.  WASHINGTON down to MRS. GARFIELD, the present time this book was published. For over 200 years, we have had the joy of obtaining knowledge about our Presidents of this great nation. We've learned about their personal lives and careers, how their leadership catapulted a foundation for our country as heads of state and government of the United States. Not much has been said of the women, who, for the most part, were powerful adjuncts to their popularity, and exerted a great influence over their lives. Provided within these 736 pages are most interesting facts as well as individual portraits of the wives of the Presidents, and of the ladies who presided over the Mansion during the administrations of unmarried Presidents. At a time when the women of this country are commanding the attention of the civilized world by reason of their own personal running for the Presidency, this book is of exceptional value. Perhaps in 100 years from now, we just may have a book entitled "The MEN of the White House." What makes this book out of the ordinary is the introduction of the various changes in the White House through the course of each administration. This includes a complete history of the social and domestic lives of the wives and children raised in the White House, encountering architectural, interior decorating, the advancement of modern technology, for example, such as the usage of gas ushered into the White House during President Polk's administration, on the 29th of December, 1848. Until President Fillmore's time there was no library. The trees on the western side of the mansion were planted by President John Quincy Adams. Congress made an appropriation after the election of each new President (there was none made during President Tyler's administration), for repairing and refurnishing the mansion. After the close of the Civil War, it was in a sad condition, having been subjected to hard usage. It was renovated, and the first floor beautifully papered and refurnished under the auspices of Mrs. Patterson, the daughter of President Johnson. The green-house was partly burned in the winter of 1868, but is greatly enlarged, and adds much to the beauty of the fine old mansion. Originally, the corner-stone of the Presidents' House was laid on the 13th of October, 1792, and the building was constructed after the designs and under the direction of Captain James Hoban, Architect. After its destruction by the British in 1814, the interior was rebuilt by Captain Hoban. The White House cost originally three hundred thousand dollars, and was smaller at the time it was burned by the British than in 1883. Its rebuilding, refurnishing from time to time and the additions and alterations have cost a trifle over one million seven hundred thousand dollars up to the time of this publication.  During the late 1800's, the White House had thirty-one rooms, including offices, reception rooms, President's office, and library. The first floor was devoted to the public, consisting entirely of parlors, state dining-hall, and the famous East Room. The three parlors, the Red, Blue, and Green Rooms, were historic apartments well known to the people of the Republic. These little facts, as well as many others, can be found in this fascinating book. Published in 1882, this book is in VERY GOOD + CONDITION! for its age and especially to be 126 YEARS OLD!!! It is solidly bound with firm hinges, the text is relatively neat and clean with minor foxing/soiling. It is ILLUSTRATED! with numerous engravings on steel and wood. The ends of the exterior pages offer a lovely gold gilt and there is a bold gilt on the attractive cover.  There are a total of 736 pages and the measurements are 6" X 8 1/2".  If you are interested in the history of our former leading ladies of the White House from yesteryear, in addition to the history that chronicles the White House, this book is for you! GET IT WHILE YOU CAN!!! We accept personal checks and money orders only. NO PAYPAL.