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| Abigail Fillmore |
Abigail Fillmore, the wife of President Millard Fillmore, served as the first lady of the United States from 1850 to 1853. At the age of 16, she began her teaching career and even taught her future husband as a student. While her husband pursued his political career, she continued to work as a teacher and lived in Buffalo, New York. She occasionally joined him in Albany, New York, and Washington, D.C., where she became involved in local social activities. After her husband was elected vice president, she became the second lady of the United States in 1849 and then the first lady in 1850 when her husband assumed the presidency.
First Books of White House 1850!
One of Fillmore's notable accomplishments as first lady was the establishment of the first White House Library. Being an avid reader herself, she believed that a home without books was incomplete. The library not only became a popular reception room but also served as a literary salon. Additionally, she actively participated in political discussions with her husband and often provided him with her valuable insights on state affairs. While she faced challenges due to her health issues, such as a mobility-limiting ankle injury, she delegated many of her social responsibilities to her daughter Mary Abigail Fillmore. Tragically, Fillmore passed away from pneumonia in 1853, just weeks after her tenure as first lady had ended. Unfortunately, she is considered one of the lesser-known first ladies in history, and much of her correspondence has been lost.
Abigail Powers was born on March 13, 1798, in Stillwater, New York, in Saratoga County. She was the youngest of seven children and her father, Reverend Lemuel Powers, was the leader of the First Baptist Church until his untimely death when she was only two years old. Following her father's passing, the family moved to Sempronius, New York, where they lived with her older brother Cyrus Powers due to their financial difficulties. Despite their challenging circumstances, Abigail had access to her father's extensive library and developed a love for literature at an early age. Her mother, a schoolteacher, used the books to teach her how to read and instilled within her an appreciation for education. Abigail excelled in various subjects such as mathematics, government, history, philosophy, and geography. Additionally, her family's strong opposition to slavery and their friendship with local abolitionist George Washington Jonson introduced her to the principles of abolitionism during her upbringing.
At the age of 16, Powers began her career as a schoolteacher, making her the first first lady who had previously pursued a professional occupation. She started as a part-time teacher at the Sempronius Village school in 1814 and eventually became a full-time teacher in 1817. In 1819, she took on an additional teaching position at the private New Hope Academy, all while continuing her own studies. She expanded her knowledge by studying various subjects and even learned to speak French and play the piano after leaving school.
Washington, D.C., and Albany, New York
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| President Millard Fillmore |
When Millard was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1832, Abigail stayed in Buffalo while he served in Washington, D.C. He stepped down in 1834 but was reelected in 1836. This time, Abigail joined him in Washington, leaving their children with relatives in New York. During their time there, Abigail took on the responsibilities of a politician's wife, while also exploring the city's cultural and academic institutions. They followed this routine whenever Congress was in session for the next few years, with Abigail regularly writing to their children and encouraging them to improve themselves.
Abigail gained a positive reputation in Washington social circles. In 1840, she was offered the opportunity to dedicate a building, a rare honor for a woman at that time, which she declined. During her time in Washington, she attended a Senate debate by Henry Clay in 1837 and had the chance to meet Charles Dickens in 1842. After Millard left Congress in 1842, they returned to Buffalo, where Abigail became a well-liked hostess. When Millard later became the New York State Comptroller, they moved to Albany, New York, where Abigail became involved in the city's social scene. Although she looked down upon fashionable society, she enjoyed observing people's behavior and attending parties. During their time in Albany, they once again sent their children away to Massachusetts. The Fillmores were blessed with two children: their son Millard Powers Fillmore arrived in 1828, while their daughter Mary Abigail "Abbie" Fillmore joined the family in 1832.
A severe ankle injury!
In 1842, Abigail sustained a severe ankle injury while walking on an uneven sidewalk. This unfortunate incident left her unable to walk for two weeks and caused ongoing pain and mobility issues. Despite her injury, Abigail persevered and continued to fulfill her duties as the second lady of the United States when her husband was elected as the Whig candidate for vice president in the 1848 presidential election. However, due to her health, she chose to remain in Buffalo instead of returning to Washington. During this time, she focused on caring for her sister, who had suffered a stroke. She made a brief visit to Washington in 1850 to see her husband but found the social life uninteresting. As the second lady, she had the opportunity to interact with renowned authors of the time, including Ann S. Stephens, Lydia Sigourney, and Emma Willard.
White House Presidency
President Zachary Taylor passed away in July 1850, leading to Millard Fillmore becoming the president and Abigail becoming the first lady. Abigail, who was on vacation in New Jersey with her children at the time of President Taylor's death, was unsure of herself upon discovering that she would be the first lady. She had grown accustomed to domestic life and was apprehensive about the sudden expectations placed on her. She arrived at the White House in October and experienced significant grief due to her sister's death in February 1851.
As the first lady, Abigail Fillmore actively hosted numerous social events at the White House. Although she engaged in conversations with guests, she did not particularly enjoy the social aspects of her role. She often found that most guests had little interest in her intellectual pursuits, which she humorously referred to as "cave dwellers." Abigail frequently went on coach rides with her husband around Washington and the surrounding countryside. Additionally, she took advantage of the cultural opportunities in Washington, regularly attending art exhibitions and concerts, even breaking precedent by traveling without her husband. During summers, she would return to New York to visit friends and family.
Unlike many first ladies, Abigail Fillmore did not extensively redecorate the White House upon entering. Coming from a humble background, she designed the interior in the style of a middle-class home. However, she emphasized the use of mahogany and fine carpets. Abigail also oversaw the expansion of the White House heating system and had a kitchen stove installed to replace cooking by the fireplace.
Abigail and Millard Fillmore maintained regular correspondence when they were apart. Their letters often revolved around political matters, and Abigail provided her husband with advice and counsel on these topics. She closely followed congressional bills and other political news, enabling her to discuss them in detail. Millard highly regarded her opinion and reportedly consulted her before making any important decisions. Abigail may have advised against signing the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, although he ultimately did. She may have also encouraged him to end the practice of flogging as a punishment in the Navy. People would frequently write to Abigail, asking her to speak to the president on their behalf. These letters often came from charities seeking donations or individuals seeking political patronage. Her brother David received a position in the Fillmore administration through her intervention.
Due to her poor health, Abigail Fillmore delegated many of her duties to her daughter Abbie, who met with visitors outside of the White House. Her ankle injury further complicated her role as a hostess, often leaving her bedridden for a day after standing for hours to manage long receiving lines. By the end of Millard Fillmore's presidency, Abbie took on most of the social aspects of the role. Additionally, an ankle injury in 1851 caused Abigail to be incapacitated for weeks, relieving her from further responsibilities. The reserved nature of social life at the White House following President Taylor's death and increasing political polarization also played a role in reducing the demands on Abigail Fillmore.
White House Library
When Abigail first moved into the White House, she was reportedly shocked to discover that it lacked a library. Previous presidents had brought their own private book collections with them and kept them after their terms ended. Recognizing the need for a library, the Fillmores decided to establish one in the White House. Abigail, who was accustomed to having books in her home, took charge of organizing and decorating the room. She modeled it after the style of Andrew Jackson Downing, using cottage furniture with walnut frames. Abigail personally opened and placed each new package of books that arrived.
During the Fillmore administration, the library became a social hub of the White House. Abigail hosted renowned writers and performance artists, essentially creating a literary salon. The library served as a reception room, a family room, and a place of rest for her husband. Additionally, it doubled as a music room, where Abbie played instruments such as the piano, harp, and guitar. Abigail spent a significant amount of time in her library as first lady, while Millard often visited at night after leaving his executive duties.
Death
Abigail Fillmore was the first first lady to attend the inauguration of her successor. After leaving the White House, she and her husband planned to embark on a journey. However, their plans were halted when she fell ill. Initially a cold, her condition developed into bronchitis and then pneumonia. Unfortunately, the doctor's treatment, which involved cupping and blistering, proved ineffective and may have worsened her health. Abigail passed away at the Willard Hotel on March 30, 1853, at the age of 55. She was mourned in Washington and her final resting place is Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York.
Abigail's death led to a period of mourning in Washington, with many federal government operations temporarily ceasing out of respect. Millard acknowledged her support in advancing his education in his memoirs. Five years after her passing, at the age of 58, Millard married Caroline Carmichael McIntosh, a wealthy widow from Buffalo. They remained married for sixteen years until Millard's death from a stroke at the age of 74.
Legacy
In the years before the American Civil War, first ladies received limited public attention. Abigail Fillmore, compared to other first ladies, has received relatively less historical coverage and is often seen as less active. However, she is best remembered for establishing a library in the White House. Due to the lack of surviving documents, little attention has been given to Abigail in biographies of Millard Fillmore. It is believed that most of her private correspondences were destroyed by her son. The surviving records primarily consist of lists of books she requested her husband to purchase while traveling. Historians differ in their opinions regarding the extent to which her poor health and ankle injury hindered her duties as first lady. While some believe it significantly limited her abilities, others argue it served as an excuse to avoid responsibilities. Abigail is generally recognized as an intellectual and a supportive influence in her husband's life. Unfortunately most of her correspondence was lost.
Inauguration Dress!
In the 1850s, inauguration dresses were typically characterized by the fashion trends of the time, which were quite different from contemporary styles. Here's a rundown of what you can anticipate observing in inauguration dresses from that era.
1.) Silhouette: Women's dresses during the 1850s were usually marked by a slim, cinched waist and a full, bell-shaped skirt. This style accentuated an hourglass figure and showcased wide hoop skirts that resulted in a voluminous appearance.
2) Fabrics: Inauguration dresses commonly utilized opulent, substantial fabrics such as silk, satin, and velvet. These materials were frequently employed for formal occasions and added an air of luxury to the attire.
3) Necklines and Sleeves: Necklines were typically modest, featuring high necks or subtle off-the-shoulder designs. Sleeves varied from short, puffed sleeves to long, fitted sleeves. Lace and ruffles were frequently incorporated as decorative elements.
4) Colors: Dark, rich colors like deep reds, blues, purples, and black were favored for formal dresses during this period. Brighter colors and pastels were also used but were less commonly seen at formal events.
5) Accessories: As part of their formal attire, women typically adorned themselves with gloves, shawls, and bonnets. Jewelry, including brooches and cameos, was often worn to complement the ensemble.
6) Hairstyles: Hairstyles were generally conservative, with women wearing their hair in updos or pulled back. Bonnets or headpieces were commonly worn to complement the outfit..
It's worth noting that fashion varied by region and social class, so the specific style of an inauguration dress in the 1850s might have differed based on factors such as location, the wearer's social status, and personal preferences. Nevertheless, these general characteristics provide insight into what could be expected in inauguration dresses from that era.
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| Dresses from 1850's |
Did Mrs. Fillmore Have a $10 coin?
Yes, she did! One of her most enduring contributions as the first lady was her efforts in establishing a permanent library at the White House. President Fillmore sought Congress' approval for funds, and with $2,000 granted for the project, Mrs. Fillmore procured a substantial collection of books to initiate the library in an oval parlor on the second floor. This space became a hub for her to entertain esteemed guests, including renowned authors such as Washington Irving, Charles Dickens, and William Makepeace Thackeray.
While I see this blog is coming to the end! It happens when Halloween is in style! October 31, 2023. There are many skeleton, and tramps and witches turning about! Doing my research I learned that Halloween didn´t come to the White House until 1958. The White House was adorned by the first Halloween decorations. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower in celebration of Halloween for the first time. A luncheon was hosted in the State Dining Room where the wives of staff members gathered. The room was transformed with spooky decor such as skeletons hanging from the wall lights, yellow jack-o'-lanterns, and bunches of dried corn in the corners. The State Dining Room columns were artistically embellished at their bases with brown corn stalks, pumpkins, and red apples. The tables were elegantly adorned with miniature witches on broomsticks and sixteen silver bowls filled with yellow and bronze chrysanthemums. Autumn leaves, nuts, ears of dried corn, dried gourds, and dried squash were thoughtfully scattered across the tables. Additionally, black cats, black owls, disembodied witch heads, and goblins dangled playfully from the chandeliers in the foyer.
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