National First Ladies Museum and Library event Wednesday, Feb. 19 was filled with fascinating stories told by its President and CEO Patty Dowd Schmitz. Thanks to Jolynn Clarke for bringing National First Ladies to AHS and reporting on it. Also thanks to new member Melissa Johnson for the connection.
An engaging and interesting speaker Patty shared some interesting facts:
Jackie Kennedy photographed/wrote articles and her column was known as the “Inquiring Camera Girl.” (Convention and the magazine made her quit when she married JFK).
Lucretia Garfield – 1881 was caregiver for her husband, James Garfield, after he was shot. He had a series of Doctors and one was female. Congress wanted to pay the female doctor ½ of what they were paying the male doctors and Lucretia argued, "No. The female doctor should be paid the same as the male doctors." Congress eventually agreed.
Eleanor Roosevelt came to Arizona to view the Japanese interment camps and check on how people were being treated. She disagreed with having the camps.
Florence Harding was the first potential first lady to vote after women won the right to vote. She voted for her husband – William G. Harding.
Helen Taft was the responsible for getting the Japanese cherry trees planted on the mall in Washington DC. She was also first lady when Arizona became a state.
Jolynn added, "The audience LOVED listening to her and I swear we were all ready to pack our bags for a road trip to Canton, Ohio by the time she was finished."
 |
| Melissa Johnson, Clede Gorrell, Pam den Draak |
 |
| David Lee Director of Development for National First Ladies Museum and Library, guest Judy Addie, HL members Jolynn Clarke & Robin Fergeson, Patty Dowd Schmitz Pres/CEO for National First Ladies Museum and Library |
 |
| Patty Dowd Schmitz Pres. and CEO National First Ladies Museum and Library, HL member and National First Ladies Museum member Melissa Johnson, David Lee Director of Development for National First Ladies Museum and Library |
