We decided to keep ourselves anonymous and have chosen to write under the pseudonyms of our favorite 1st ladies. Each of these women were cultural icons in their day and have shaped not only this capital, but this country, in their own way. We are identified as follows:
Lady Bird: Attuned to nature and the importance of conserving the environment, she was an advocate for beautification of the nation’s cities and highways and conservation of natural resources. She also loved classical literature and was an outspoken advocate on women’s rights issues. Basically, the ultimate feminist, domestic diva, and fashionista.
Favourite part of DC: U Street
Favourite Smithsonian: Hirshhorn
Favourite monument/memorial: FDR
Favourite DC movie: American President
Favourite DC quote: “Washington is a city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm.” – JFK
Dolley Madison: The quintessential socialite, this first lady was prized with natural charm, social graces, political acumen, and gracious tact. When the Madison ’s were forced to flee from the White House by a British army during the War of 1812, she courageously stayed behind until vital state documents and the famous portrait of George Washington were removed to safety. A social icon, Dolley Madison would help redefine the role and responsibilities expected of future First Ladies.
Favourite part of DC: Georgetown
Favourite Smithsonian: National Portrait Gallery
Favourite monument/memorial: Lincoln Memorial at night
Favourite DC movie: Mr. Smith goes to Washington
Favourite DC quote: “Washington society has always demanded less and given more than any society in this country-demanded less of applause, deference, etiquette, and has accepted as current coin quick wit, appreciative tact, and a talent for talking.” – author and etiquette guru Mrs. John M.E.W. Sherwood
Abigail Adams: This First Lady was the original hostess of the White House, and counted among her friends Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Famous for her witty and perceptive correspondence, this First Lady of Washington represents the earliest example of an independent and intelligent American woman.
Favourite part of DC: Dupont
Favourite Smithsonian: National Portrait Gallery
Favourite monument/memorial: Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Favourite DC movie: Syriana
Favourite DC quote: “These are times in which a genius would wish to live. It is not in the still calm of life, or the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed.” – Abigail Adams
Jacqueline Kennedy: As First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy brought beauty, intelligence, and cultivated taste to the White House. Her interest in the arts, publicized by press and television, inspired an attention to culture never before evident at a national level. She devoted much time and study to making the White House a museum of American history and decorative arts.
Favourite part of DC: Dupont
Favourite Smithsonian: National Gallery of Art
Favourite monument/memorial: World War II Memorial
Favourite DC movie: A Few Good Men
Favourite DC quote: “Washington is a very easy city for you to forget where you came from and why you got there in the first place.” – Harry S. Truman
