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11/14/75 - Presentation of Books - White House Historical Society and National Geographic
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1489479
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11/14/75 - Presentation of Books - White House Historical Society and National Geographic
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Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files (Ford Administration)
Sheila Weidenfeld's Daily Events Files
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President (1974-1977 : Ford). Office of the First Lady. 1974-1977
White House (Washington, D.C.)
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The original documents are located in Box 7, folder "11/14/75 - Presentation of Books -
White House Historical Society and National Geographic" of the Sheila Weidenfeld Files at
the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
Digitized from Box 7 of the Sheila Weidenfeld Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
TELEPHONE
CABLE ADDRESS
(202) 296-7500
NATGEOSOC, WASHINGTON
TELEX 892398
National Geographic Society
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036
SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS DIVISION
DONALD J. CRUMP
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
October 22, 1975
Mrs. Sheila Weidenfeld
Press Secretary to Mrs. Ford
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Sheila:
No one has mentioned this before, but the White House His-
torical Association loses approximately $500 for each day's delay in
unveiling the new FIRST LADIES book. These are funds that help buy
antiques for the Mansion and pay for much of the White House redecor-
ating. To date, the delay in bringing the book out has lost something
like $7,000 in revenue.
The Association would not mention this to you because they
do not want to pressure you or the First Lady. But I thought you would
like to know that there is a financial consideration in scheduling some
sort of event.
I'd say that if Mrs. Ford has any hesitancy about a presen-
tation ceremony or is too busy to hold one, we should just go ahead
and quietly put the book on sale.
Best regards,
Don
Donald J. Crump
DJC:jhb
GENERO R. FORD Tranker
TELEPHONE
CABLE ADDRESS
(202) 296-7500
NATGEOSOC, WASHINGTON
TELEX 892398
National Geographic Society
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036
SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS DIVISION
DONALD J. CRUMP
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
September 12, 1975
Ms. Fran Paris
Mrs. Ford's Press Office
Room 208 East Wing
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Fran:
Enclosed are three eight-page forms for THE FIRST LADIES
book. This is the first of the ozalids you have seen on this pro-
ject, and I wanted to be sure that you did not confuse them with
THE LIVING WHITE HOUSE material you have been reading.
If you have any comments or corrections, you should call
them to my attention first thing on Monday.
Best regards,
Don
Donald J. Crump
DJC: jhb
BERALD R. FORD &
October 29, 1975
SHEILA:
Attached is the proposed
news release for the FIRST LADIES
book compiled by our news service.
We thought that if the release
were handled from the White House
it would attract more attention
and get wider use than if it came
from our office.
Please feel free to change
it any way you wish. Also attached
is a background sheet for news
services on the White House Histor-
ical Association.
Don
FORD of DERALD LIBRARY
DJC: jhb
Memo from MR. CRUMP
File
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Tues. Nov.11
<
Date in mind if
s
convencent with
them.
SEAL R. FORD LIBRARY
DISTAFF SIDE OF WHITE HOUSE LIFE
CHRONICLED IN 'THE FIRST LADIES'
Washington --
For the first several decades of
its existence, the United States didn't have a "First Lady. "
Before the 1880's a President's wife was just that--
his wife. She might aid her husband in entertaining guests,
but she was not expected to play a role in public affairs.
The present First Lady notes that the title had become
current by the 1880's. In the foreword to a new book, "The First
Ladies," Betty Ford observes:
"A comedy hit of 1911, 'The First Lady of the Land,'
gave it more currency--the heroine, naturally enough, was
Dolley Madison."
The book, containing portraits of women who have presided
at the Executive Mansion, Was produced as a public service by the
National Geographic Society for publication by the White House
Historical Association.
Supports Historical Purchases
As with three other books, "The White House: An Historic
Guide, " "The Living White House,' and "The Presidents of the United
States of America" also produced for the Association by the
National Geographic Society--proceeds from sales of "The First Ladies"
will be used to help buy historic items for the White House.
Sales of the previous books already have raised
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
$976,152.54 to purchase historic furnishings, paintings, and
memorabilia now in the White House.
(MORE)
FIRST LADIES (PAGE TWO)
In her foreword, Mrs. Ford relates how in later life
Sarah Polk explained her refusal to join President Polk on an
official journey because "it was not thought suitable" for ladies to
meet officials and working men at public ceremonies.
"This bit of history reflects something I take a particular
interest in: the changing status of women in American life,"
comments Mrs. Ford.
Author an Historian
"The First Ladies" was written by historian Margaret Brown
Klapthor, who has directed the First Ladies exhibits at the
Smithsonian Institution since 1943.
Not all of the hostesses in the house at 1600 Pennsylvania
Avenue in Washington have been Presidents' wives, the author points
out. President Cleveland's sister Rose, for example, officiated at
White House gatheri for 15 months before the President married
Frances Folsom.
President Taylor's ailing wife, Margaret, relied on
her married daughter Betty Bliss, and poor health similarly
forced Abigail Fillmore to delegate the duties of entertaining
guests to her daughter, Mary Abigail.
And during the term of bachelor President Buchanan,
his niece Harriet Lane presided over White House receptions and
state dinners.
The nation's first "First Lady," Martha Washington,
never lived in the White House. George Washington had completed
FORD
both of his terms in office before the new Executive Mansion was ORRARY
GERA
opened for occupancy in 1800.
#
Date Issued 11/3/75
By P. Howard
Revised
FACT SHEET
Mrs. Ford's Office
Event Tea and Presentation of White House Books
GroupWhite House Historical Association and the National Geographic Association
DATE/TIME Friday, November 14, 1975
11:00 a.m.
Contact Mr. Tolson(WH Historical Assoc. ) - 737-8292 Mr. Don Crumpine Nat'l Geographc
Number of guests: Total approx. 40 Women
X
Men X
Children
Assn. 296-7500
Place
East Garden & DRR (good weather) - DRR & State Dining Room (bad weather)
Principals involved Mrs. Ford
Participation by Principal yes
(Receiving line) no
Remarks required yes
Background In appreciation for their efforts in getting out the new books on the WH,
including the new First Ladies book, Mrs. Ford will receive the people who
have worked on the books from these groups. The official presentation of the
books will take place at the
Social:
Guest list yes (Pat Howard)
Invitations no
Programs no Menus no also
Refreshments yes (coffee, tea, juice and pastries) (if cold weather, / spiced tea)
Entertainment no
Decorations/flowers yes
Music
yes
Social Aides yes
Dress Business Suit
Coat check
?
Other
--
Press:
Reporters TO BE RESOLVED
Photographers
TV Crews
White House Photographers
yes
Color yes
Mono.
Other
--
Technical
Support:
Microphones yes
PA Other Rooms
no
Recording yes
Lights no
&
Transportation cars Southwest Gate
Parking South Grounds
Housing --- -
Other
--
(Risers,stage,platforms) yes
Project Co-ordinator Pat Howard
Phone 2927
Site diagrams should be attached if technical support is heavy.
WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
5026 New Executive Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20506
(202) 737-8292
November 5, 1975
Miss Pat Howard
Office of the Social Secretary
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Miss Howard:
Referring to our November 3 telephone conversation, enclosed are two
copies of the list of members of the White House Historical Association's
Board of Directors and of its administrative staff and of the officials
of Judd & Detweiler, Inc., Printers, who plan to attend the four o'clock
tea on November 14 to be given by First Lady Betty Ford for those involved
in the publication of the first edition of The First Ladies.
As you know, copies of The First Ladies, published by the White House
Historical Association in cooperation with the National Geographic
Society, were placed on sale at the White House and at the offices
of this Association on October 29.
The names of Dr. Melvin M. Payne and Dr. Melville Bell Grosvenor of
the National Geographic Society staff, who are also members of this
Association's Board of Directors, are included in the list being sent
to you by Associate Director Donald J. Crump, Special Publications
Division, of that Society.
Sincerely,
Hillory Executive A. Director Tolson
Enclosures
HT/man
cc: Mrs. Weidenfeld. With Copy of list.
FORD is GERALD LIBRARY
WITHDRAWAL SHEET (PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES)
FORM OF
CORRESPONDENTS OR TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
DOCUMENT
Letter
Notes from event
11/14/1975
C
File Location:
Shelia Weidenfeld Files, Box 7, Daily Events File. Folder: 11/14/75 - Presentation of Books - White House Historical
Society and National Geographic
RESTRICTION CODES
jjo 10/31/16
(A) Closed by applicable Executive order governing access to national security information.
(B) Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document.
(C) Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
NA FORM 1429 (1-98)
For immediate release
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary to Mrs. Ford
UPCOMING SCHEDULE: MRS. FORD
Wednesday, Nov. 12,
Photo session, South entrance to White House.
4 p.m.
Mrs. Ford will meet Liliane Thorn, wife of
Pickup in press
Prime Minister Gaston Thorn of Luxembourg.
lobby 3:45 p.m.
Mrs. Ford and Mrs. Thorn will have tea in the
Family Quarters of the White House, afterwhich
Mrs. Thorn will receive a tour of the White House.
Thursday, Nov. 13
Mrs. Ford will receive about 200 members of the
3 p.m.
National Council of Negro Women at the White
Pickup in press
House. The Council is holding its Biennial
lobby 2:45 p.m.
Convention in Washington Nov. 10-15.
Friday, Nov. 14
St. Johns Church, 16th and H Sts. NW. Mrs.
10 a.m.
Ford will cut the ribbon and open St. John's
Press should meet
annual bazaar. A photo session with Mrs. Ford
at NW entrance
touring the booths will precede the ribbon cutting.
lla.m.
State Dining Room, The White House. Mrs. Ford
will host the official presentation of the new
publication "The First Ladies. " The book,
published by the National Geographic Society as
a public service, will be sold by the White House
Historical Association, with proceeds used to
defray the book's printing costs and to buy
historic items for the White House. The book
chronicles First Ladies from Martha Washington
through Mrs. Ford.
FORD is GERALD LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 13, 1975
MRS. FORD:
Event:
Tea and Presentation of White House Books
Date/Time:
Friday, November 14, 1975
11:00 a. m.
Place:
State Dining Room
Number of
Attendees:
50 guests
Principals:
Mr. David E. Finley, Chairman of the Board of Directors
of the White House Historical Association
Mr. Robert L. Breeden, Editor of the Special Publications
Staff of the National Geographic Society
Mrs. Margaret Brown Klapthor, Chairman of the Department
of National and Military History of the Smithsonian Museum
of History and Technology, and author of The First Ladies
Schedule of
Events:
11:00 a.m.
Your guests will arrive through the Southwest
Gate and will enter the White House through
the Diplomatic Reception Room. They will be
escorted via elevator and stairs to the State
Dining Room.
11:10 a. m.
Maria Downs will escort you via elevator to the
State Floor where you will greet Mr. Finley,
Mr. Breeden, and Mrs. Klapthor.
You will proceed to the small platform in the
State Dining Room which will be located in
front of the Lincoln Portrait and will be equipped
with a stand-up microphone.
NOTE: Befitting the occasion, there will be
FORD is LIBRARY DERALO
portraits of various First Ladies on either side
of you. On a table behind the platform, there
will be other items which personally belonged
to various First Ladies.
- 2 -
Tea and Presentation of White House
Books
NOTE: White House visitors on tour in the State
Dining Room at that time will be able to view
the presentation ceremony. As you stand on
the platform, the visitors will be to your left and
the invited guests will be to your right.
You will make brief welcoming remarks. At
the conclusion of your remarks, Mr. Finley
will present you with a specially-bound version
of The First Ladies, on behalf of the White House
Historical Association and the National Geographic
Society, after which you will express your
appreciation.
NOTE: You and Mr. Finley will be the only
persons on the platform.
Refreshments consisting of coffee, tea, juice,
and pastries will be served in the First Floor
Family Dining Room. You may wish to join
your guests for refreshments and mingle
informally.
11:30 a. m.
You will bid farewell to your guests and return
to the Family Quarters.
NOTES:
Military Social Aides will be present.
There will be open press coverage.
A White House photographer will be present.
CERALD R. FORD LIBRA
Linda Baker
For immediate release
Thursday, Nov. 13, 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary to Mrs. Ford
Mrs. Ford will host the official presentation of the new publication
The First Ladies Friday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. in the State Dining
Room of the White House.
The 85-page book chronicles the lives and personalities of First
Ladies from Martha Washington through Betty Ford. The
volume has a high gloss color reproduction of the portrait of
Martha Washington which hangs in the East Room of the White House.
There is a forward by Mrs. Ford. Color portraits are also included.
The book is being published by The White House Historical Association.
It was produced as a public service by the Special Publications
Division of the National Geographic Society. The book's author is
Margaret Brown Klapthor, Chairman, Department of National and
Military History, National Museum of History and Technology, The
Smithsonian Institution. Mrs. Klapthor has had charge of the First
Ladies exhibits at the Smithsonian since 1943.
Proceeds from the book will be used to defray the book's printing
costs and to buy historic items for the White House. Cost of the book
is $2 for the hardcover edition and $1.25 for the paperback. It will
be sold at the White House and at the headquarters of the White House
Historical Association, 5026 New Executive Office Building, Wash, D.C.
They may also be purchased at the National Geographic Headquarters
in Washington and at other national historic sites and monuments.
Participating in the ceremonies Friday morning will be David E. Finley,
chairman of the board of directors of the White House Historical
Association (WHHA). Mr. Finley will officially present the volume to
Mrs. Ford. Greeting Mrs. Ford will be Mr. Finley, Mrs. Klapthor
and Robert Breeden. editor of the Special Publications Staff at the
National Geographic. About 50 guests have been invited, most of them
involved with the new book at the WHHA or at National Geographic.
Sales of previous books published by the WHHA and National Geographic
have raised more than $975, 000 to purchase historic furnishings,
paintings and memorabilia now in the White House.
The previous publications are The White House: An Historic Guide,
The Living White House and The Presidents of the United States
of America.
####
FORD of DERALD LIBRARY
MRS. FORD'S REMARKS AT PRESENTATION OF
THE FIRST LADIES, NOVEMBER 14, 1975
GOOD MORNING.
THIS IS A SPECIAL DAY
FOR MANY -OF US.
FORD LIGRARY
-2-
FOR THOSE OF YOU
WHO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PREPARATION
OF THE NEW BOOK, THE FIRST LADIES,
IT IS THE RESULT OF
TWO YEARS OF RESEARCH, DECISIONS,
AND A LOT OF HARD WORK
IN PUTTING TOGETHER SUCH A PROFESSIONAL
AND WELL-DONE VOLUME,
-3-
AND FOR ME, IT IS PARTICULARLY SPECIAL,
I FEEL STRONGLY
THAT FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES
THE BOOK NEEDED TO BE DONE.
SECURITY FORD
-4-
BUT ALSO, HAVING BEEN FAMILIAR
WITH THE EARLIER PUBLICATION,
THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
I AM VERY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO BE PRESENT
THE DAY EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
CAME TO OUR. GUIDE BOOKS:
-5-
I HAVE MANY ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THIS MORNING,
FIRST, TO THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
FOR ITS IDEA AND ITS FOLLOW-THROUGH,
I ALSO WANT TO RECOGNIZE
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
FOR ITS TOTAL SUPPORT ON THIS AND PAST PROJECTS,
-6-
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NOT AWARE,
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
LENDS ITS PEOPLE, ITS TIME, ITS RESOURCES,
AND ITS EXCEPTIONAL TALENT
TO PROJECTS LIKE THIS AS A PUBLIC SERVICE
THIS BOOK, AND THE THREE
WHICH HAVE PRECEDED IT,
ARE OF EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY IN EVERY ASPECT
-7-
AROUND THE WHITE HOUSE,
WE USE THEM CONTINUALLY
AS A PRIME REFERENCE SOURCE
AND HUNDREDS OF VISITORS EVERY DAY
TAKE THEM TO THEIR HOMES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR COUNTRY
AND ITS HISTORY.
-8-
IT IS LARGELY BECAUSE
OF THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S SUPPORT
THAT WE ARE ABLE TO OFFER THEM
AT SUCH A NOMINAL PRICE
SO THAT PEOPLE EVERYWHERE
CAN AFFORD TO BUY THEM,
-9-
AND IT IS LARGELY BECAUSE
OF THEIR SUPPORT AND COOPERATION
WITH THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO APPRECIATE $975,000
FROM SALES OF THE BOOKS
FOR HISTORIC ITEMS AT THE WHITE HOUSE
-10-
WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL.
ALSO, I WANT TO THANK THE STAFF
OF THE SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT
OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
FOR ALL ITS WORK
-11-
AND A SPECIAL WORD TO THE BOOK'S AUTHOR,
MARGARET BROWN KLAPTHOR
YOUR PROFESSIONALISM,
THOROUGHNESS AND ABILITY
TO MAKE THE HISTORY OF OUR FIRST LADIES SPARKLE
WILL MAKE THIS BOOK LIVE FOR YEARS TO COME
CARD TORD LIGRARY
-12-
ON A PERSONAL NOTE,
I WANT TO SAY THAT THE NEW BOOK
WAS ESPECIALLY MEANINGFUL TO ME
BECAUSE IT PROVIDES A CLEARER PICTURE
OF A VERY HUMAN SIDE OF LIFE
IN THE WHITE HOUSE
-13-
THOSE OF US WHO ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO LIVE HERE
FOR THAT VERY BRIEF PERIOD OF HISTORY
HAVE OUR OWN PARTICULAR STYLES AND IDENTITIES
THESE STYLES HAVE BEEN DIVERSE, I'M SURE,
BUT I SUSPECT
WE HAVE HAD A GOOD DEAL MORE IN COMMON THAN NOT
-14-
HOW WE HAVE REACTED
TO OUR HUSBAND'S JOB AND PRESSURES
THE CONCERNS WE HAVE HAD
WITH RAISING OUR FAMILIES
AND KEEPING AS NORMAL A LIFE AS POSSIBLE FOR THEM
IN THIS ATMOSPHERE
THE PUBLIC DEMANDS, AND SO ON
-15-
ANYONE WHO ENJOYS HISTORY
WHO HAS A CURIOSITY ABOUT A PRESIDENT OR FIRST LADY
WANTS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHITE HOUSE LIFE
OR WHO IDENTIFIES WITH ANY WIFE OR MOTHER
WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK
I THANK THOSE OF YOU HERE TODAY
FOR PROVIDING US WITH SUCH A SPECIAL INSIGHT
TO WHAT HAS BEEN, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE,
A SIGNIFICANT PART OF OUR COUNTRY'S HISTORY
GUESTS
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STAFF
November 14, 1975
Joseph Harvey Bailey
Victor Rickman Boswell, Jr.
Marie Antoinette Bradby
Robert Lewis Breeden
Mary Gregorie Burns
Susan Claudia Burns
Jane Heath Buxton
Stephanie Stairs Cooke
Donald Jean Crump
Louis de la Haba
June Loretta Graham
Mary Ann Harrell
Peter Tyrus Harrington
Suzanne Joan Jacobson
Margaret McKelway Johnson
Geraldine Francis Linder
Robert Walter Messer
John Robert Metcalf
Raja Diab Murshed
Robert Stanley Oakes
Ursula Theresia Perrin
Philip Bruce Silcott
Jennifer Compton Urquhart
George Vernon White
Marilyn Lee Wilbur
Linda Mariko Yee
Mrs. Margaret Brown Klapthor
Mr. Frank Edward Klapthor
Carlson Brown Klapthor
WITHDRAWAL SHEET (PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES)
FORM OF
CORRESPONDENTS OR TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
DOCUMENT
List
White House Historical Association (2 pages).
N.D.
C
File Location:
SHEILA WEIDENFELD FILES, Box 7, "11/14/1975 - Presentation of Books White House Historical Society and
National Geographic" SMD, 10/7//2016
RESTRICTION CODES
(A) Closed by applicable Executive order governing access to national security information.
(B) Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document.
(C) Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
NA FORM 1429 (1-98)
THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Four books have been published by the White House
Historical Association, all produced by the National Geographic
Society as a public service.
"The First Ladies, the Association's latest book, costs
$2 for the hardcover edition and $1.25 in paperback.
Others in the series are "The Presidents of the United States
of America, sold at the same prices, and "The White House: An Historic
Guide, " and "The Living White House, both of which cost $3 in hardcover
and $1.75 in paperback.
The books are sold at the White House and at the headquarters
of the White House Historical Association, 5026 New Executive Office
Building, Washington, D.C. 20506. They also may be purchased at
Explorers Hall in the National Geographic Society's headquarters at
17th and M Streets N.W. in Washington.
The books also are sold at the National Gallery of Art,
the Smithsonian Institution, and the Custis-Lee Mansion, as well as at
many parks, monuments, and historic sites administered by the National
Park Service and at most of the Presidential Libraries.
When ordered by mail from the Association's offices, a
postage charge of 35 cents is added to the price of each book.
Proceeds from the sales of the books are used to defray
their printing costs and to assist the White House in buying historic
items for the White House Collection.
(MORE)
FORD of GENALD LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION (PAGE TWO)
From 1962, when the first edition of "The White House: An
Historic Guide, " was published, through August 31 of this year, sales
of the books have raised $976,152.54, which was been allocated for
White House purchases of historic furniture, paintings, and other
items of historic interest.
About 80 percent of the books sold are bought by visitors
to the White House. The ręcord for sales in a single day was April 25,
1964, when 4,522 copies of the books were sold.
The Association is a nonprofit, educational organization
created to enhance public understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment
of the nation's Executive Mansion. It was founded in 1961, inspired
by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Expressing appreciation to the National Geographic Society's
president, Dr. Melvin M. Payne, and its editor-in-chief, Dr. Melville
Bell Grosvenor, the chairman of the White House Historical Associa-
tion's board of directors, David E. Finley, noted that the lavishly
illustrated 88-page book, "The First Ladies," provides updated
biographical information on every First Lady from Martha Washington
to Betty Ford.
In ceremonies at the White House, a bound copy of "The
First Ladies" will be presented to Mrs. Ford on
(day),
(date).
#
FORD 2. GENALD LIBRA
Good morning. This is a special day for many of us. For those
of you who have been involved in the preparation of the new book,
The First Ladies, it's the culmination of two years of research,
decisions, and a lot of hard work in putting together such a
professional and well-done volume. And for me, it's particularly
special. I feel strongly that for historical purposes the book
needed to be done.
But also, having been familiar with the earlier publica-
tion, The Presidents of the United States of America, I'm very
happy to be able to be present the day equal opportunity came
to our guide books!
I have many acknowledgments I would like to make this
morning. First, to the White House Historical Association for
its idea and its follow-through. I also want to recognize the
National Geographic Society for its total support on this and
past projects. For those of you who are not aware, the National
Geographic lends its people, its time, its resources, and its
exceptional talent to projects like this as a public service.
This book, and the three which have preceded it, are of excep-
tional quality in every aspect. Around the White House, we use
them continually as a prime reference source. And hundreds of
visitors every day take them to their homes across the country to
learn more about their country and its history. It is largely
because of the National Geographic's support that we are able to
offer them at such a nominal price SO that people everywhere can
afford to buy them. And it's largely because of their support
and cooperation with the White House Historical Association that we
have been able to appreciate $975,000 from sales of the books for
historic items at the White House.
We are very grateful.
Also, I want to thank the staff of the Special Publications
Department of National Geographic for all its work. And a special
work to the book's author, Margaret Brown Klapthor. Your profes-
sionalism, thoroughness and ability to make the history of our First
Ladies sparkle will make this book live for years to come.
On a personal note, I want to say that the new book was
especially meaningful to me-because it provides a clearer picture of
a very human side of live in the White House. Those of us who are
fortunate enough to live here for that very brief period of history
have our own particular styles and identities. These styles have
been diverse, I'm sure, but I suspect we've had a good deal more in
common than not. How we've reacted to our husband's job and
pressures.
the concerns we've had with raising our families
- 3 -
and keeping as normal a life as possible for them in this atmos-
phere
the public demands, and so on. Anyone who enjoys history
who has a curiosity about a President or First Lady
wants to know more about White House Life
or who identifies
with any wife or mother will enjoy this book. I thank those of you
here today for providing us with such a special insight to what has
and will continue to be
been ^ a significant part of our country's history.
# # #
FORD LIBRARY
lusty -
MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
Send
TO.
From
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU WERE VISITED BY-
Janet Green
OF (Organization)
PHONE NO.
PLEASE CALL
CODE/EXT.
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
and MESSAGE Hantscopy of mailed Book
2716 n. Nelson St.
are. Va. 22207
fru lame
GERALD R. FORD
RECEIVED BY
R.
DATE
TIME
STANDARD FORM 63
GPO :1969-c48-16-80341-1 11/14/11:09 332-389
63-108
REVISED AUGUST 1967
GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
FROM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Mrs. Janet Green
2716 N. Nelson Street
Arlington, Virginia 22207
11/17/75
THE
UP-044
R B
CORRESPONDENTS:
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY HAS ISSUED NEWS BULLETINS ON THE
NEW "FIRST LADIES" BOOK SAILPLANE PILOTS; THE NEW RULER OF THE ISLE
OF SARK; FORD AMONG A GROWING NUMBER OF AMERICANS VISITING CHINA THE
VANISHING MILKMAN, AND GEOGRAPHIC BRIEFS.
UPI 11-25 11:54 AES
UP-040
(FIRST LADIES)
WASHINGTON (UPI) --FROM MARTHA WASHINGTON THROUGH BETTY FORD, THE
WHITE HOUSE HAS A NEW BOOK WHICH CHRONICLES THE LIVES AND
PERSONALITIES OF FIRST LADIES.
BETTY FORD WILL INTRODUCE IT, TODAY. ENTITLED "THE FIRST LADIES,"
THE 85-PAGE VOLUME INCLUDES COLOR PORTRAITS OF FORMER FIRST LADIES
AND WAS PUBLISHED BY THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION AND THE
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.
PARTICIPATING IN THE CEREMOIES WILL BE DAVID E. FINLEY, CHAIRMAN
OFTHE BOARD OF THE ASSOCIATION. THE BOOKLET COSTS $1.25 FOR THE
PAPERBACK AND $2 FOR THE HARDCOVER EDITION. IT WILL BE SOLD AT THE
WHITE HOUSE AND AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE WHITE HO USE HISTORICAL
ASSOCIATION.
SALE OF PREVIOUS WHITE HOUSE GUIDEBOOKS HAS NETTED THE ASSOCIATION
AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MORE THAN $975,000.
UPI 11-14 10:50 AES
UP-049
R B
CORRECTION:
IN (FIRST LADIES( (UP-040) READ LAST PGH. X X X SALE OF PREVIOUS
GUIDEBOOKS HAS NETTED MORE THAN $975,000. THE MONEY IS USED TO
PURCHASE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS, PAINTINGS AND OTHER MEMORABILIA FOR
THE WHITE HOUSE.
UPI 11-14 11:22 AES
N061
R
FIRST LADIES BOOK
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A NEW BOOKLET ON ''THE FIRST LADIES'' HAS BEEN
PUBLISHED BY THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION AND PROCEEDS FROM
ITS SALE WILL GO TOWARD REFURBISHING THE PRESIDENTIAL HOME.
BETTY FORD WILL RECEIVE AN OFFICIAL COPY OF THE 85-PAGE VOLUME AT
CEREMONIES TODAY.
SHE IS AMONG THE FIRST LADIES GOING BACK TO MARTHA WASHINGTON WHO
ARE CATALOGUED AND PRESENTED IN PHOTOGRAPHS IN THE VOLUME.
THE NEW BOOK IS ON SALE TO TOURISTS AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
11-14-75 12:19EST
THE
FIRST
LADIES
The First Ladies
Published by the WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
With the Cooperation of the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, Washington, D.C.
By MARGARET BROWN KLAPTHOR
THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
A nonprofit organization, chartered on November 3, 1961,
to enhance understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of
the Executive Mansion. Income from the sale of this book
will be used to publish other materials about the White
and other objects for the Executive Mansion.
House, as well as for the acquisition of historic furnishings
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: David E. Finley, Chairman,
J. Carter Brown, Treasurer, Elmer S. Atkins, Exec-
utive Secretary; James Biddle, Nash Castro, Clark M.
Clifford, Gary Everhardt, Gordon Gray, Melville Bell
Foreword
Grosvenor, George B. Hartzog, Jr., T. Sutton Jett,
Conrad L. Wirth.
Melvin M. Payne, S. Dillon Ripley, John Walker, and
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Hillory A. Tolson
THE FIRST LADIES
This new book the fourth published by the White House Historical Association -
by Margaret Brown Klapthor, Chairman,
appears as a counterpart to its popular forerunner, The Presidents of the United States
Department of National and Military History,
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of History and Technology,
of America. It introduces not only the wives of our Chief Executives but also women
who presided at the White House for Presidents who came to the Executive Mansion
Produced as a public service by the
as widowers, others whose wives suffered from poor health, and bachelor President
Special Publications Division of
James Buchanan. And of course it includes Martha Washington, who never lived here
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Melvin M. Payne, PRESIDENT
but has inspired all her successors.
Melville Bell Grosvenor, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Today the title of First Lady suggests a President's wife with public duties of her
Gilbert M. Grosvenor, EDITOR
own, and some readers may be surprised to learn that the title itself is comparatively
Special Publications Staff
new. It began appearing in print in the 1880's. A correspondent used it in reporting
Robert L. Breeden, EDITOR
Donald J. Crump, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
President Cleveland's marriage to Miss Frances Folsom; and an advertisement of the
Philip B. Silcott, SENIOR EDITOR
day claimed that this First Lady owed her lovely complexion to the advertiser's
Mary Ann Harrell, MANAGING EDITOR
preparation of arsenic! A comedy hit of 1911, The First Lady of the Land, gave it more
Susan C. Burns, Jennifer Urquhart, RESEARCH
Geraldine Linder, PICTURE EDITOR
currency - the heroine, naturally enough, was Dolley Madison.
Marie Bradby, Louis de la Haba, P. Tyrus Harrington,
This bit of history reflects something I take a particular interest in: the changing
Margaret McKelway Johnson, CAPTIONS
status of women in American life. In the early decades, a President's wife- other
Ursula Perrin, DESIGNER
Robert W. Messer, PRODUCTION MANAGER; George V.
wives-did not play a public role. We know the keen intelligence of Abigail Adams
White, ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER; June L.
from her private letters; and when letters are lost to us, as so many were, we know
Graham, Raja D. Murshed, PRODUCTION
little about women who must have led fascinating lives-Mrs. Washington, Mrs.
ASSISTANTS
John R. Metcalfe, ENGRAVING AND PRINTING
Monroe, Mrs. Jackson.
Joseph H. Bailey, Sean Baldwin, J. Bruce Baumann,
Sarah Polk in her old age commented on the changes she had seen since the 1840's.
Victor R. Boswell, Jr., David S. Boyer, Nelson H.
She had once refused to join her husband on a Presidential trip, because "it was not
Brown, Dan J. Dry, Thomas Hooper, Larry
Kinney, Bates Littlehales, George F. Mobley,
Visitors' view of the Executive Mansion in
thought suitable" for ladies to meet officials and working men at public ceremonies;
Robert S. Oakes, Martin Rogers, James E. Russell,
winter- a steel a
she would have been a burden rather than a help. She called it "beautiful to see" how
Joseph J. Scherschel, Volkmar Wentzel,
PHOTOGRAPHY
noteworthy venture in biography: Laura
women were supporting themselves in the 1880's and gaining respect by it. She
Mary G. Burns, Jane H. Buxton, Stephanie S. Cooke,
C. Holloway's Ladies of the White House,
remembered "a woman of culture and high character" who was "barred from
Suzanne J. Jacobson, Marilyn L. Wilbur,
first published in 1870, extremely popular,
social equality" simply because she was a schoolteacher- a woman touchingly grate-
Linda M. Yee, STAFF ASSISTANTS
apparently the first book on First Ladies.
ful for an invitation to visit the Polks at the White House with her pupils.
White House staff members who assisted during
State occasions have their own importance, but that episode suggests how much
the book's preparation: Sheila Rabb Weidenfeld,
White House hospitality can mean to citizens in private life. Presidents have always
PRESS SECRETARY TO MRS. FORD; Fran Paris, PRESS
recognized its importance, and the ladies who served as their hostesses have an
OFFICE; Betty Monkman, REGISTRAR; Sandra Eisert,
honored place in our national story.
PICTURE EDITOR, PHOTOGRAPHIC OFFICE
Copyright © 1975, The White House Historical
Margaret Brown Klapthor, who has had charge of the popular First Ladies exhibits
Association, Washington, D.C.
at the Smithsonian Institution since 1943, is highly qualified to write these biogra-
First Edition
phies. In the past she has been a consultant for the Association's other books The
Library of Congress Catalog Number 74-15419
White House: An Historic Guide and The Living White House. All of these books have
COVER: Portrait of Martha Washington, paintedby E.F. Andrews
in 1878, hangs in the East Room of the White House with the
been produced as a public service by the National Geographic Society, and I wish to
Gilbert Stuart portrait of her husband.
thank its officers and staff members for this generous contribution. Now they
OVERLEAF: George and Martha Washington appear at right in
cooperate with the noted author in bringing before us women whose lives illuminate
an unknown artist's "Reception at Mount Vernon." Its style
suggests a fictionalized illustration for a 19th-century popular
two centuries of independence.
headquarters of the National Society of the Daughters of the
magazine. Previously unpublished, the painting hangs in the
Rhode Island Society.
American Revolution, Washington, D.C., on loan from the
Betty Ford