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First Ladies of the US Frances Cleveland Full Image

Frances Cleveland

Frances Folsom Cleveland Preston
Years of service: 1886-1889
Born: 1864

First Ladies of the US Frances Cleveland Full Image

At 21, Frances Folsom wed 49-year-old President Grover Cleveland in the White House. The media coverage of the 1886 wedding captured the romantic hearts of America. An overnight celebrity, Frances became the fashion trendsetter for American women – the “Jackie Kennedy of the 19th century.” Her fashions were copied and women’s “Frankie Clubs” influenced votes for her husband. She served as First Lady from 1886 to 1889 and again from 1893 to 1897, making her the only First Lady to serve two nonconsecutive terms. She instituted Saturday afternoon receptions so self-supporting women could attend official functions at the White House and established a White House kindergarten for her young daughters. She was widowed in 1908 and married Thomas J. Preston Jr. in 1913.

 

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Leaders in Literacy

4/30/2024 through 4/30/2025

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First Ladies as Teachers, Educators, and Librarians.

The right to an education is a foundational principle of America’s history, and many First Ladies have taken up this cause. We celebrate National First Ladies Day by kicking off this featured exhibit, presented by Huntington Bank.