Mamie Geneva Doud Eisenhower; 1953-1961

Born: 1896
Died: 1979

The decade of the 1950's was the most domestic in U.S. history as soldiers returned from the war to build homes and families in record numbers. It was fitting, then, that war hero Dwight Eisenhower should bring to the White House a woman who perfectly embodied the qualities women aspired to in the post-war years. Mamie Doud was a homebody, content to remain in her husband's shadow, supportive, gregarious, a lively hostess, a fine housekeeper. Born into a wealthy Iowa family, Mamie grew up in Denver, where she attended finishing school, and spent winters in San Antonio. There the popular debutante met Dwight, a young Army officer stationed nearby. They wed in 1916 and had two sons. The death of the eldest at four was a lifelong blow to both parents.

A loyal Army wife, Mamie followed her husband from base to base, from France to Panama to the Philippines. While Ike led the Allied troops in World War II, Mamie remained in Washington and became popular with reporters. A great asset to her husband during both his Presidential campaigns, Mamie kept a low profile as First Lady, avoiding controversy and focusing on entertaining, decorating (her favorite shade was pink), and fundraising for charities like the American Heart Association -- particularly after Ike suffered a serious heart attack in 1955. Despite her worries for his health, Mamie supported Ike in his desire for a second term, then gladly retired with him to Gettysburg.

Thirty-Fourth President
Dwight D. Eisenhower