U.S. Presidents & First Ladies

Mamie Eisenhower

Born in 1896, Mary “Mamie” Doud met 2nd Lt. Dwight Eisenhower when she was 19 as the Douds were visiting friends at Fort Sam Houston. They were engaged on Valentine’s Day in 1916 and married in July of that year. As Dwight was serving as a General in World War II, Mamie led volunteering and fundraising campaigns stateside. As First Lady (1953–1961), Mamie was a seasoned hostess using guest lists to make subtle statements like inviting Black performers to the White House and throwing a dinner party for all Republican Senators — except Joseph McCarthy. Mamie Eisenhower passed in 1979.