Edith Wilson

Edith Wilson (1872-1961) was an American first lady (1915–21) and the second wife of Woodrow Wilson, 28th president of the United States. The couple married just a year after the 1914 death of Wilson's first wife, Ellen. Though Ellen admitted she had no prior knowledge of--or interest in--politics, she soon became deeply involved in presidential affairs. As first lady during World War I, she volunteered with the Red Cross and encouraged rationing efforts by American women. Edith Wilson's role as self-appointed "steward" for her husband following his debilitating stroke in 1919 has left her with a complicated and controversial legacy as first lady.

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This Day in History

May 21

Presidential

Garfield's spine on display at museum, 2000

On this day in 2000, the bones of President James Garfield's spine are on display for a final day as part of the Out of the Blue Closets exhibit at the…

Did You Know?

In an effort to encourage food rationing during World War I, first lady Edith Wilson instituted a series of daily restrictions for the White House, which included "meatless" Mondays and "wheatless" Wednesdays.

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