Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies

The new president’s wife, Mamie Eisenhower, was affectionate and sentimental and opened herself to the staff while taking an interest in their lives. She loved pomp and circumstance and was extraordinarily feminine. Yet, given her years of experience with military discipline, she had a “spine of steel” (120) and established complete command of domestic affairs in the White House. For example, she, not the president, was the one to approve menus. West notes that she could be imperious at times when, for example, she forbade staff from taking the family elevator. However, such commands were not always followed. Unlike other presidential couples, the Eisenhowers did not have separate bedrooms.

Mamie liked to be set apart and stood on a platform so that crowds of admirers could see her. A “spectacular” (125) hostess, Mamie ensured a maximum level of pomp and circumstance in formal entertainment at the White House. She arranged seating assignments so that she and the president sat at the head of the table like royalty. She and the president were openly affectionate toward one another, oblivious to the presence of servants.

President Eisenhower was much more formal in his official duties than his predecessor. He worked regular hours and engaged in relaxing activities when not working.