Lucy Webb Hayes
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Lucy Ware Webb Hayes (August 28, 1831 - June 25, 1889) was the First Lady of the United States during the presidency of her husband Rutherford B. Hayes and one of the most popular First Ladies of the nineteenth century. Deeply religious, she despised slavery and converted her husband to the abolitionist cause. Later, it was his successful career in the Union Army that led him into politics.
Once in the White House, Lucy Hayes was considered the most popular hostess since Dolley Madison. She was a strong supporter of Temperance, and no alcohol was served in the White House during the Hayes administration, prompting the press to dub her "Lemonade Lucy." She also introduced the custom of having children roll Easter eggs on the White House lawn.
Upon her death, flags across the United States were lowered to half-mast in honor of the "most idolized woman in America." Lucy Hayes was educated at Ohio Wesleyan University, as the first American First Lady to graduate out of college.
Fictional depictions
In Leonard Bernstein's musical comedy 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the First Lady sings the "Duet for One", in which she transforms from Mrs. Grant into Lucy Webb Hayes.
| Preceded by: Julia Dent Grant |
First Ladies of the United States | Succeeded by: Lucretia Rudolph Garfield |