Читать книгу First Ladies For Dummies - Marcus A. Stadelmann, Marcus A. Stadelmann PhD - Страница 49

In 1789, Martha undertook an 11-day trip to New York City from her home in Virginia, to meet up with newly elected President George Washington. When she arrived, she was celebrated like a queen. There were fireworks, a 13-gun salute, and people shouting, “Long Live Lady Washington!” At this point, she knew that the presidential spouse had a public role to play in American society. On their way to their rented house on Cherry Street in New York City, people even lined the streets and chanted her name.

George Washington had printed in the local newspaper in New York City when his calling hours would be. In other words, he told the public when to come and visit him. If people just wanted to come to pay their respects, they could do so Tuesday and Friday afternoons between 2 and 3 p.m.

As First Lady, Martha hosted formal dinners for Members of Congress, foreign diplomats, and members of the wealthy elites in New York City every Thursday and then public receptions for the common people each Friday. Anyone of good standing, meaning that they had to be decently dressed, could attend. This included not only politicians and the wealthy but also the average American.