Mamie Doud Eisenhower: The General's First Lady

Modern First Ladies

by Marilyn Irvin Holt

It was fitting for a soldier’s wife to make curtains out of military-surplus parachutes. That they would hang in the White House made little difference. Mamie Doud Eisenhower was a president’s wife who seemed to most Americans like the friend next door. She gave us “Mamie pink” and “Mamie bangs” but has stood in the shadows of first ladies who followed. Yet she accomplished more than even her own contemporaries noticed, and her popularity not only enhanced her husband’s presidency but also put a distinctive stamp on the role of first lady. This first scholarly biography of Mamie Eisenhower draws on original sources in the Eisenhower Library to paint a realistic and captivating portrait. Marilyn Irvin Holt places her in the context of her time, showing that she was a perfect first lady for the fifties—a stylish grandmother who doted on her family and considered her job to be creating a home life that eased her husband’s work tensions. But Holt shows that besides being steadfastly devoted to Ike, Mamie Eisenhower employed her own “hidden hand” to boost his image. Holt recaptures the winning personality that made Mrs. Eisenhower an important part of both her husband’s success and her cultural milieu, and relates how her experience as an army wife—with overseas postings, acquaintance with heads of state, and experience as an accomplished hostess—better prepared her for the White House. Holt reveals that there was much more to Mamie Eisenhower than the housewife she described herself as, showing us instead a resourceful first lady who ran the executive mansion like an army sergeant, relished charity work, and promoted cultural events. As an agent for change, Mamie Eisenhower not only entertained foreign dignitaries but also invited African Americans to the White House when tensions over civil rights were mounting. Holt shares other behind-the-scenes stories of the first lady flying in the face of social and political expectations during the McCarthy era, and also debunks prevailing notions of animosity with Pat Nixon. Although Ike’s reputation has rebounded in recent years, Mamie’s has remained in the shadows. Holt convincingly shows that there was far more to this neglected first lady than she has received credit for.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, American History, History

206 pages, Hardcover

First published October 21, 2007

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short read about a First Lady I didn't know anything about. She was beloved in the 1950s; it's only in our current cultural attitudes that she seems less interesting. But she stayed true to herself and wanted to be remembered as "a good friend."

[Harriet Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this at the Eisenhower Museum gift shop and have greatly increased my appreciation of Mamie Eisenhower as a First Lady and as a person.

[Danielle Byron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to know Mamie (and Ike). The author does an excellent job of bringing to light the great deal of experience and dedication the Eisenhower's brought to the jobs of FLOTUSA and POTUSA.

[Rachel Schmoyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple straightforward biography. I loved the pictures throughout and the quotes from her writings. The author also does an excellent job portraying Mamie’s flaws and strengths. Ike’s presidency was presented not as something he was ambitious for but something he saw as his duty when he was asked to run. I found it interesting that Mamie and Ike actually shared a bed in the White House. The staff was surprised.

I also appreciated the author’s analysis of why we don’t hear much about Mamie now even though she was a well loved First Lady. As the women’s movement picked up steam, Mamie stood for the image that ladies were trying to leave behind, the classic 50’s wife who volunteers in many many causes and is an excellent homemaker. But she was the perfect First Lady for her time.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brief look at the life of Mamie Eisenhower was a fantastic read. Mamie felt that in life she wanted to be remembered as a good friend. And this book certainly encapsulates that feeling very well. You feel that you are reading the story of a friend.

I wish the book had been more encompassing, though I understand its premise. This short volume in the Modern First Ladies series focusses on Mamie's White House years. Often overlooked by historians as a boring grandmother-type, Mamie was incredibly active and took a vast interest in those she received and entertained. She was certainly the right fit for the White House during the time she lived there.

Excellent reading.

[Sherri Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. I have always been an Eisenhower fan but now I am a Mamie fan as well. There is a great quote in the book from here during an interview she was asked how she wanted to be remembered and she said as a friend to everyone. She grew up in an entirely different sort of world than we know now. She wasn't trying to inforce her thoughts or causes on anyone she just supported her husband and was a wonderful friend and hostess in representation of our country. I do believe that had Jackie Kennedy not succeeded her that we would know more about this lovely lady.