President Harry S. Truman's First Televised White House Address
1947 · Washington, D.C., United States
President Harry S. Truman delivered the first televised White House address, urging Americans to conserve food to aid post-war Europe.
Grover Cleveland’s White House Wedding
On June 2, 1886, President Grover Cleveland made history by becoming the only U.S. president to marry in the White House. This unique event took place in the Blue Room of the executive mansion, where Cleveland wed Frances Folsom, a woman 27 years his junior.
Background
Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and later the 24th President of the United States, was a bachelor when he first assumed office in 1885. Frances Folsom was the daughter of Cleveland’s close friend and former law partner, Oscar Folsom. After Oscar’s death, Cleveland became a guardian and mentor to Frances, who was just 11 years old at the time. Over the years, their relationship evolved, and they became engaged when Frances was in her early twenties.
The Wedding
The wedding ceremony was a private affair, attended by close family and friends. The Blue Room was adorned with flowers, and the ceremony was officiated by Reverend Byron Sutherland, assisted by Reverend William Cleveland, the president’s brother. Frances wore a gown of ivory satin, and the couple exchanged vows in a simple yet elegant ceremony.
Significance
This marriage was significant not only because it was the only presidential wedding held in the White House but also because it captured the public’s imagination. Frances Folsom Cleveland became a popular First Lady, admired for her charm and poise. Her youth and vitality brought a new energy to the White House, and she quickly became a fashion icon of her time.
Aftermath
The Clevelands’ marriage was a happy one, and they had five children together. Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms as president, and Frances remained a beloved public figure throughout her life. The couple’s wedding in the White House remains a unique historical event, symbolizing both personal and political milestones in American history.
In summary, the wedding of Grover Cleveland and Frances Folsom was not only a personal union but also a moment of historical significance, reflecting the intersection of private life and public duty in the presidency.