LUCY WARE WEBB HAYES
wife of Rutherford B. Hayes 1877-1881

There was no inaugural ball in 1877. When Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife, Lucy, left Ohio for Washington, the outcome of the election was still in doubt.

 She won the affectionate name of "Mother Lucy" from the men of the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry who served under her husband's command in the war. They remembered her visits to camp to administer to the wounded, to cheer the homesick, and to comfort the dying.

She was a temperance advocate and liquor was banned at the mansion during the Hayes' administration, thus she was nicknamed "Lemonade Lucy." This, however, did not interfere with her popularity.
 

description by Doris Karren Burton    << previous first lady  |  next first lady >>