Caroline Lavinia Harrison

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caroline_Lavinia_Harrison

http://clinton4.nara.gov/WH/glimpse/firstladies/html/ch23.html

The centennial of President Washington's inauguration heightened the nation's interest in its heroic past, and in 1890 Caroline Scott Harrison lent her prestige as First Lady to the founding of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She served as its first President General. She took a special interest in the history of the White House, and the mature dignity with which she carried out her duties may overshadow the fun-loving nature that had charmed "Ben" Harrison when they met as teenagers.

Caroline held DAR membership # 7 and per the DAR's "Lineage Book of the Charter Members" by Mary S Lockwood published in 1895 was a descendant of Saul Rea, who held civil office during the Revolution and was a member of Congress." and "John Scott was commissary general of the Pennsylvania Line."

Born at Oxford, Ohio, in 1832, "Carrie" was the second daughter of Mary Potts Neal and the Reverend Dr. John W. Scott, a Presbyterian minister and founder of the Oxford Female Institute. As her father's pupil--brown-haired, petite, witty--she infatuated the reserved young Ben, then an honor student at Miami University; they were engaged before his graduation and married in 1853.

After early years of struggle while he established a law practice in Indianapolis, they enjoyed a happy family life interrupted only by the Civil War. Then, while General Harrison became a man of note in his profession, his wife cared for their son and daughter, gave active service to the First Presbyterian Church and to an orphans' home, and extended cordial hospitality to her many friends. Church views to the contrary, she saw no harm in private dancing lessons for her daughter--she liked dancing herself. Blessed with considerable artistic talent, she was an accomplished pianist; she especially enjoyed painting for recreation.

Illness repeatedly kept her away from Washington's winter social season during her husband's term in the Senate, 1881-1887, and she welcomed their return to private life; but she moved with poise to the White House in 1889 to continue the gracious way of life she had always created in her own home.

During the administration the Harrisons' daughter, Mary Harrison McKee, her two children, and other relatives lived at the White House. The First Lady tried in vain to have the overcrowded mansion enlarged but managed to assure an extensive renovation with up-to-date improvements. She established the collection of china associated with White House history. She worked for local charities as well. With other ladies of progressive views, she helped raise funds for the Johns Hopkins University medical school on condition that it admit women. She gave elegant receptions and dinners. In the winter of 1891-1892, however, she had to battle illness as she tried to fulfill her social obligations. She died of tuberculosis at the White House in October 1892, and after services in the East Room was buried from her own church in Indianapolis.

When official mourning ended, Mrs. McKee acted as hostess for her father in the last months of his term. (In 1896 he married his first wife's widowed niece and former secretary, Mary Scott Lord Dimmick; she survived him by nearly 47 years, dying in January 1948.)

DATE OF BIRTH: October 1, 1832

PLACE OF BIRTH: Oxford, Ohio

DATE OF DEATH: October 25, 1892

PLACE OF DEATH: White House

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Caroline Lavinia Scott, "Carrie," was the first wife of President Benjamin Harrison. She was the daughter of John Witherspoon Scott, a teacher and Presbyterian minister and Mary Potts Neal Scott. She had two sisters: Elizabeth Lord and Mary Spears and two brothers: John and Henry. Her family was Presbyterian.

On October 20, 1853 she married Benjamin Harrison; they had one son, Russell Lord, (changed later to Russell Benjamin) Harrison and two daughters, Mary Scott Harrison McKee and an unnamed still born daughter. Caroline served as First Lady from 1889 to 1892.

EDUCATION: Caroline's parents were not only firm believers in education, but devoted their lives to educating young women and girls. As a young girl, she attended the Farmers College where her father taught. Here, she met and fell in love with Benjamin Harrison.

In 1853 she graduated with a music degree from the Oxford Female Institute, which her father was instrumental in founding. While at the institute, Caroline developed her love for English Literature, drama, music, art and painting. While at Oxford and after graduation in Kentucky, Caroline taught music, home economics and painting to students.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Some regard her as the most underrated First Lady. While grandmotherly in appearance compared to her predecessor and successor, Frances Cleveland, she was greatly devoted to women's rights. She only agreed to assist John Hopkins raise money to start a medical school on the condition they must admit women.

In 1890, the newly formed Daughters of the Revolution asked Caroline to become their President; in February 1892, Caroline gave the first recorded speech by a First Lady at the first congress of the DAR. As First Lady, she urged the American public to support their country by "buying American."

Her love of painting translated into her painting the White House china and also into her painting an orchid print made available to the women and girls of America. She began a preservation program for White House china, furniture and other artifacts which pioneered the necessity of historical preservation in the country.

The Harrisons inherited a White House which was rat infested and filthy. Caroline tried to expand the White House but did receive Congress's approval; instead, she did some remodeling and had electricity installed. However, the Harrisons were weary of this new energy source and avoided the switches. Caroline's efforts at White House expansion highlighted the need for more space to accommodate the increasing complexity of the role of the President.

She brought in the first Christmas tree to the White House in December of 1889; the Marine Band and Sousa revived dancing to the White House which had not been seen since Sara Polk was First Lady in 1845.

Caroline Harrison was deeply respected for her warmth, intelligence and artistic talent and for her devotion to her family and to her beliefs. During the country's centennial celebrations she became ill with tuberculosis and depression and died only four months before President Harrison's term ended.

When Benjamin and Caroline Harrison moved into the White House, they brought the largest accompaniment of relatives since Andrew Johnson. Those living in the White House with them included their son and daughter, the son-in-law and daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, Caroline's father, Caroline's sister and niece for awhile, to name a few. Living quarters at the White House were cramped. The only private bathroom was the President's. The floor plan at the time was the main house. The lower level was for the kitchen and storage. The main level rooms were more public, and the President's office and family living quarters shared the second floor.

In 1889, the Army engineers proposed that the greenhouses move to the east side of the White House and a new executive office building be put on the west. Caroline Harrison considered the plan and began to develop her own. She hated the crowded living area and the tourists made it impossible to use the first floor. She began meeting with Secretary of State Blaine and others about a proposal for Congress. The bill never got to the House floor, but it was not tabled. It remained a possibility. Caroline did receive limited funds to redecorate and make improvements to the White House.

Part of the 2003 exhibit, The Curator's Reserve, displays artifacts dealing with the White House renovation done by Caroline Harrison. Her plan for renovating the White House can be seen in the drawing by architect, Fred Owen. The original house would be the northern focus, with two buildings facing each other to the south. They would be linked to the house from the east and west by two-story halls, with a cylindrical section in the middle. The south end of conservatories would also connect forming a private courtyard in the center. The new building on the east would be the Historical Art or National wing. The new building on the west would be the Official Wing, housing the presidential offices. The plan would have allowed for numerous large rooms. If completed, it would still function well today. Caroline Harrison's plan was the first to move the office spaces out of the house. This would later be accomplished by Teddy Roosevelt's renovation with architect Charles McKim in 1902.

Original fabric swatches that Caroline used in redecorating are displayed with original photographs of the rooms. The photographs of the White House rooms were taken by Miss Frances Benjamin Johnston. Miss Johnston was the official White House photographer for several years. The State Dining Room photograph is next to gold velvet used in the drapes. The image of the East Room shows the opulence of the room. An original piece of golden brocade fabric probably used in drapery is part of the exhibit. Miss Johnston's book states that the East Room is "imposing in white and gold decoration, dating from President Grant's first administration, and with new hangings and furnishings of golden-brown damask."

Velvets used in the Blue Room and Green Room are also displayed. The Green Room was used as a music room, and furnished in pale green plush. Miss Johnston's book states that Mrs. Harrison's bedroom was: "Daintily appointed in pale green and silver, it stands just as Mrs. Harrison left it, and like the rest of the beautified White House, is a memorial to her refined and artistic taste." Caroline must have been fond of the pale green palate as many of the multi-colored fabric pieces are done in green tones.

There are also photographs of the President's office, Cabinet Room, and the family kitchen. The kitchen photo shows Dolley Johnson, the White House cook, originally from Kentucky. The family kitchen was smaller than the main kitchen used for preparing State dinners.

Dinner invitations, table favors, a menu, and family photos at the White House help share the story of the time the Harrison's spent in the White House. Red, white, and blue paper tassels with bells were used at a birthday party for Benjamin Harrison McKee, March 15, 1891. The ribbons on each have the names of Benjamin Harrison McKee, Mary Lodge McKee, and Elizabeth McKee (probably a cousin). Photographs show Baby McKee, Mary Lodge McKee, and Mary Harrison McKee enjoying time on the White House lawn.

Caroline Harrison's plan for the White House was stately and refined. Her redecorating brought her artistic touch to the grand old home. She and her family enjoyed their first years in the White House. Sadly, Caroline would die in her daintily appointed pale green and silver bedroom October 25, 1892.

DATE OF BIRTH: October 1, 1832

PLACE OF BIRTH: Oxford, Ohio

DATE OF DEATH: October 25, 1892

PLACE OF DEATH: White House

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Caroline Lavinia Scott, "Carrie," was the first wife of President Benjamin Harrison. She was the daughter of John Witherspoon Scott, a teacher and Presbyterian minister and Mary Potts Neal Scott. She had two sisters: Elizabeth Lord and Mary Spears and two brothers: John and Henry. Her family was Presbyterian.

On October 20, 1853 she married Benjamin Harrison; they had one son, Russell Lord, (changed later to Russell Benjamin) Harrison and two daughters, Mary Scott Harrison McKee and an unnamed still born daughter. Caroline served as First Lady from 1889 to 1892.

EDUCATION: Caroline's parents were not only firm believers in education, but devoted their lives to educating young women and girls. As a young girl, she attended the Farmers College where her father taught. Here, she met and fell in love with Benjamin Harrison.

In 1853 she graduated with a music degree from the Oxford Female Institute, which her father was instrumental in founding. While at the institute, Caroline developed her love for English Literature, drama, music, art and painting. While at Oxford and after graduation in Kentucky, Caroline taught music, home economics and painting to students.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Some regard her as the most underrated First Lady. While grandmotherly in appearance compared to her predecessor and successor, Frances Cleveland, she was greatly devoted to women's rights. She only agreed to assist John Hopkins raise money to start a medical school on the condition they must admit women.

In 1890, the newly formed Daughters of the Revolution asked Caroline to become their President; in February 1892, Caroline gave the first recorded speech by a First Lady at the first congress of the DAR. As First Lady, she urged the American public to support their country by "buying American."

Her love of painting translated into her painting the White House china and also into her painting an orchid print made available to the women and girls of America. She began a preservation program for White House china, furniture and other artifacts which pioneered the necessity of historical preservation in the country.

The Harrisons inherited a White House which was rat infested and filthy. Caroline tried to expand the White House but did receive Congress's approval; instead, she did some remodeling and had electricity installed. However, the Harrisons were weary of this new energy source and avoided the switches. Caroline's efforts at White House expansion highlighted the need for more space to accommodate the increasing complexity of the role of the President.

She brought in the first Christmas tree to the White House in December of 1889; the Marine Band and Sousa revived dancing to the White House which had not been seen since Sara Polk was First Lady in 1845.

Caroline Harrison was deeply respected for her warmth, intelligence and artistic talent and for her devotion to her family and to her beliefs. During the country's centennial celebrations she became ill with tuberculosis and depression and died only four months before President Harrison's term ended.

When Benjamin and Caroline Harrison moved into the White House, they brought the largest accompaniment of relatives since Andrew Johnson. Those living in the White House with them included their son and daughter, the son-in-law and daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, Caroline's father, Caroline's sister and niece for awhile, to name a few. Living quarters at the White House were cramped. The only private bathroom was the President's. The floor plan at the time was the main house. The lower level was for the kitchen and storage. The main level rooms were more public, and the President's office and family living quarters shared the second floor.

In 1889, the Army engineers proposed that the greenhouses move to the east side of the White House and a new executive office building be put on the west. Caroline Harrison considered the plan and began to develop her own. She hated the crowded living area and the tourists made it impossible to use the first floor. She began meeting with Secretary of State Blaine and others about a proposal for Congress. The bill never got to the House floor, but it was not tabled. It remained a possibility. Caroline did receive limited funds to redecorate and make improvements to the White House.

Part of the 2003 exhibit, The Curator's Reserve, displays artifacts dealing with the White House renovation done by Caroline Harrison. Her plan for renovating the White House can be seen in the drawing by architect, Fred Owen. The original house would be the northern focus, with two buildings facing each other to the south. They would be linked to the house from the east and west by two-story halls, with a cylindrical section in the middle. The south end of conservatories would also connect forming a private courtyard in the center. The new building on the east would be the Historical Art or National wing. The new building on the west would be the Official Wing, housing the presidential offices. The plan would have allowed for numerous large rooms. If completed, it would still function well today. Caroline Harrison's plan was the first to move the office spaces out of the house. This would later be accomplished by Teddy Roosevelt's renovation with architect Charles McKim in 1902.

Original fabric swatches that Caroline used in redecorating are displayed with original photographs of the rooms. The photographs of the White House rooms were taken by Miss Frances Benjamin Johnston. Miss Johnston was the official White House photographer for several years. The State Dining Room photograph is next to gold velvet used in the drapes. The image of the East Room shows the opulence of the room. An original piece of golden brocade fabric probably used in drapery is part of the exhibit. Miss Johnston's book states that the East Room is "imposing in white and gold decoration, dating from President Grant's first administration, and with new hangings and furnishings of golden-brown damask."

Velvets used in the Blue Room and Green Room are also displayed. The Green Room was used as a music room, and furnished in pale green plush. Miss Johnston's book states that Mrs. Harrison's bedroom was: "Daintily appointed in pale green and silver, it stands just as Mrs. Harrison left it, and like the rest of the beautified White House, is a memorial to her refined and artistic taste." Caroline must have been fond of the pale green palate as many of the multi-colored fabric pieces are done in green tones.

There are also photographs of the President's office, Cabinet Room, and the family kitchen. The kitchen photo shows Dolley Johnson, the White House cook, originally from Kentucky. The family kitchen was smaller than the main kitchen used for preparing State dinners.

Dinner invitations, table favors, a menu, and family photos at the White House help share the story of the time the Harrison's spent in the White House. Red, white, and blue paper tassels with bells were used at a birthday party for Benjamin Harrison McKee, March 15, 1891. The ribbons on each have the names of Benjamin Harrison McKee, Mary Lodge McKee, and Elizabeth McKee (probably a cousin). Photographs show Baby McKee, Mary Lodge McKee, and Mary Harrison McKee enjoying time on the White House lawn.

Caroline Harrison's plan for the White House was stately and refined. Her redecorating brought her artistic touch to the grand old home. She and her family enjoyed their first years in the White House. Sadly, Caroline would die in her daintily appointed pale green and silver bedroom October 25, 1892.

NAME: Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison

DATE OF BIRTH: October 1, 1832

PLACE OF BIRTH: Oxford, Ohio

DATE OF DEATH: October 25, 1892

PLACE OF DEATH: White House

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Caroline Lavinia Scott, "Carrie," was the first wife of President Benjamin Harrison. She was the daughter of John Witherspoon Scott, a teacher and Presbyterian minister and Mary Potts Neal Scott. She had two sisters: Elizabeth Lord and Mary Spears and two brothers: John and Henry. Her family was Presbyterian.

On October 20, 1853 she married Benjamin Harrison; they had one son, Russell Lord, (changed later to Russell Benjamin) Harrison and two daughters, Mary Scott Harrison McKee and an unnamed still born daughter. Caroline served as First Lady from 1889 to 1892.

EDUCATION: Caroline's parents were not only firm believers in education, but devoted their lives to educating young women and girls. As a young girl, she attended the Farmers College where her father taught. Here, she met and fell in love with Benjamin Harrison.

In 1853 she graduated with a music degree from the Oxford Female Institute, which her father was instrumental in founding. While at the institute, Caroline developed her love for English Literature, drama, music, art and painting. While at Oxford and after graduation in Kentucky, Caroline taught music, home economics and painting to students.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Some regard her as the most underrated First Lady. While grandmotherly in appearance compared to her predecessor and successor, Frances Cleveland, she was greatly devoted to women's rights. She only agreed to assist John Hopkins raise money to start a medical school on the condition they must admit women.

In 1890, the newly formed Daughters of the Revolution asked Caroline to become their President; in February 1892, Caroline gave the first recorded speech by a First Lady at the first congress of the DAR. As First Lady, she urged the American public to support their country by "buying American."

Her love of painting translated into her painting the White House china and also into her painting an orchid print made available to the women and girls of America. She began a preservation program for White House china, furniture and other artifacts which pioneered the necessity of historical preservation in the country.

The Harrisons inherited a White House which was rat infested and filthy. Caroline tried to expand the White House but did receive Congress's approval; instead, she did some remodeling and had electricity installed. However, the Harrisons were weary of this new energy source and avoided the switches. Caroline's efforts at White House expansion highlighted the need for more space to accommodate the increasing complexity of the role of the President.

She brought in the first Christmas tree to the White House in December of 1889; the Marine Band and Sousa revived dancing to the White House which had not been seen since Sara Polk was First Lady in 1845.

Caroline Harrison was deeply respected for her warmth, intelligence and artistic talent and for her devotion to her family and to her beliefs. During the country's centennial celebrations she became ill with tuberculosis and depression and died only four months before President Harrison's term ended.

When Benjamin and Caroline Harrison moved into the White House, they brought the largest accompaniment of relatives since Andrew Johnson. Those living in the White House with them included their son and daughter, the son-in-law and daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, Caroline's father, Caroline's sister and niece for awhile, to name a few. Living quarters at the White House were cramped. The only private bathroom was the President's. The floor plan at the time was the main house. The lower level was for the kitchen and storage. The main level rooms were more public, and the President's office and family living quarters shared the second floor.

In 1889, the Army engineers proposed that the greenhouses move to the east side of the White House and a new executive office building be put on the west. Caroline Harrison considered the plan and began to develop her own. She hated the crowded living area and the tourists made it impossible to use the first floor. She began meeting with Secretary of State Blaine and others about a proposal for Congress. The bill never got to the House floor, but it was not tabled. It remained a possibility. Caroline did receive limited funds to redecorate and make improvements to the White House.

Part of the 2003 exhibit, The Curator's Reserve, displays artifacts dealing with the White House renovation done by Caroline Harrison. Her plan for renovating the White House can be seen in the drawing by architect, Fred Owen. The original house would be the northern focus, with two buildings facing each other to the south. They would be linked to the house from the east and west by two-story halls, with a cylindrical section in the middle. The south end of conservatories would also connect forming a private courtyard in the center. The new building on the east would be the Historical Art or National wing. The new building on the west would be the Official Wing, housing the presidential offices. The plan would have allowed for numerous large rooms. If completed, it would still function well today. Caroline Harrison's plan was the first to move the office spaces out of the house. This would later be accomplished by Teddy Roosevelt's renovation with architect Charles McKim in 1902.

Original fabric swatches that Caroline used in redecorating are displayed with original photographs of the rooms. The photographs of the White House rooms were taken by Miss Frances Benjamin Johnston. Miss Johnston was the official White House photographer for several years. The State Dining Room photograph is next to gold velvet used in the drapes. The image of the East Room shows the opulence of the room. An original piece of golden brocade fabric probably used in drapery is part of the exhibit. Miss Johnston's book states that the East Room is "imposing in white and gold decoration, dating from President Grant's first administration, and with new hangings and furnishings of golden-brown damask."

Velvets used in the Blue Room and Green Room are also displayed. The Green Room was used as a music room, and furnished in pale green plush. Miss Johnston's book states that Mrs. Harrison's bedroom was: "Daintily appointed in pale green and silver, it stands just as Mrs. Harrison left it, and like the rest of the beautified White House, is a memorial to her refined and artistic taste." Caroline must have been fond of the pale green palate as many of the multi-colored fabric pieces are done in green tones.

There are also photographs of the President's office, Cabinet Room, and the family kitchen. The kitchen photo shows Dolley Johnson, the White House cook, originally from Kentucky. The family kitchen was smaller than the main kitchen used for preparing State dinners.

Dinner invitations, table favors, a menu, and family photos at the White House help share the story of the time the Harrison's spent in the White House. Red, white, and blue paper tassels with bells were used at a birthday party for Benjamin Harrison McKee, March 15, 1891. The ribbons on each have the names of Benjamin Harrison McKee, Mary Lodge McKee, and Elizabeth McKee (probably a cousin). Photographs show Baby McKee, Mary Lodge McKee, and Mary Harrison McKee enjoying time on the White House lawn.

Caroline Harrison's plan for the White House was stately and refined. Her redecorating brought her artistic touch to the grand old home. She and her family enjoyed their first years in the White House. Sadly, Caroline would die in her daintily appointed pale green and silver bedroom October 25, 1892.