March 21, 2024 – Theme Week Day 4

We’re on our second-to-last day of our First Ladies theme week. Today we’re talking about Frances Folsom Cleveland, who was first lady from 1886-1889 and again from 1893-1897 as the wife of President Grover Cleveland. She’s the only first lady in history to serve the role in two non-consecutive terms.
She was born in Buffalo, where her father was a law partner with Grover Cleveland. Grover first met Frances when she was a baby. He was a regular presence throughout her childhood and even bought her first baby carriage. When her father died in 1875, Grover became the executive of his estate. He took care of outstanding debts and made sure Frances and her mother were provided for. Frances attended Wells College, and Grover, who was governor of New York at the time, maintained correspondence with her while she was there.
After graduating college, Frances married Grover while he was the incumbent president. Their wedding was held in the Blue Room of the White House on June 2, 1886. The president wanted a quiet affair, so only 31 people attended and the press was denied entry. They were the first presidential couple to wed in the White House, and Frances became the youngest First Lady in history. She was 21, while Grover was 49.
Frances was immediately popular as the first lady. She attracted a huge amount of publicity, so much so that the Clevelands moved to a private residence to get away from the media and the public. She maintained an openness with the public, hosting many social events on Saturdays so that working women could attend.
Her tenure ended after Grover lost his reelection bid. They moved to Madison Avenue in New York City, where she stayed in the public spotlight. Frances took on charity work and got more involved in New York’s social life. During this time, she also gave birth to a daughter, Ruth. Ruth was known in the press as Baby Ruth and was the namesake for the Baby Ruth candy bar.
When Grover was re-elected, Frances returned to the White House with him in 1893. Despite political strife during this term, she always kept her place in public favor. She had two more daughters, Esther in 1893 and Marion in 1895. She gave birth to Esther in the White House, making her the only first lady to give birth in the presidential residence.  During her second term, her time was split between responsibilities as a first lady and those as a mother.
After leaving the White House for a second time, the Cleveland family moved to Princeton, NJ. They had 2 more children in the following years, and Frances was by Grover’s side when he died at their home in 1908. She later remarried and remained a notable figure in the Princeton community until she died at 83 in 1947. Frances’ reputation influenced the role of first lady for many generations, and she is ranked among the greatest of first ladies. Learn more here.