In the early twentieth century, the role of first lady evolved as spouses took on public causes in addition to their duties as White House hostess. Although Ellen Axson Wilson died less than two years into husband Woodrow Wilson’s presidency, she contributed to this transformation. She devoted her short time in the White House to improving Washington, D.C. housing. In March of 1913, just two weeks after moving into the White House, Ellen Wilson was inspired by a lecture on Washington housing conditions given by the Women’s Division of the National Civic Federation. After attending the lecture, she began touring the city’s alleyways, where many of the capital’s Black residents lived in slum-like dwellings. After visiting these communities, Ellen Wilson threw herself into improving these sections of the city. To highlight the problem, she regularly brought members of Congress and other guests to the alleys, hoping to convince them that the existing structures should be demolished and replaced with new affordable two-family homes called sanitary houses. By February 11, 1914, Ellen Wilson witnessed real progress when a bill to improve the alleys, known as “Mrs. Wilson’s Bill,” was first introduced in Congress. The bill sought to demolish the alleys within ten years and replace them with new housing. However, less thought was given to the residents themselves, many of whom were displaced while the new ‘sanitary houses’ were built. Because of this, the bill she advocated for remains controversial. Shortly after the bill’s introduction in March of 1914, Ellen’s health rapidly declined as a result of an underlying medical condition called Bright’s disease. By early August it became clear that she did not have long to live. One of Ellen’s final wishes was for the alley bill to pass through Congress. On August 6, 1914, during her final hours, word reached the first lady that the bill had passed the Senate and was soon to pass the House. Shortly after her death, the National Civic Federation began a campaign to purchase alley space and build a new block of sanitary houses called the Ellen Wilson Memorial Homes to commemorate her efforts. Ellen Wilson was an artistic and involved first lady. Stay tuned as each month we examine a different first lady and their profound impact on the Executive Mansion and beyond. Image: Library of Congress (fb)

When Betty Ford became first lady in 1974, she faced a breast cancer diagnosis just weeks after moving into the White House. Rather than keep it private, she shared her experience with the nation. At a time when breast cancer was rarely discussed, her openness encouraged screenings that potentially helped save lives. Betty continued to champion awareness and treatment throughout her life, leaving a powerful and inspiring legacy. -- Image 1: White House Historical Association Image 2: David Hume Kennerly/NARA Images 3-5: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum/NARA (fb)