144 Facts About Florence Harding

Florence Mabel Harding was the first lady of the United States from 1921 until her husband's death in 1923 as the wife of President Warren G Harding.

Florence Harding was born Florence Mabel Kling above her father's hardware store at 126 South Main Street in Marion, Ohio, on August 15,1860.

Florence Harding was the eldest of three children of Amos Kling, a prominent Marion accountant and businessman of German descent, and Louisa Bouton Kling, whose French Huguenot ancestors had fled religious persecution.

Florence Harding's younger brothers were Clifford, born in 1861, and Vetallis, born in 1864.

Florence Harding attended school at Union School beginning in 1866 and studied the classics.

Florence Harding developed a passion for horses early in life and participated in several horse races.

Florence Harding's father trained her in several business skills such as banking, real estate, and farm management.

On return trips to Marion, Florence Harding often clashed with her father, who would whip her with a cherry switch.

Florence Harding gave birth to her only child, Marshall Eugene, on September 22,1880.

Florence Harding's husband worked in a warehouse but alcoholism led him to abandon the family on December 31,1882.

Florence Harding moved in with her friend Carrie Wallace while her mother Louisa financially supported the mother and child.

Florence Harding became a piano teacher to provide extra income and enjoyed skating at night.

Florence Harding's estranged husband had attempted to rob a train in 1885, and the pair were divorced in 1886.

Florence Harding was five years younger than she was, and his sister Charity was a student of Florence's.

Florence Harding repeated a rumor that Harding had Black ancestry and threatened to shoot the young man at the courthouse.

The new Mrs Florence Harding made the unconventional decision not to wear a wedding ring.

When her husband entered the Battle Creek Sanitarium for depression in January 1894, Florence Harding became the informal business manager of the Marion Star although she never had any official role, immediately demonstrating both the talent and the character to run a newspaper.

Florence Harding organized a circulation department, improved distribution, trained the newsboys, and purchased equipment at keen prices.

Florence Harding's newsboys became known as "Mrs Harding's boys" throughout the town, and she alternatively gave out awards for achievement and doled out physical punishment.

Some Marion children began to fear Florence Harding for paddling the boys in the street.

One of the newsboys, Norman Thomas, later the Socialist presidential candidate, declared that Warren was the front-man, but Florence Harding was the real driving power of the Marion Star.

Warren returned to work on the Star in December 1894 though Florence Harding continued to nurse him at home.

Florence Harding hired the first woman reporter in Ohio, Jane Dixon, and supported her when there was a backlash from the people of Marion.

Florence Harding knew about the machinery of the newspaper plant and how to fix it.

Florence Harding encouraged her husband in his first political run for the state senate in 1899.

Florence Harding managed the finances and fended off unsurprising objections from her father, who enlisted Mark Hanna for help, though Warren was ultimately elected.

Florence Harding observed the legislature from the balcony and frequently made trips to newspaper offices to win her husband's good coverage and observe their operations.

Florence Harding began her custom of consulting with an astrologer during this first stint in Columbus.

In February 1905, Florence needed emergency surgery for nephroptosis and was initially treated by a homoeopathic doctor Charles E Sawyer.

Florence Harding did not find out until she intercepted a letter between the two in 1911, which led her to consider divorce, though she never pursued it.

Florence Harding tried to discourage the affairs by sticking by her husband's side at all times.

Florence Harding never spoke to Carrie Phillips again, and only acknowledged her in bitter attacks.

Warren and Florence Harding left for a trip to Europe in August 1911.

Florence Harding continued to be treated by Dr Sawyer at his new White Oaks Sanitarium for various ailments and deepened her study of astrology.

Florence Harding gave her husband advice on his political chances, discouraging a run for governor in 1912.

Florence Harding had her own health problems, suffering a serious kidney attack in the winter of 1913 and went to live at the White Oaks Sanitarium.

Florence Harding made a trip to Colorado later in the year to pay his debts and ended up becoming friends with some of his associates and wife Esther.

Florence Harding helped her husband with his correspondence and invited press attention.

Florence Harding became active in animal rights and joined the Animal Rescue League, Humane Society, and ASPCA.

Florence Harding spoke out against animal cruelty and gave freely of its literature to friends.

Florence Harding did not like automobiles, but relented when making frequent trips back to Marion.

In Washington DC, Florence Harding struck up a fast and lasting friendship with the mining heiress and socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean, frequently playing bridge and visiting movie theaters.

Florence Harding helped Ohio women who moved to Washington, DC for jobs find housing, and helped Lou Hoover set up dining and recreation spaces for the female workers.

Florence Harding frequently visited nurseries and daycare centers to assist mothers who had to work during the day.

Florence Harding volunteered at the Walter Reed Hospital, and found a sense of satisfaction in this work missing from her heretofore existence.

Florence Harding worked with other Senate wives to create a Red Cross Unit and produce clothing for soldiers on the battlefield.

Florence Harding found out about this fact, perhaps being told by her husband, and reacted with rage.

Florence Harding approached her and got into a heated argument, publicly rebuking her in front of many onlookers.

In November 1918, Florence Harding's kidney swelled to ten times its regular size.

Florence Harding was treated by Dr Sawyer's son Carl, who had been stationed at Camp Meade.

Florence Harding gave him tentative support, apparently influenced by a Washington clairvoyant 'Madame Marcia' Champrey, who correctly forecast that Warren would become president, but added that he would die in office.

Florence Harding took a more active role at the Republican convention than most candidates wives and curried favor with journalists, who liked to record her often colorful remarks.

Florence Harding lobbied delegates to consider her husband after the convention became deadlocked, and he eventually became the nominee.

Warren largely conducted a front porch campaign, and Florence Harding had control of whom her husband met inside the house.

Florence Harding was very precise with her appointments for her husband and telephoned campaign managers if he was late.

Florence Harding set off a waffle craze after The New York Times reported her eating a waffle at breakfast, and guests asked to be served it during their visit.

Florence Harding accepted, provided her friend Evalyn, who was previously very critical of the Wilsons, was invited as well.

On March 4,1921, Florence Harding became first lady, immediately taking an active role in national politics, at times even appearing to dominate the President.

Florence Harding had a strong influence on the selection of cabinet members, in particular favoring Charles R Forbes as director of the Veterans Bureau and Andrew Mellon as treasury secretary.

Florence Harding approved of the selection of Charles Evans Hughes as secretary of state though privately thought Elihu Root would be a better pick.

Florence Harding ensured that everyone who worked for the campaign in Marion was invited to the inauguration, and asked a woman that fainted in the crowds be helped.

Florence Harding told a senator that she was aiming to become the most successful first lady in history.

Florence Harding read mail after breakfast and wrote invitations for social events.

Florence Harding was the first first lady to send original responses to the many letters received.

Florence Harding carried small bouquets of blue-violet flowers to complement her blue eyes.

Florence Harding relished in her role as White House tour guide, learning about the history of the property from books and displaying a portrait of Sarah Yorke Jackson.

Florence Harding became the first first lady since Frances Cleveland whose face was so recognizable to the public, as she frequently appeared in newsreel footage alongside Warren unveiling statues, attending baseball games, and dedicating the Lincoln Memorial.

Florence Harding became the first first lady to appear in movies with her signature wave to crowds.

Florence Harding became known for her opposition to smoking after a photographer captured her holding down the arm of Helen Pratt, who was smoking a cigarette.

Florence Harding worked to protect the image of herself and Warren, concealing his drinking, womanizing, and corruption in the cabinet.

Florence Harding insisted on being beside him and once told him to get back to work when he was golfing.

Florence Harding was concerned as to her husband's personal safety, partially because of Madame Marcia's prediction of his early demise.

Florence Harding relied on astrology to determine Warren's personal schedule, a fact that became known to many in his inner circle.

Florence Harding feared his susceptibility to blackmail since the Carrie Phillips debacle.

Several other women received money from the President, and Florence Harding employed Gaston Means to spy on Nan Britton to steal her love letters.

Florence Harding developed a thrill for fast driving, nearly having an accident at fifty miles an hour when her car veered toward a telephone pole.

Florence Harding was an avid theatergoer, particularly comedies and musicals.

Florence Harding made her views known on everything from the League of Nations to animal rights, racism, and women's rights.

Florence Harding moved with the times: flying in planes, showing after-dinner movies.

Florence Harding was the first first lady to vote, operate a movie camera, own a radio, or invite movie stars to the White House.

Florence Harding supported the victims of the Armenian genocide and personally funded a child survivor with monthly checks.

Florence Harding was willing to forgo a meal and donate to the Chinese Famine fund, but was critical of American support to aid relief of the 1921 Soviet famine, arguing that Russia should have given up communism before accepting American food and medicine.

Florence Harding opposed vivisection in a public letter and supported the Humane Education Society, though she continued to eat meat.

Since World War I had left many men disfigured and ill, Florence Harding went out of her way to care for the patients at Walter Reed Hospital, seeking to improve ward life.

Florence Harding's efforts led to women's group funding projects at veterans wards which the federal government failed to do.

Florence Harding lifted the informal ban on "unacceptable women" instituted under Theodore Roosevelt.

Florence Harding sparked a small furor by inviting the National Council of Catholic Women to the White House, as liberals disdained their anti-birth control efforts.

Florence Harding hosted a tennis match between Marion Jessup and Molla Mallory.

When Madame Curie visited the White House, Florence Harding praised her as an example of a professional achiever and excellent scientist who was a supportive wife.

Florence Harding accepted an inscribed book from the Curies, breaking her informal rule against autographs.

Florence Harding raised public awareness of women who managed household finance.

Florence Harding stated that married women should know something about their husband's work.

Florence Harding agreed to sign on to a pledge to reduce the consumption of sugar when its price became exorbitant.

Florence Harding became the president of the Southern Industrial Association, an informal role in an organization that provided education for mountain women.

Florence Harding personally helped a man get a job at a factory after his wife wrote asking for help.

Florence Harding sought to make herself available to the press, a stark contrast with her predecessor Edith Wilson who denied press access.

Florence Harding had more press interviews than all the First Ladies before her combined.

Florence Harding enjoyed talking to journalists she liked, such as Kate Forbes and Jane Dixon.

Florence Harding referred to female reporters as "us girls", owing to her history in running the Marion Star.

In public, Florence Harding bragged about the President and his accomplishments.

Florence Harding kept up on the latest political news and knew the details of government better than almost any woman of her era.

Florence Harding sometimes argued with him over the content of his speeches, occasionally shaking a finger at him if she was upset.

Florence Harding had a hand in selecting minor public officials, particularly postmasters.

Florence Harding's authority was respected by politicians from all levels of governance.

When she wanted information on someone, Florence Harding used unconventional methods particularly on Herbert Hoover, whom she disliked.

Florence Harding informed Senator Hiram Johnson that his Democratic challenger was a stooge for Hoover, which caused Johnson to send election information to her via Evalyn McLean.

Attorney general Harry M Daugherty was the Cabinet member with which Florence was the most political.

Florence Harding scheduled private citizens to meet with him, and in return, he always complied with her requests.

Florence Harding requested that Daugherty commute a death sentence in Alabama, but he replied that the Justice Department had no jurisdiction in the case.

Florence Harding's authority received some ribbing from Life magazine, which depicted "The Chief Executive and Mr Harding" in a 1922 cartoon.

An important exception to this was a speech in Alabama in which he favored equality between the races, while Florence Harding loudly applauded a black band in a parade.

Florence Harding pressured her husband to rescind an appointment of Helen Dortch Longstreet to a political position since she favored rule by white men only.

In terms of international affairs, Florence Harding was not as active, although she did participate in the International Conference on the Limitation of Armaments from November 1921 to February 1922.

Florence Harding considered her role important in bringing together the various nations in a common understanding.

Florence Harding took part in the burial of "Buddy" in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, reflecting her longstanding interest in veterans' affairs.

Florence Harding insisted her family spend Christmas 1921 with the McLeans after hearing about a bomb threat against Warren.

Bombs intended for the President were found the next day, making Florence Harding appear wise in retrospect.

The head groundskeeper estimated that it would cost $3000 to repair the greenhouses due to how many flowers Florence Harding displayed in the White House.

Warren's approval of oil leases to Doheny would result in the Teapot Dome Scandal, and while Florence Harding did not profit from it, Fall did, handsomely.

In May 1922, Florence Harding met and became close to a naval doctor, Joel Thompson Boone, who relished his presidential posting.

Florence Harding greeted Nan Britton during the festivities, unaware she was carrying on an affair with her husband.

Florence Harding followed the events of the strikes closely, while Warren drank excessively to deal with the anxiety it brought about in him.

Florence Harding instructed her Secret Service agent Harry Barker to keep tabs on her husband, especially if she happened to be away from him.

News of Florence Harding's illness sparked an outpouring of support throughout the country.

Florence Harding eventually gave the option to Florence, who was now lucid and did not favor surgery.

Florence Harding insisted she would not die because her husband needed her.

Florence Harding was informed of Republican losses the day after the midterm elections and was incredulous that several Senators had lost.

Florence Harding continued to keep tabs on who was entering and exiting the White House, which prompted Warren to use the Friendship estate for his rendezvous with Nan Britton.

Florence Harding had a session with psychologist Emile Coue to deal with the frustration during her convalescence after being impressed with his writings.

Florence Harding declared, "this illness has been a blessing," since it drew the two closer together.

Florence Harding placed her complete trust in Dr Sawyer, whom Warren believed had brought her back to life.

Florence Harding was responsible for making sure he did not undertake much work during his illness, once sending away an aide who handed the President some papers to review, and brought Warren to bed.

Florence Harding felt personally betrayed by Forbes and wanted him dismissed at once.

Florence Harding eventually persuaded her husband to fire him, after throttling Forbes by the neck.

Florence Harding's treachery caused Florence to call in Madame Marcia to see who else of her husband's associates might be treacherous.

Florence Harding enjoyed her stay in Miami, with the city using the Presidential visit as a selling point for developers.

Warren continued his run of poor health, especially heart issues, though Florence Harding remained unaware of this.

In interviews with reporters, Florence Harding indicated that she wanted to get back to doing things due to her return to health.

Florence Harding became aware of Harding associate Jess Smith's illegal efforts, which was only confirmed during a session with Madame Marcia.

Florence Harding distanced herself from Evalyn somewhat, not visiting her house though she did send flowers and notes.

The trip was to include Florence Harding's long-anticipated excursion to Alaska.

Florence Harding proved highly popular at their many scheduled stops, but Warren was visibly ailing.

Florence Harding had intended to make a new life in Washington and was planning a tour of Europe.

Florence Harding died of renal failure on November 21,1924, aged 64.