[Eisenhower Inaugural Gown] During her husband's presidency from 1953 until 1961, Mamie Doud Eisenhower (1896-1979) became one of the most beloved first ladies in history. She had already gained great popularity when she appeared during her husband's first presidential campaign. Chants of "We want Mamie" rivaled those of "We like Ike."

Mrs. Eisenhower defined her primary role as being a successful White House hostess, and her performance was enhanced by her experience as the wife of a high-ranking military officer. Both down-to-earth and dignified, Mrs. Eisenhower personally greeted thousands of tourists visiting the White House during her tenure. The public regarded her as an ideal exemplar of American womanhood in the 1950s, and housewives throughout the country felt that she embodied their own values. Mrs. Eisenhower once described herself as "perfectly satisfied as a housewife."

Courtesy of the National Museum of American History.
Inaugural Gown worn by Mamie Doud Eisenhower, 1953, designed by Hettie Rothstein, Inc., New York City, silk peau de soie with pink rhinestones.

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