Florence Harding, First Lady

Florence Harding, First Lady

Florence Mabel Kling Harding (August 15, 1860 - November 21, 1924) was the First Lady from 1921-23. Aiming to become a concert pianist, Florence began studies at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, but at 19 she eloped with Henry DeWolfe, but the couple separated and divorced in 1886. In 1890, she became engaged to Warren Gamaliel Harding. They married in 1891 and had no children of their own. As a White House hostess, Florence presided over elegant parties, but she also moved with the times, flying in planes, launching new fashions, showing after-dinner movies, and discreetly serving alcohol to guests during Prohibition. She made her views known on everything from the League of Nations to vivisection, racism and women's suffrage. By 1923, both Florence and her husband were suffering from dangerous illnesses. After a bad reaction to seafood, Warrene died, at the age of 57. Her last public appearance was at the local Remembrance Day parade, where she stood to salute the veterans. A few days later, she died of renal failure, at the age of 64. Photographed by Underwood & Underwood, circa 1921-23.

HARDING (19th century)

Album / LOC/Science Source

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3277 x 4500 px | 42.2 MB

27.7 x 38.1 cm | 10.9 x 15.0 in (300 dpi)