Mamie Eisenhower

Mary Geneva "Mamie" Eisenhower (née Doud) was born on November 14, 1896, in Boone, Iowa. She was the second child of John Sheldon Doud, a meatpacking executive, and Elivera Mathilda Carlson, a daughter of Swedish immigrants. Mamie was raised in various locations including Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Pueblo, Colorado; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Denver, Colorado; and at the family’s winter home in San Antonio, Texas. Her family was affluent, with her father’s business ventures providing substantial wealth and social connections. Mamie had three sisters: Eleanor Carlson Doud, Eda Mae Doud, and Mabel Frances "Mike" Doud. Her sister Eleanor died at age 17.

Mamie’s early health was affected by rheumatic fever, which left her with lifelong health concerns. Her education was limited; however, she was taught budgeting and finance by her father. She attended Wolcott School for Girls for finishing school and was known to speak Swedish at home.

In 1915, Mamie met Dwight D. "Ike" Eisenhower, a second lieutenant in the United States Army, during a visit at Fort Sam Houston. They became romantically involved, with their engagement announced on Valentine's Day, 1916. Ike proposed on Saint Patrick’s Day, and they married on July 1, 1916, at the Doud family home in Denver. Their marriage lasted 52 years, until Ike's death in 1969.

As an army wife, Mamie moved frequently, living in 33 different homes over Ike’s 37-year military career. They served in various locations including Panama, the Philippines, France, and the United States. Mamie participated in community activities, such as helping establish a hospital in Panama. She contributed to household arrangements, often furnishing temporary military housing, and engaged with social activities among officers' wives, though she preferred to avoid gossip.

The couple had two sons. Their first, Doud Dwight "Icky" Eisenhower, was born September 24, 1917, and died of scarlet fever at age three on January 2, 1921. Their second son, John Sheldon Doud Eisenhower, was born on August 3, 1922, in Denver. John later served in the military, was the United States Ambassador to Belgium, and authored several books.

During the late 1920s and 1930s, Ike’s military assignments took the family abroad, including in Paris and the Philippines. Mamie supported her husband's career, encouraging him to accept various posts, and helped host social gatherings. During World War II, while Ike gained fame, Mamie stayed in Washington, D.C., contributing anonymously to wartime organizations and caring for her family. She saw her husband only once during his three years in Europe. Rumors of alcoholism and an affair with Ike’s chauffeur Kay Summersby circulated in the press, though evidence was lacking.

In her later years, Mamie managed White House affairs as First Lady from 1953 to 1961. She was known for controlling White House expenses and staff, hosting foreign dignitaries, and maintaining a household based on frugality. She had poor balance due to Ménière’s disease, which led to rumors of alcohol abuse. Mamie was recognized as a fashion icon for her style, including her bangs and frequent use of pink.

Post-presidency, the Eisenhowers purchased a farm near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which was their first owned home. Mamie’s husband served as president of Columbia University starting in 1948. After Ike's death in 1969, Mamie spent her retirement primarily at the Gettysburg farm before returning to Washington in her later years. She passed away on November 1, 1979, in Washington, D.C.