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Most presidents complain of a lack of privacy in the White House, and few presidents valued private time with his family more than did Rutherford B. Hayes. After 120 years, however, there can be little harm in our looking in on the Hayes family at home. In the first Christmas excerpt we see how even on Christmas day politics was never far from the president's mind. In the second passage we learn more about Christmas customs in the White House. In the entry from Hayes' last New Year's Day in the White House we learn more about what the Hayes family did for fun, while also learning more about how Hayes felt about his impending retirement after four years in the Executive Mansion.
The Lucy referred to is Hayes' wife, while Fanny and Scott are his young children. "Ruddy" is Rutherford, Jr., who was about 20 years old at the time he is mentioned.
25th December, 1878. A happy day for Fanny and Scott. Lucy not quite well. Mrs. Austin and Lizzy and Lena Scott visiting us. Ruddy at home. More presents than ever before. But a long day!
We are prosperous—our main ideas more acceptable than ever—Resumption seems assured—The Southern policy safely vindicated.——We both long to be at home, and free and at peace! Two years more of responsibility, care, and labor!
Xmas, 1880. As usual the gifts were collected in one room (in this case the red chamber) and the children, servants, and friends in another (the library) and on the ringing of a bell at the door, Scott & Fan ran and brought a single article well concealed by wrappings to me. After some delays and guesses, it is found whose gift it is. All got something. Scott & Fanny, many things. All at least a $5.00 gold piece.
Sunday, 2d January, 1881. Our New Years ceremonies passed off well—the papers say with "unwonted brilliancy." Lucy had gathered a fine bevy of young ladies as our guests.... A very fair promise of enjoyment for the next few weeks. We begin to long for home and freedom, more and more as the time draws nearer. Very cold weather for two weeks—lately the coldest known in Washington in many years.... Snow a foot deep and good sleighing. Twice riding with Hawkins, once with Mrs. Senator Hill, and today with [Secretary of the Treasury] Sherman. I am soon to become a private citizen—to be entitled to the privileges and immunities of that honorable and enviable position. To have a right to manage my own affairs without intrusion. If not one of the wealthy citizens of our State, I trust I shall always be ready to offer to friends that best part of hospitality, a hearty welcome to my home, and to those who need it that part of charity cheerfully given according to my means.
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| The portion written by Stephen Cresswell is © 1996 by Stephen Cresswell |