2020-01-31 Fri

Helen Taft was the first lady of the United States of America and the wife of William Howard Taft the 27th President of the United States of America from 1909 to 1913. William Howard Taft had also served his country as the 10th chief justice of the United States of America.

As the first lady of the United States of America, Helen Taft was very active. She had a bandstand built at the Tidal Basin so the Marine Band could play there on Sundays. She also supported the establishment of the First Ladies Collection at the Smithsonian, Starting the custom of first ladies donating their inaugural gowns to the institution.

Helen Taft is best known for the Japanese cherry tree around the Tidal Basin, which she received from the mayor of Tokyo as a gift to American people. She also continued to remain active in Washington while former President Taft served as Supreme Court chief justice and continued to live in the capital until her death in 1943.

Image Courtesy: usmint.gov