Mary's Reputation

[Deb@Library]

I read that Mary was determined to show the world that the 'U.S.' was a great power which was why she dressed accordingly. She also upgraded the decorations in the White House (true, exceeding her appropriation) from a "second-rate hotel" to one the nation could be proud of. The public, as was commonplace then, often roamed the White House and took pieces of the drapes, knicknacks, etc., as souvenirs of their visit. When the Lincolns moved in, there were holes in the floors and carpets, the state china was incomplete, and the walls were filthy with accumulated smoke stains and soot. This was something Mary could tackle. If only she'd shopped locally ...