![]() ![]() Hordes of well-wishers came to Andrew Jackson’s New Year’s Day receptions.Īs the town grew, the New Year’s Day reception lines grew longer. (Presidents were expected to pay for their guests’ refreshments out of pocket until the time of Calvin Coolidge.) ![]() Refreshments were either very modest or not included. ![]() The purpose was to express cordiality to the general public. Public Presidential receptions differed somewhat from official or private ones. Thus, on New Year’s Day, 1801, the doors were open to any and all persons in Washington who wished to come by, shake his hand and exchange greetings.Ī year later, Jefferson, urbane and sophisticated, followed suit and cordially greeted any and all who wished to shake his hand on New Year’s Day. ![]() No formal invitations were needed.Īs Chief Occupant in the new President’s House in Washington, especially in a centennial year, Adams believed it was the “people’s” house, and it was incumbent upon him, its first resident, to extend hospitality. George Washington had instituted a Presidential open house reception on the 4th of July, both in New York and in Philadelphia. One of the earliest images of the White House – circa 1807. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |