When first ladies meet: An awkward post-election White House tradition

Mamie Eisenhower hated moving out of the White House. She loved the perks and the power, surely. But with her husband having served overseas through World War II, what she really relished was the companionship. Never had she spent so much time with Ike as she did during their eight years at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

It was no surprise, then, that the outgoing first lady resented her successor.

Mamie’s husband was being replaced by a Democrat, and her own role was being assumed by a woman she sneeringly referred to as “the college girl.” Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s beauty, her modern touch, and her youthful, cutting-edge style would soon eclipse Mrs. Eisenhower’s frumpy shirtwaist dresses, pearl chokers and short bangs.