Three-Ten Club learns of Madison, Monroe and Coolidge

CROWLEY - The home of Letza Fogleman was the setting for the Oct. 20 meeting of the Three-Ten Club.
Co-hostesses for the event were Ann Sibley and Kay Frugé.
The meeting was called to order by president Suzanne Gray, and M’elise Trahan led the group in the recitation of the club collect and the Pledge of Allegiance.
After the reading of the minutes and the treasurer’s report, reports were given by the various committee chairs.
The program for the evening, presented by Frugé, was entitled, “Contrasting Styles: Dolly Madison, Elizabeth Monroe and Grace Ann Goodhue Coolidge.”
The lives of the wives of the fourth, fifth and 13th United States presidents unfolded as Frugé shared what she had learned about the three first ladies.
While Madison and Monroe faced similar challenges in that America and its government were very young and the role of the president’s spouse was not very well-defined, they were complete opposites in personality, demeanor and confidence.
Madison was warm, outgoing, vivacious, politically aware and well-liked, with a strong sense of duty to her husband and country.
Conversely, Monroe was very reserved, some felt to the point of being unfriendly, was uninterested in her husband’s presidency and tended to present herself as American royalty, which made her quite unpopular.
As the first lady for the 13th president, Coolidge served in a more modern time and her challenges were very different.
Coolidge was educated, had held a job as a teacher for the deaf and was physically active in the outdoors.
Stylish and poised — even glamorous — she was also passionate about animals and their wide assortment of family pets.
Though hardly outspoken, she was true to her chosen causes and maintained a warm yet dignified atmosphere in her White House.
She also began the modern practice of making America’s White House a living museum and initiated the documentation of the lives of all of the first ladies.
In spite of their contrasts, all three women had certain commonalities, such as serving with their husbands for more than one term of office, suffering the tragic loss of children, and being faced with years of personal sacrifice and great tests of their courage.
The program concluded with a few moments of discussion, followed by the enjoyment of refreshments.
In addition to those previously mentioned, members in attendance were Carolyn Barousse, Adele Carr, Bobbie delaHoussaye, Isabella delaHoussaye, Virginia Duson, Flo Faulk, Joan Finley, Jackie Fogleman, Mary Freeland, Sissy Gall, Brucie Landry, Patty Lawrence, Sandy Melancon, Louise Morrow, Gretchen Ohlenforst, Georgie Petitjean, Peggy Sandidge, Esther Trahan and Alice Whiting.
Associate members in attendance were Sarah Bercier, Florette Bergeron, Barbara Geesey and Elaine Wright.