A Brief History of the White House Kitchen

The Host with the Most
Not all First Ladies embrace their role as First Hostess with the gusto that Mamie Eisenhower did. She helped plan many state dinners, got involved with menus and even reportedly helped craft grocery lists. In this 1958 photograph, Mrs. Eisenhower, a career homemaker, discusses a menu with Maître d'Hôtel Charles Ficklin in the main kitchen.

• Presidential First Dogs