White House Civilities for Incomings

During her residence in the White House, Mrs. Grover Cleveland stood up in all the beauty of her young womanhood and bravely shook hands with the mighty public until she had to take her rings and gloves off, until her fingers were swollen, her arm was lame and her hand was like a puff ball. After every reception her maid had a solution ready to bathe her dislocated members, and it was often necessary to rip her sleeve up in order to get it off. 

 

It is an unwritten law of etiquette that the family of the out-going President should receive the family of the incoming President at the White House on inauguration day and immediately after the ceremonies at the Capitol. President and Mrs. Cleveland made an exception and asked President-elect and Mrs. Harrison to dine with them at the White House on the evening preceding the day of the inauguration. They did not, however, remain in the White House on inauguration day, and when President and Mrs. Harrison went there the employees and servants alone received them. President Harrison will observe the usual etiquette and will omit no courtesy. After the ceremonies at the Capitol Mr. Harrison will return to the White House, where Mrs. McKee will remain, and, as the outgoing hostess, will assist him in receiving President and Mrs. Cleveland. — Philadelphia Times, March, 1893

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia