Helen Taft
Helen Taft, the first lady from 1909 to 1913, defied the norms of her time and exhibited a spirited personality, earning her the label of a “firecracker” by C-SPAN. Despite her ambition and early political aspirations, the Siena College study surprisingly places her close to the bottom of the list, offering her the lowest scores for leadership, accomplishments, and public image. Known for her trailblazing actions, Helen was the first to ride alongside her husband in the Inauguration Parade, own and drive a car, and initiate the planting of cherry trees around the Tidal Basin. Additionally, she became the inaugural first lady to donate her inaugural gown to the Smithsonian Museum, laying the foundation for a popular exhibit. Unfortunately, her White House impact was overshadowed by a stroke in May 1909, leading to a year-long period of rehabilitation and speech relearning. Despite her notable contributions, her highest score in the study was for her value to her husband.
Image Credit: Harris & Ewing, photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons