As Obama is set to become the 44th President I am reminded of the great words of Theodore Roosevelt,"The only man who makes no mistake is the man who does nothing."
President Dwight D. Eisenhower and family (left) with Vice President Richard M. Nixon and his family (right), during the Inaugural ceremonies.Photo Paul Schutzer
The beautiful Babe Paley attending President Dwight Eisenhower's inaugural ball in 1953. Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt
First Lady Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower posing in her inaugural ball gown. Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s clutch was encrusted with 3,456 pink pearls.Photo by Nina Leen
Lady Bird Johnson, center, her daughters Luci Baines, left, and Lynda Bird, right, model their inaugural gowns in New York City January 12, 1961.
Jacqueline Kennedy and her husband, newly elected President John F. Kennedy, on the day of his Inauguration.Photo by Paul Schutzer
CIA head Allan W. Dulles walking to attend President-elect John F. Kennedy's inauguration.Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt
Vice President Lyndon Johnson chatting with President John Kennedy and Mrs. Kennedy at the President's inaugural ball in 1961.Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt
Jacqueline Kennedy in a gown by Mr. Cassini en route to an inaugural concert in 1961. Mr. Cassini achieved perhaps his greatest fame as the official wardrobe designer for the first lady.
Husband and wife actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh at President John F. Kennedy's inaugural ball.Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt
What a wonderful post - a unique perspective on inauguration day.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to see how often there is snow on inauguration day, not surprising given the date! The weather today, although cold, is quite beautiful.
Thank you so much for this lovely post! Great images- love the fashions of before and the elegance these women exude.
ReplyDelete- Johanne at www.fashioninmotion.wordpress.com
I agree, it is so wonderful to see the elegance and grace of those attending these events. It is so rare to see nowadays! Even at many "galas" you see women in cocktail length dresses.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Ronda! Thanks for the historical context.
ReplyDeleteA fine post. Doesn't Babe Paley look resplendent?
ReplyDeleteA neighbor of ours borrowed a gown from Mrs.E. as she felt that the long length suited the evening's festivities. Even though The Grateful Dead are the featured entertainment at the ball she will attend.
I know it's a big occasion, is Jerry coming back for the night?
ReplyDeleteGreat collection of photographs and great moments to remember.
ReplyDeleteWhat great irony...Allen Dulles walking to JFK's inauguration. I wonder if he was at JFK's funeral also? Unlikely.
ReplyDeleteTim Fleming
author,"Murder of an American Nazi"
www.eloquentbooks.com
http://leftlooking.blogspot.com
Wonderful photos! Ms. Paley was exquisite, Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s pink pearl encrusted clutch (3,456 pearls) is surprisingly, something most of us would love to have in our wardrobe today. Thanks for the beautiful post Rhonda!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the stroll down memory lane. Enjoying your blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the backward glance!
ReplyDeleteMrs Paley was breathtakingly elegant. To think that she once walked among us mere mortals...
I always tell my hairdresser when he asks how short to cut my bangs (ie. fringe)..."not as short as Mamie's".
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of days past. Jackie's still my favourite, but Michelle is a close second!!
Ronda, seeing Lady Bird with Luci Baines and Lynda Bird reminds me of an old joke told around Texas when they were in la Casa Blanca.
ReplyDeleteIt seems Lynda had a date and went into a local Washington shoe store. She advised the man waiting on her that one foot was slightly larger than the other because of a riding accident. The man assured her he could fit the daughter of the President of the United States, so she agreed to let him try.
He brought out the foot measuring devices with the numbers on sliders and put one under each foot. Sure enough one was slightly significantly larger than the other. He looked at her worriedly and said Miss Johnson, I am afraid to tell you this, but as you see here, we have a problem.
Lynda looked down at the silver devices on her feet, and said "no, not at all. These are the most beautiful and comfortable shoes I've ever had. Send the bill to Daddy!"