Tuesday, January 20

Inauguration Day

With Obama's inauguration just hours away, thousands upon thousands have descended on Washington, D.C., to attend the ceremony, parade and inaugural balls. Over the past few days I have accumulated a few historic photos from past celebrations.

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

13 comments:

Things That Inspire said...

What a wonderful post - a unique perspective on inauguration day.

It 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.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this lovely post! Great images- love the fashions of before and the elegance these women exude.
- Johanne at www.fashioninmotion.wordpress.com

Karena said...

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.

Leciawp said...

Beautiful post Ronda! Thanks for the historical context.

Easy and Elegant Life said...

A fine post. Doesn't Babe Paley look resplendent?

A 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.

ALL THE BEST said...

I know it's a big occasion, is Jerry coming back for the night?

MEADE DESIGN GROUP said...

Great collection of photographs and great moments to remember.

Anonymous said...

What great irony...Allen Dulles walking to JFK's inauguration. I wonder if he was at JFK's funeral also? Unlikely.

Tim Fleming
author,"Murder of an American Nazi"
www.eloquentbooks.com
http://leftlooking.blogspot.com

Charlie said...

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!

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

Thanks for the stroll down memory lane. Enjoying your blog.

Toby Worthington said...

Thanks for the backward glance!
Mrs Paley was breathtakingly elegant. To think that she once walked among us mere mortals...

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I always tell my hairdresser when he asks how short to cut my bangs (ie. fringe)..."not as short as Mamie's".

Lovely photos of days past. Jackie's still my favourite, but Michelle is a close second!!

Anonymous said...

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.

It 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!"