Helen Taft was a very progressive First Lady. She used her celebrity to increase public awareness of the major issues of the early twentieth century. For instance, she abhorred racial discrimination and was a tireless crusader for racial equality. Secondly, Helen was extremely passionate about women's rights. Also, Mrs. Taft was deeply concerned with the plight of immigrants, especially young women who had come to America in search of a better life. In addition, Helen sought to foster religious tolerance. Furthermore, Helen became interested in environmental causes. Finally, Helen brought her love of music with her to Washington. For these reasons, Helen Taft is a remarkable First Lady.
Mrs. Taft's Anti-racism CrusadeHelen was highly disturbed by the treatment of African-Americans. Therefore, she used her own privileged position to raise awareness of the need for racial equality. She hired many African-Americans as White House staff members. She even helped fund a kindergarten for African-American children.
Liberated Woman
Helen loved politics and was an ardent supporter of voting rights for women. Women's suffrage had been an issue for almost a century by the time of Helen's tenure as First Lady and had become legal in the Wyoming Territory in 1869, but women in the rest of the country could not vote until 1920. Even though Helen was no longer First Lady at this point, she was an outspoken women's rights advocate for the remainder of her life. Her influence undoubtedly impacted the eventual passage of the Nineteenth Amendent to the U.S. Constitution.
A Voice for the OppressedHelen also advocated for the rights of immigrants. For example, she intervened in the case of a young boy whose speech problem caused him to be denied entry into the U.S. As a result of Helen's intervention, the boy was allowed entry. Mrs. Taft was particularly concerned with the plight of female immigrants. She publicly decried the squalid working conditions of factories in which young immigrant girls were employed and prompted a congressional investigation of these factories.
Peace and Harmony
For the Taft's twenty-fifth wedding anniversary party, Helen invited diverse guests, including Catholic priests, Protestant ministers, and Jewish rabbis to the White House. This ahead-of-its-time gesture was symbolic of the progressive spirit of unity.
Beautifying D.C.Helen wanted to foster an attitude of national pride. Accordingly, she set out to make the nation's capital more beautiful. She is perhaps most famous for the Japanese cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin. Helen herself planted the first two cherry trees there in March 1912.
World Music
Helen loved music, and she wanted to share this love with the nation. Before William Howard Taft became president, he and his family had lived in the Philippines. In honor of a lovely Manila park called the Luneta that hosted live musical performances, Helen hosted many musicals and concerts on the White House grounds every summer during her four years (1909-13) as America's First Lady.
Source:
Harris, Bill. The First Ladies Fact Book, p. 384-87. New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, Inc., 2005.
