Before They Called Her, “Madame President.”: Mary Todd Lincoln
Luxury and comfort were not privy in most Kentucky homes during the early 1800s, however, for the home of Mary Todd, it was all she knew. The Todd home held several parlors for the entertainment of important guests and other aristocratic families, beautiful furnishings, silver dishes that reflected the sunlight through every window, and other fine possessions. It was the age of ladies and gentlemen. Hoop skirts and top hats bowed as the refined strolled their way across the bright, red brick streets of Lexington Kentucky. Born into a prominent aristocratic family, Mary had every advantage and privilege due to her family’s societal status. She was the descendant of Robert Parker and Levi Todd, who founded Lexington Kentucky in 1782. The Todd house was an impressive structure with fourteen rooms, which included twin parlors, a dining room, slave quarters, spacious bed chambers, and a beautiful garden behind the house. Each room was adorned with expensive wallpaper and drapes for the windows. Her surroundings contributed to Mary’s desire for finer amenities, most notably, clothing. Mary was enthralled by the latest Parisian fashions of the time.
