Helen Woodrow Bones and the Wilson White House
In 1913, Helen Woodrow Bones entered the White House, stepping into a role that would evolve from administrative support to a pivotal emotional anchor for the First Family. Initially hired as the private secretary to First Lady Ellen Wilson, Bones's first major task was the logistical challenge of organizing tickets for the presidential inauguration events.
Her presence was an immediate relief to the Wilson family. Eleanor Wilson, the President's daughter, described Bones as working "like a small steam engine" to manage the overwhelming volume of correspondence. Beyond her efficiency, Bones provided a sense of warmth and continuity, maintaining a friendly rapport with President Woodrow Wilson and turning her room into a welcoming rendezvous for the family to gather for impromptu tea.
A Transition of Roles
Bones occupied a unique position in the early Wilson administration, blending professional administrative responsibilities with deep personal friendship. However, the dynamics of the household shifted in early 1914 as Ellen Wilson's health began to decline. During this period, Bones assumed additional hostess duties, responsibilities that became permanent following Ellen's death in August 1914.
In the wake of this loss, Bones and Margaret Wilson, the President's daughter, shared the role of surrogate First Lady. Their primary objective was to provide stability and support to the grieving President. The emotional toll of this period was significant; under the combined pressure of the President's grief and her own, Bones's health began to deteriorate.
The Introduction of Edith Galt
To aid in her recovery, the President's physician recommended that Bones take up walking for therapy. He suggested she be accompanied by Edith Galt, an elegant businesswoman and widowed socialite. The two women quickly formed a bond and became frequent walking companions.
This friendship led to a pivotal moment on March 18, 1915. Bones invited Galt for tea at the White House, timing the visit for a day when President Wilson was expected to be playing golf. When the President returned home early and joined them, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for the administration. On December 18, 1915—sixteen months after the passing of his first wife—Woodrow Wilson married Edith Galt.
Later Years and War Efforts
Helen Woodrow Bones remained a steadfast member of the Wilson household through the 1916 presidential election and the family's subsequent return to the White House. As the United States entered World War I, Bones shifted her focus toward civic duty, taking an active role in volunteer work alongside Edith Wilson.
Key Facts
- Initial Role: Private secretary to Ellen Wilson, starting in 1913.
- Surrogate Duties: Acted as a surrogate First Lady alongside Margaret Wilson after August 1914.
- Matchmaker: Introduced President Woodrow Wilson to Edith Galt through walking companionship.
- Timeline: Woodrow Wilson married Edith Galt on December 18, 1915.
- War Effort: Engaged in active volunteer work during World War I.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 | Bones joins White House staff | Organized inauguration tickets and managed correspondence. |
| 1914 | Death of Ellen Wilson | Bones assumes hostess and surrogate First Lady duties. |
| 1915 | Introduction of Edith Galt | Bones introduces Galt to the President during a tea visit. |
| 1915 | Marriage of Woodrow and Edith | President Wilson remarries on December 18. |
| 1916+ | Return to White House | Bones continues her role and begins WWI volunteer work. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Helen Woodrow Bones's original job at the White House?
She was hired in 1913 as the private secretary to First Lady Ellen Wilson, where she managed correspondence and organized tickets for inauguration events.
How did Bones support the President after the death of Ellen Wilson?
Bones served as a surrogate First Lady, sharing hostess duties with Margaret Wilson and providing emotional support to the President during his grief.
How did Helen Woodrow Bones meet Edith Galt?
Bones met Edith Galt after the President's doctor recommended that Bones take up walking for her health and suggested Galt, a widowed socialite, as a companion.
What role did Bones play in the marriage of Woodrow and Edith Wilson?
Bones facilitated their meeting by inviting Edith Galt to tea at the White House on March 18, 1915, which resulted in an unexpected meeting with the President.
What did Helen Woodrow Bones do during World War I?
Along with Edith Wilson, Bones took an active role in volunteer work during the war years.