Elizabeth Virginia “Bess” Wallace Truman—Born February 13, 1885 (Independence, MO). Died--October 18, 1982 (Independence, MO).
White House Years: 1945-1953
In her childhood, Bess Truman was an athlete; she excelled at baseball, figure skating, and tennis.
Bess Truman met her husband after his family moved to Independence in 1890. They went to the same school from fifth grade through high school. She turned down his first marriage proposal.
Bess Truman she did not like the limelight of being first lady, but she did what was necessary to fulfill the obligations of her significant role and was one of her husband’s most trusted advisors.
During the Truman administration the White House needed extensive renovations. Congress wanted to tear down the building, but Bess Truman argued to preserve the building’s structure and reuse as much of the building material from the original White House as possible.
Bess Truman lived to be 97, the longest of any first lady thus far, and she was also the first first lady to reach the age of 90.
Quote:
“I deplore any action which denies artistic talent an opportunity to express itself because of prejudice against race origin.
The Truman Library’s Celebration of Bess Truman’s Birthday is found at this link: