Lou Henry Hoover—Born March 29, 1874 (Waterloo, Iowa). Died January 7, 1944 (New York City, NY).
White House Years: 1929-1933
First Lady Lou Hoover was an experienced outdoorswoman; her father took her on many camping trips when she was young, and she became an excellent horsewoman, hunter, and occasional taxidermist.
Lou Hoover met her future husband in a geology class at Stanford University in 1894. They both shared an interest in rocks, minerals, and mining.
The Hoovers lived an adventurous life, living on four continents while raising their two sons.
Before becoming first lady she took an active role in the Girl Scout program, and she served as its president.
When she became first lady, Lou Hoover spent her own money to reproduce furniture from the James Monroe administration for a White House sitting room. She and her husband often held privately funded events at the White House while the nation was going through the Great Depression.
Firsts:
Lou Henry Hoover was the first woman to graduate with a geology degree from Stanford University.
Lou Hoover was the first first lady to broadcast a speech.