Presidential Inaugurals...Always a Party?

Until the ratification of the 20th amendment in 1933, Presidential inaugurals were always held on March 4th --or 5th when the 4th fell on a Sunday.  At the time of George Washington's inaugural (which incidentally was scheduled for March 4th, but because of problems counting electoral votes was pushed back to April 30th) took place in New York City.  The whole process was pretty low key compared to today's standards.  The  oath was given on the balcony of Federal Hall, followed by the shortest inaugural speech on record, delivered in the Senate chamber.  There were no Inaugural Balls at that time, however, a ball was given in honor of the new president a week later in New York.

In March of 1809 in the weeks leading up to her husband's inaugural, Dolley Madison was asked by the commandant of the Washington Navy Yard, Captain Tom Tinge for permission and sponsorship of a dinner and dance.  Dolley, being the hostess with the mosstest so to speak-- gladly gave her consent.  The dance was to be held the evening of the inaugural.  Thus the first inaugural ball was born.  The cost for attending the first inaugural?  About $4.00.  The menu for the night included champagne, brandy punch, wild game, oysters, terrapin, "Meringue Parisian," and "Charlotte Chantilly." The dancing went until midnight.

There have been times when inaugural balls haven't exactly gone according to plan.  The 1873 inaugural of Ulysses S. Grant had a few snafus, to say the least.  In an unheated (?)  temporary wooden building constructed for the occasion,  champagne turned to slush, oysters froze, and violin strings snapped. The  guests were forced to dance in their hats and coats just to keep warm!  To top off the occasion, 100 canaries were brought in to add to the festivities.  Unfortunately, it was so cold in the building, the poor things froze to death!

Time certainly have changed. Eventually after 1933, the inaugurals were moved to January 20th.  The lavishness of the parties varied with the times.  The 32nd President, Franklin Roosevelt had neither an inaugural ball or parade in 1945. The country was wracked by World War II, and Franklin's health was failing.  Conversely, in 1981, the first inaugural of Ronald Reagan boasted a $500.00 per plate dinner at the Kennedy Center. 

Bill Clinton, the 42nd President holds the record for the most inaugural balls at 14. However, after waiting in an hour and a half coat check line, guests feasted on boxed wine was served, ham and cheese sandwiches cost $5.50.  While you might comment that the Clinton's were getting back to the origins of the inaugural ball, I tend to think that others might think that quantity doesn't always guarantee quality!

Presidential Inaugurals often reflect society at the time, or the personality of the newly elected President.  If Dolley Madison could come back and see what the festivities have become, do you think she would have taken a pass on Captain Tinge's request back in 1809?  Perhaps not, but I think she might have put some guidelines down on paper!