I thought I knew about first ladies and their lives full of philanthropy and family, but learning about Florence Harding this month completely upended all stereotypes! She was a single working mother who married a younger man and helped propel him into the White House. Popular and widely admired, her time in power was cut short by tragedy and scandal. Even today, the Harding administration is considered the most corrupt, which seems fitting as it was indicative of its time – the roaring 1920s.
Each month, I’ll detail the life of the first lady and their legacy. Then I’ll share what I learned while studying them, along with ways you can travel in their footsteps through historical sites and museums. I’ll also share books, podcasts, TV shows, and websites where you can learn even more about that first lady. Read all of the way through the blog post or click on the links below to go straight to those sections.
Life
Childhood
Florence “Flossie” Kling was born on August 15, 1860 in Marion, Ohio to Amos and Louisa Kling. Her father, a self-made wealthy business owner of German descent, wanted a son and raised little Flossie to be as hard-nosed and confident as a man even after her two younger brothers were born. Flossie loved spending time in the hardware store below their apartments where she was often found at his side while he expanded his business into banking and municipal services. Her favorite business was his foray into horse breeding, and she was known as the best woman equestrienne in the county.
She grew up in a new mansion in Marion and was well educated in city schools. She particularly loved playing the piano and was talented enough to gain entrance to a well-regarded Cincinnati musical school as a young woman. However, after just a few months, her father made her come home. After having a taste of freedom in Cincinnati, she chaffed under his tight control, sneaking out to go to roller rinks and parties.
Motherhood
In what can now be seen as the ultimate defiance of her father’s rules, Flossie became pregnant by her neighbor’s son – a “Romeo and Juliet” pairing as their fathers hated each other. Some historians believe she did this deliberately to get out from under her father’s control. Unfortunately, her beau, Henry “Petey” De Wolfe, was a drunk ne’er-do-well who never took care of Flossie or their son, Marshall, who was born on September 22, 1880.
Whether Florence and Petey actually eloped as they said is questionable as no records have been found of their marriage. While living in Galion, Ohio, Petey disappeared at the end of 1882, and Florence was left broke and alone with her son. She begged for a train ticket back to Marion but refused to go home. Instead, she spent the first night (Christmas Eve!) in an abandoned home and then moved in with a friend’s family. She had no money for food, so she began giving piano lessons. Her father wouldn’t speak to her, but her mother tried slipping her provisions when she could.
She spent the next several years giving piano lessons and providing a home for Marshall. Her father offered to let her come home, but she refused. However, when he offered to take Marshall and raise him as his own, she saw a way out of the grinding poverty of single motherhood. She accepted and ended all her obligations of motherhood. She never seemed to regret this decision.
“No man, father, brother, lover, or husband, can ruin my life. I claim the right to love the life the good Lord gave me, myself.” Florence Harding
Florence was active socially in Marion and enjoyed nights at the roller rink. She filed for divorce on May 5, 1886 and was granted it by gross neglect of duty. She took her maiden name back and moved on with a man who had attracted her attention.
Marriage
Warren G. Harding was an affable and handsome young newspaper owner when Florence met him either while she gave piano lessons to his sister or at the roller rink. He had a girlfriend but he and Florence were soon an item even though she was five years older than him! Florence saw in him potential for greatness, and he was attracted to her intelligence and drive. Her father disapproved of the relationship due to the rumors that Warren had an African-American ancestor. They tried to visit him, but he wouldn’t let Warren in the door.
Thirty-one-year-old Florence married Warren in a home they built on Mount Vernon Avenue in Marion on July 8, 1891 in front of three hundred guests, including her mother. Florence wore an ivory dress with a satin scroll design and ivory satin pumps. They honeymooned in Chicago, St. Paul, Yellowstone, and the Great Lakes, coming back to Marion to run the newspaper together. She kept using “Kling” as her middle name – the first First Lady with a “hyphenated” last name.
Florence made the newspaper her focus, especially as Warren struggled with his mental health and had to be hospitalized. She took over the business and improved its circulation by starting a home delivery service using young boys. “Mrs. Harding’s boys” were expected to adhere to her rules, and many grew up to be successful thanks to lessons learned under her care.
Warren was grateful for her business acumen and how she took care of him upon his return, calling her “Duchess” – a nickname that would follow her all the way to the White House. Florence didn’t like domestic chores, but she ensured they were done, running both a business and home with precision and care. She wasn’t interested in the usual ladies interests like home decor, visiting with friends, and charitable works, but instead she focused entirely on the newspaper.
One area she could not control was Warren’s straying eye. Even before their marriage, she had heard the rumors, and throughout their marriage, there was always another woman involved. He had a pathological compunction or addiction, and no amount of work could take away the pain. He allegedly got multiple other women pregnant during their marriage (never proven with DNA), but Florence never did have children with him – either by some lingering effect of Marshall’s birth or on purpose.
Her childhood best friend, Carrie Phillips, lived next door with her family, and while she remained Florence’s closest friend, she began an affair with Warren. This liaison would continue for years as the couples vacationed together. Florence had to know what was happening under her very nose and alluded to her anger in her journals.
While not a faithful husband, Warren was a good stepfather, giving Marshall a job at the paper and supporting him in college. Unfortunately, Marshall fell into his real father’s habits of gambling and drinking.
Florence and Warren started seeing a new doctor in 1897 by the name of Dr. Charles Sawyer. He was soon to be known as the Rasputin to Florence.
Political Wife
“I have only one real hobby – my husband.” Florence Harding
Warren became involved in Republican politics which were popular in Ohio (between 1868 and 1912, there were six Republican presidents hailing from Ohio!). Florence convinced Warren to run in an 1899 state senate race that he ended up winning in spite of her father’s involvement. She traveled with him to the state capital of Columbus, saying that a wife should “never let a husband travel alone.” Even under her sharp eye, he was able to see other women while there.
In 1904, Warren became lieutenant governor and often went to Washington where he caroused with friends like Congressman Nick Longworth, husband to Theodore Roosevelt’s spitfire daughter, Alice. Alice and Florence were more like frenemies – socializing together but inwardly hating each other.
Florence started experiencing serious health issues in 1905 as her kidneys stopped working. She had one bad kidney which had to be fixed in place with surgery, resulting in a five month-long stay in the hospital. While recovering, Warren continued his affair with Carrie Phillips, leaving behind torrid love notes that will make you blush. All while his wife was near-death.
Her father finally came around on Warren, and he took them to Europe when Florence recovered. Her son married and soon had two children, making Florence a “Goggy.” She still wasn’t very maternal and wasn’t a huge presence in their lives, especially when they moved to Colorado. She was there for them financially and made sure they were taken care of when Marshall died of tuberculosis in January of 1915.
Warren continued in the political space but lost a race for governor in 1910. Florence’s kidney issues flared up constantly, leaving Warren free to spend time with his mistresses. When Florence accidentally opened a letter from Carrie, she realized she couldn’t let Warren go so they came to an understanding to prevent divorce. He couldn’t win politically without her, and she would turn a blind eye to his affairs to stay in power. She would never speak to Carrie again.
“Love makes all men liars.” Florence Harding
In 1915, Florence moved to Washington as Warren was elected a US Senator from Ohio. She bought a beautiful home on Wyoming Avenue and filled it with opulent items. She reveled in the political world and enjoyed taking constituents on tours including the newly opened First Ladies exhibit at the Smithsonian. However, she found the social scene of Washington to be cold and unfriendly, especially its reigning queen, Alice Roosevelt Longworth.
She became good friends with a younger woman, Evalyn McLean, a socialite who owned the Hope diamond and whose husband owned The Washington Post. Evalyn had previously been best friends with Alice but soon grew closer to the older Florence. Their friendship would be the most important relationship in Florence’s life over the next decade as Evalyn was her only true friend.
Warren had found a new love interest, a star-struck teenager from Marion, Nan Britton. She had always had a crush on Warren Harding and was thrilled when he wanted to be more than friends in 1914. By 1919, he was having liaisons with her at his Senate office and it’s thought that she became pregnant, giving him a daughter she named Elizabeth. He never saw the child.
With the advent of WWI, Florence threw herself into war work, helping women coming to Washington for war jobs find lodging, visiting childcare facilities for these working women, and serving in the canteens along with Nellie Taft. Her favorite thing was to visit with wounded soldiers, a philanthropy she would continue in the White House. Her time as an invalid gave her a unique perspective on their plight.
It was around this time that Florence, always interested in the spiritual world, consulted with a tarot card reader (also used by Edith Wilson). This medium predicted Warren would win the presidency, but he would die a sudden death while in office. The office would bring tragedy to both Hardings.
“I can see but one word written over the head of my husband if he is elected and that word is ‘Tragedy.’” Florence Harding
As Warren’s name began to circulate in presidential circles, Florence courted the press and was actively involved in the campaign. After he won the Republican nomination, she sounded like a politician herself and made her own campaign promises like opening the White House grounds back up to the public. One newspaper even said “If Warren G. Harding is elected, there will be two presidents.”
The campaign was long and arduous with Florence traveling 20,000 miles with Warren in a whistle-stop tour after their folksy “front-porch campaign.” She helped forge the first partisan use of Hollywood entertainers with movie stars and singers singing, “Mr. Harding, you’re the man for us” on their front porch.
Warren’s mistresses were the only things that could prevent his election. Carrie tried to blackmail him with their tawdry love letters and succeeded in getting a monthly payment and a trip to Japan (paid for by the Republican Committee to keep her away during the election!). Nan tried introducing him to his daughter but it never happened. Another mistress, Grace Cross, tried to blackmail him as well but was unsuccessful. Nothing could stop the Hardings, and they won in a landslide. Florence was the first First Lady to be able to vote for her husband!
Florence got to ride in a hydroplane as the incoming first lady – the first one to fly! She also visited the current first lady, Edith Wilson, and shopped in New York for inaugural clothes. While at the hotel, a guard was placed at Warren’s door to prevent him from seeing one of his ladies who also got a room at the hotel.
First Lady
“Well, Warren Harding, I have got you the presidency. What are you going to do with it?” Florence Harding
Inauguration Day of March 4, 1921 was clear and cold. Florence wore a “Harding blue” blouse and skirt with a heavy wrap that had a chinchilla collar (see her inaugural gown here). She rode with Edith to the Capitol and repeated the oath as Warren took it.
That afternoon, she opened the gates to the White House grounds as promised. When a senator mentioned that Frances Cleveland or Dolley Madison were considered the most successful first ladies, Florence said, “Watch me.”
She loved being first lady whether it was dealing directly with the press or meeting the public. She gave more press interviews that other First Ladies combined and was the first one to give a radio address. She was the first First Lady to “act” in newsreels as moving videos became more popular. She also was the first First Lady to have Secret Service protection. At sixty years old, she was the oldest First Lady at the time. She had a lack of pretentiousness that was unseen by a first lady in quite some time.
“Mrs. Harding wants to be the drum major for every band that passes.” Warren Harding
She redecorated the private quarters in her signature Harding blue (including their twin beds) but she didn’t focus on the usual first lady priorities of decor or social engagements. She had a signature black velvet choker and was always smartly dressed (see this beautiful gown!).
She became involved in many social issues including animal rights and women’s workplace rights. She was especially passionate about aiding the Great War soldiers, giving them rides around town and encouraging Warren to start the Veterans Affairs bureau. She gave an annual garden party just for wounded veterans – her “boys.”
She did do some traditional entertaining with Easter egg rolls and state dinners, and she loved to surprise White House tourists on tours. Nellie Taft often joined her during social events, and even Democrat Edith Wilson came around to like Florence. There was a slight competition between her and the younger wife of the vice president, Grace Coolidge, but Grace’s charm helped smooth over any ruffled feathers.
The chief White House usher, Ike Hoover, however, did not like the Hardings. He observed Warren’s decadent parties and disapproved of their lifestyle. Warren even took to attending parties arranged by Evalyn’s husband at a nearby “love nest” where one of his “girls” died from a whiskey bottle to the head. How much Florence knew is questionable.
Warren leaned on Florence more than any president to that point. She talked with Cabinet secretaries directly and corresponded with Congressmen about issues. She was a born politician and leader, more so than her husband who was good-hearted but corrupt. She made sure that Warren supported civil rights, and they both were not prejudiced on race or religion. The only political issue that Florence didn’t affect is foreign policy; however she was his eyes and ears during the international conference on disarmament held at the DAR hall in 1921 (now the DAR library).
Her grandchildren never visited them at the White House, and her only true friend was Evalyn. With Warren carousing around, even on a Christmas break in Florida, Florence had to be lonely. Her sole companion was her trusty dog, Laddie Boy, who was a celebrity himself.
1922 dawned with her hosting a New Year’s reception that over 7,000 people attended. The hardships started piling up, however, as railroad workers and coal miners went on strike. Warren was also involved in several scandals at the Interior and Veterans departments as well as his usual affairs, this time in an office next to the Oval Office. Florence’s health started to deteriorate with all of these things weighing on her mind and she was very sick by the end of August. After a sail down the Potomac on the presidential yacht, she almost died from septicemia with her kidneys. She willed herself to live but wasn’t out of the woods until early December. The country had a national vigil to restore her back to health.
Warren became sick in early 1923 as the scandals started piling up (Teapot Dome, veterans affairs, etc.). Some officials involved in the scandals also died in mysterious ways leading to much speculation about the Hardings’ involvement.
The only thing Florence had to look forward to was the summer trip she was planning through the western states and all of the way to Alaska. Before leaving, she consulted her fortune teller who told her that Warren would die soon.
They left on June 20, 1923 on their “Voyage of Understanding” and spent the next several weeks giving dozens of speeches at the various train stops. Warren’s health continued to deteriorate, leaving him with blue lips which Dr. Sawyer discounted (a sign of cardiovascular disease). The trip was tinged with tragedy as three press members died when their car fell into a ravine and another wreck killed a train engineer.
They took a boat to Alaska and enjoyed being the first presidential couple to see the rugged land. However, they both were sick with Warren in critical condition after being poisoned with Alaskan crab meat. Dr. Sawyer insisted on treating him with emetics which worsened his condition. By the time they made it to Seattle, Florence made an executive decision to skip Yosemite and head straight to San Francisco for recuperation. A Navy doctor diagnosed Warren with a heart attack but Dr. Sawyer disagreed. He continued treating Warren with Florence’s permission. At one point, Florence thought she needed a home on the West coast for Warren’s convalescence. There is some record that she took money from an association under an antitrust investigation which would make her a direct party to an illegal payoff for personal profit.
On August 2, 1923, Warren died at San Francisco’s Palace Hotel with Florence by his side. There are some questions as to who was there and what was done to treat him but the differing accounts don’t matter. The president was dead. Florence was stoic in his death and decided there would be no autopsy (which would cause nasty rumors of her involvement to linger for decades). Future First Lady Lou Hoover was with her during this difficult time.
Widowhood
The Harding funeral train slowly made its way across America as millions watched in honor of the fallen president. Florence rarely left her bed but the press praised her composure when arriving in Washington. She planned his Washington lying in state and small family funeral in Marion. She came back to Washington where she moved her personal items out of the White House and even gave her dog away.
Florence’s main objective was to burn Warren’s presidential papers to avoid linking him to any of the scandals. She spent five nights destroying his papers in the Oval Office and then took the rest of his papers to Evalyn’s house where she created a huge bonfire. She then went back to Marion and burned many papers there. Thankfully, she didn’t get to all of the papers.
Florence didn’t enjoy being in Marion so she moved back to Washington in early 1924. By this time, the Harding scandals had exploded, and she was ostracized from the Coolidge White House and most social occasions. She spent most of her time with Evalyn and looked to buy a home.
However, her kidney ailment flared again, and Dr. Sawyer insisted that she come back to Marion to be treated. She moved into his sanitarium and died there on November 20, 1924. She was buried with Warren in their joint plot, separate from her son and father. After her death, her name was besmirched as the fortune teller she used tried to cash in on her association. Now the Harding name is synonymous with scandal and an example of the excesses of the Roaring Twenties.
Legacy
Florence Harding is usually listed at the bottom of any lists of first ladies, which is surprising as she was hugely popular during her term. She is tainted by her association with scandal and with Warren’s dishonorable actions. How much did she know? Did she approve of the schemes or was she an innocent party?
Her stern demeanor and lack of any maternal warmth also harm her legacy. Without a family to tell your story after you’re gone, it’s left up to historians who look at both Hardings with disdain. Plus it’s hard to read about her giving up her son and not having much to do with him through the rest of his life without thinking badly about her.
Both the Hardings are not held in high esteem by many of today’s historians (except the two who took part in the C-SPAN program listed below!).
My Time with Florence
I had a hard time liking Florence while researching her life. Yes, she struggled as a single mother and made a better life for herself and her son, but at what cost? Plus her struggles were entirely from her bad decisions that were all related to getting revenge on her father. She was too much like him – they were both cold and hard-hearted. I can’t imagine passing my father on the street and not speaking to him or turning away my poor daughter who can’t feed her own child. They both were wretched.
And her marriage – all I can say is wow. What a sordid tale that leaves you sad for her on one hand but also wondering if she really cared. She seemed to come into the marriage with eyes open on Warren’s failings, but it must have hurt. It was more of a partnership than a true marriage.
She reminded me so much of Hillary Rodham Clinton when reading about her political acumen and dealings with Warren’s women. What other first lady has been called the “co-president?” What other first lady had her husband’s affairs blasted across tawdry papers? What other first lady cared little for traditional first lady duties and wanted to focus on policy? Both Florence and Hillary stand out.
I can’t say I enjoyed this month’s study of Florence, but I am glad to know more about her.
Travels with Florence
Florence traveled more as First Lady than any other before her, but most of her life was spent in one Ohio town.
Ohio
Marion
The hometown of Florence and Warren is where you’ll find the only historical sites dedicated to them. Florence’s childhood home no longer exists but you can see the home she made with Warren.
Harding home, presidential library, museum, and memorial
This historical site consists of the home where Florence married Warren and where they conducted their “front-porch campaign.” The site also has a museum and a new presidential library. The Harding memorial where Florence and Warren are buried is also a part of the museum complex.
126 South Main Street
This is the storefront where Florence was born on the second floor.
Washington, DC
2314 Wyoming Avenue, NW
This private home is where Florence and Warren lived while he was a senator.
To Learn More
Books to Read:
Not many books are written about Florence, but you can find many about this time period that give you insight into their world.
Links are Amazon affiliate links. Be sure to see my Bookshop.org list for all of the books related to my Booking It Through History: First Ladies project.
Nonfiction:
Florence Harding: The First Lady, The Jazz Age, And The Death Of America’s Most Scandalous President by Carl Sferrazza Anthony
A long and detailed look at Florence’s life. It was a bit of a slog, but it taught me so much about her life. Almost too much about Warren’s affairs!
First Lady Florence Harding: Behind the Tragedy and Controversy by Katherine A. S. Sibley
A much more readable biography, this looks at Florence in a positive light and doesn’t focus on her husband’s philandering.
Fiction:
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Enter the decadent world of booze and bacchanalia in this tale of tragedy after splendor – much like the Hardings’ life.
TV Shows/Movies
C-SPAN First Ladies: Influence and Image – watch to see videos of Florence!
Podcasts
Presidential (content warnings – don’t listen with children!)
The First Ladies – episodes 2, 8, and 11
Websites
Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites
White House Historical Society
- Mourning Warren G. Harding online exhibit
- Ornament: The White House ornament honoring the Hardings is actually two ornaments – a train engine and the presidential Pullman car that they took on their western trip.
Florence Harding wasn’t my favorite first lady to study, but she was a force to be reckoned with in American history. She deserves to be remembered and studied as a modern woman stuck in a difficult time.
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