Title: Oil Portrait of Edith Bolling Galt Wilson

Description: Edith Bolling Galt Wilson, born in Virginia and widowed, met President Wilson in 1915. The President, whose first wife, Ellen, had passed away in 1914, was captivated by this lovely woman. Their secret courtship led to marriage on December 18, 1915. In 1917, Edith Wilson created the White House China Room when she ordered glass cabinets to hold and display china from earlier administrations. After President Wilson’s stroke, she cared for him. Mrs. Wilson delegated tasks to other department heads and carefully screened what was brought to the president’s attention.

Date: 1916

Creator: Adolpho Muller-Ury

Credit: White House Historical Association (White House Collection)