April 18, 2022
In 1940 All Hallows Guild hosted the second annual Flower Mart on the Cathedral’s Pilgrim Steps. In attendance at the event was White House resident First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Mrs. Roosevelt was interested in seeing the wares brough to the “Market” by local farmers’ wives. Mrs. Edith Wilson, wife of the 28th President Woodrow Wilson, participated in Flower Mart 1940 by serving as a cashier at one of booths. Mrs. Wilson regularly attend Flower Mart for many years.
Eight First Ladies have opened or attended Flower Mart – several were “Second Ladies” at the time they attended:
Eleanor Roosevelt
Edith Wilson
Bess Truman
Mamie Eisenhower
Pat Nixon
Jackie Kennedy
Lady Bird Johnson
Barbara Bush
Barbara Bush attended Flower Mart in 1990 – the year that the last of the Cathedral’s pinnacles was raised. Laura Bush did not personally attend Flower Mart, but visited the Bishop’s Garden with her Texas Garden Club. When unable to attend in person, many First Ladies – including Barbara Bush, Laura Bush, Rosalyn Carter, Hillary Clinton, and Nancy Reagan – have sent letters of greeting and congratulations.
This year we are pleased to announce that former First Lady Rosalyn Carter will serve as Honorary Flower Mart Chairperson – along with District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser.
