Florence Mabel Kling Harding

Websites

First Ladies National Library Biography of Florence Harding

White House Historical Association: Florence Harding

Papers/letters collections

Florence Harding: Manuscripts

Florence K. Harding Diary, Correspondence, and Financial Records Collection

Historical sites

Florence Harding Gravesite

Fascinating details

• Florence Harding was the oldest woman, at 61 years, to assume the job of first lady.
• She was a large supporter of the feminist movement through President Harding’s presidential campaign and during his presidency. 
• She revived the White House Easter Egg Roll after it had been suspended for several years. 
• She was very strategic with what she shared with reporters, leaving the public in the dark about her and her husband’s health issues. As such, the public was ill prepared to receive the news of President Harding’s death, and fifteen months later, her own death.
• She burned several of President Harding’s letters, papers, and documents after scandals of the Harding administration were publicized.