1950s America had a First Lady with whom it could truly identify.  Mamie shared the country’s popular interests and middle class values.  She made a home in the White House and at the Gettysburg farm for Ike and her family. 

Mamie watched soap operas, played scrabble, served TV dinners, wore noisy charm bracelets, and enjoyed listening to Lawrence Welk.  She proudly heralded her role as a traditional housewife saying, “Ike runs the country, I turn the pork chops.”

Mamie, however, endured criticism for her apparent lack of interest in championing a cause like Eleanor Roosevelt.  Critics ignored her public support of civil rights, her personal responses to over 1000 letters each month, and her launching of up to five charities a week.