HISTORY

Open House Every Wednesday

Prior to the war of 1812, Dolley Madison opened to White House to guests every Wednesday. Everyone was welcome, no invitations were required. Both Federalists and Republicans were warmly greeted by Dolley, and they frequently attended, as she was well known for her neutral stance É allowing all members of the government to feel welcome. Dolley was a smart politician. One of Madison's preidential opponents, Charles Pinckney, declared: I might have had a better chance if I had faced Mr. Madison alone.

Dolley's open house Wednesdays were some popular that the day war was declared the anti-war Federalists had returned (after an absence of a week over the war fever) and another guest was the Minister of Great Britain.

Imagine. You could just show up at the White House and walk in ... every Wednesday.