It all began with @Martha @Washington, the wife of the first president of the @United @States. When she took up residence in the @President's @House in New @York City in 1789, the @American people had a new interest -- their first lady. Since Martha Washington's time, the interest of the American people in the wife of their president has grown stronger and, sometimes, more affectionate.
From the moment her husband becomes president, a first lady's life is changed. She becomes a public figure -- a celebrity, whose face is seen in every magazine and newspaper and on every television screen. Her personal life has to take second place to her responsibilities as first lady. She becomes the country's official hostess, the person who welcomes the rulers of many nations to the United States in the name of the American people. Since the United States has become a leading power in the world, Washington has become a world capital as well as the national one. The first lady is now expected to be a hostess to the world, as well as to the nation. She must entertain people whose customs and language are completely different from those of the United States. And millions of people -- some tourists, some famous diplomats, some royalty -- pass though the White House each year.
