Dinner With The Presidents

Stepping into the shoes of a former White House chief usher, the staff person who manages events for the president’s family, Judy Bernstein made a foray into social history Sunday at the Huntington Public Library.

Bernstein offered a string of anecdotes and history tidbits while pretending to be James West, an usher who worked for six families, from the Franklin Roosevelts to the Nixons. West co-authored a best-selling book, “Upstairs at the White House,” in 1973.

Jackie Kennedy brought an end to formal receiving lines, making it acceptable for the president and first lady to mingle freely with the guests, Bernstein said. She ushered in mixed bouquets rather than stiff floral arrangements, and also brought an end to the custom of women withdrawing to a separate room after a meal.

What did President Kennedy like to drink? Milk, and lots of it. What was his favorite break? Tea at 4 p.m. with cinnamon raisin toast and marmalade. His favorite food? Waffles, with plenty of maple syrup. And, she said, the Kennedys all liked soup, “Hyannisport Cape Cod soup ‑ fish chowder.”

Bernstein’s talk was filled with anecdotes about first families over the years, and she offered a slew of stories in honor of Presidents Day, along with a pamphlet explaining a state dinner and showing some behind-the-scenes activity.

Abigail and John Adams were set to leave the White House and return to their Massachusetts’ home after his term ended when she was told she had to hold a reception for departing members of the diplomatic corps. In those days, though, presidents entertained at their own expense, and the Adams were broke. Just when Abigail was wondering what she would do, she received a 114 pound turtle on the doorstep, and the day was saved.

Thomas Jefferson was known for wanting to be considered one of the people. He stopped the tradition of bowing and was the first public official to shake hands. He also bought a round table so everyone would be considered equal where they sat.

Jefferson gave America its culinary diversity, Bernstein said, based on his travels in Europe and sophisticated palate. He tried waffles in Holland and enjoyed them so much he brought back the first waffle iron to America, she said. Jefferson learned about pasta in Naples, as well as figs, teas, oranges, olive oils, anchovies and vanilla during his travels.

His crowning culinary achievement? Ice cream. “Forget Dolley Madison – it was Thomas Jefferson who brought back ice cream,” from Holland, Bernstein said.

Dolley Madison may have learned about it, though, when she acted as hostess for Thomas Jefferson in the White House after he was widowed. When her husband, James, was elected president she became known as “Queen Dolley” and Madame Hospitality. She started the Easter egg rolling contest on the lawn, a tradition that continues today, and also is remembered for saving the china, silver and the Stewart portrait of George Washington when the British invaded Washington, D.C., in 1814.

Abraham Lincoln cared little about convention and was mostly indifferent to food, according to companions, although he seemed to like apples and hot coffee. When Lincoln was asked to choose the menu for his inaugural luncheon at the Willard Hotel, he chose mock-turtle soup, corned beef and cabbage, boiled potatoes and blackberry pie, a simple meal.

Along with the many stories Bernstein shared, several members of the Friends of the Library baked a series of well-received snacks based on recipes (formerly called receipts) from the “Presidents’ Cookbook: Practical Recipes from George Washington to the Present,” by Poppy Cannon and Patricia Brooks.

Ethan Rafferty, 6, a first grader, said the Lincoln story was his favorite, along with the story about the turtle being left at the White House for Abigail Adams.

He chatted with Bernstein about how she got started. She was a performer as well as a teacher who taught oral communication. “I put the two together,” she said, “and I love history. You just want to bring it to life.”

Bernstein, of Brockton, Mass.,  has performed at the White House Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. along with several presidential libraries, including the Bush library in Texas.

Anne Marie Abrahamson liked the stories about the unfinished state of the White House when Abigail and John Adams moved in and not one room was done, and she couldn't get anoyone to chop wood. “That was horrendous,” she said. “She presented wonderful vignettes of president’s lives.”

And Francesca Ciolino-Volano, a teacher at Stimson Middle School, said she would recommend using Bernstein’s programs in classrooms next year. “I loved it. She told great stories and made it fun.”