The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Grafton

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Mrs. Lincoln Stops By For Tea

Submitted by Tom Kiely

A large group of men and women gathered to have tea with Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln last Wednesday, August 21, as she stopped in Grafton on her way home to Springfield, Illinois after an extended stay in Europe.

Mrs. Lincoln shared stories of her life and her struggles, especially in the White House during her husband’s presidency. Her trials and tribulations with her son Robert were on her mind, too.

Jeanette Folger-Beebe portrays Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln in an event organized by the Grafton Historical Society and the Grafton Community Library.
Photo courtesy of Tom Kiely.

The tragedies of losing her young son Willie, the Civil War tearing her family apart and the assassination of her husband obviously scared her deeply. She had to stop frequently to compose herself as she recounted her life.

Mrs. Lincoln, portrayed in a very convincing manner by Jeanette Folger-Beebe, entertained her guests at the Everett Wagar Senior Center. She was invited by the Grafton Historical Society and the Grafton Community Library.