The Friendship of Edith Bolling Wilson and F.P. Gaines
[The following highlight features two personal letters from former-First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson to Francis Pendleton Gaines, president of Washington and Lee University from 1930-1959. Wilson was a longtime friend of the Gaines, particularly Mrs. Sadie duVergne “Vergne” Gaines.
These letters, which have never before been published, speak upon both the congeniality of and reputation of F.P. Gaines during his time in Lexington, Virginia. Gaines was a nationally acclaimed public speaker who led the university through the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war period with great success.
Edith Bolling Wilson was a hugely influential figure in Washington, where she had lived since her first marriage in 1896. For over 1.5 years after Wilson’s stroke in 1919, she managed the daily affairs of the president in a role she would describe as a “stewardship.”
The following letters were written from the house she and President Wilson moved into in 1921. For the next 40 years, she maintained her influence in Washington and worked hard to preserve her husband’s legacy. But as these letters show, her work was not without grief and loneliness. As they did for many others, the Gaines provided a critical solace and friendship for E.B.W.
These letters have been reformatted slightly for editorial purposes. Click HERE for copies of the originals. Letters courtesy of Kamron M. Spivey, ‘24.]
(Signed Edith Bolling Wilson headshot “To my dear friends “The Gaines.” Source: Kamron M. Spivey)
July 26 / 1952
2340 S. Street N.W.
Washington 8, D.C.
Dear Frank,
You don’t know how welcome your sweet note was and by the next mail came one from Vergne: telling me of the many claims that had held her. You both lead such busy, useful lives that I doubly appreciate you giving me assurance of your thought.
Right now your friendship means more than ever before — for I feel so alone -– On Monday morning my nephew who has been so ill since last October, fell quietly asleep. His mother is my oldest sister, and the only other member of the family left to me. She is nearly ninety & not able to do anything so I must make all decisions for her. She is here with me, & next week I must give up her apt. and establish her here. How I miss my precious Randolph who always carried my burdens.
But enough of myself. I am so glad you are up there taking care of your dear and invaluable self. Do stay[,] for that is just what V. will want. Then, when it is cooler you both must come to me and let us have a real celebration!
I wish I had an inspired pen like yours, for your letters are an inspiration, but mine can but feebly express my love and admiration, but it is genuine. And you have helped me more than I can express.
Desolately,
Edith
Novem. 31st [19]59
2340 Street N.W.
Washington 8, D.C.
My dear Frank,
It was so good to see you on Saturday Monday, but we missed our dear Vergne so much. I do hope you found her better.
When I was in South Carolina I told Mr. [Bernard] Baruch of you wanting one of his Xmas cards with his picture on it. I gave him your address, but I am sure he forgot the latter or he sent the card to me. Don’t bother to write him.
Devoted love to you both from E.B.W.
(Letters written to Francis Pendleton Gaines from Edith Bolling Wilson. Source: Kamron M. Spivey)