My year with the First Ladies

Today in history, (Jan. 30, 1815) President James Madison approved legislation to purchase Thomas Jefferson's entire library to replace that of the Library of Congress which was destroyed by fire. Cost: approximately $6,000.

FOOD FOR THE PRESIDENT

If it ever crossed your mind to make your favorite batch of cookies or other goodies
and send them along to the president—forget about it.  There was a time in our nation’s history when presidents accepted and consumed such culinary gifts from citizens, but not anymore.  For security reasons, whatever the president and his family inside the White House put in their mouths is provided by suppliers that have been carefully screened by the U.S. Secret Service.  Nevertheless, people still feel the urge to send food to the White House but, alas, it will never reach the president’s table.