Anna Eleanor Roosevelt served as the first lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, longer than any other. She was independent and informal and brought a warm informality to the White House. She and the President waited their turn to be served and the inaugural buffet like everyone else and even helped with the serving. The chief usher was astonished when she insisted on operating the elevator herself. She answered her own phone and was a diplomat, activist, and beloved American political figure during her husband President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms in office.
