Helen Herron Taft

Frontispiece

Identified as the author of the memoir.

Recollections of Full Years

Likely present as a companion and observer throughout the narrated years.

Introduction

Narrator of the chapter; describes her courtship with Taft, their engagement, and wedding trip.

II: Cincinnati and Washington

Eagerly embraced the opportunity to go to the Philippines; made preparations and took her three children on the journey.

III: To the Philippines

Narrator of the chapter; describes the voyage and her first impressions of the tropics.

In Japan

Narrator and central figure, staying in Japan with her children and sister.

First Impressions of Manila

Narrator of the chapter; arrives in Manila and describes her new home, the challenges of settling in, and the political situation; hosts dinners to build diverse acquaintances.

VI: A Strange Environment

Narrator; describes her first impressions of the stablemen's parientes and the challenges of managing a household in Manila.

Days of the Empire

Describes the suspense of early life in Manila, the disappointment of the missing Christmas box, and participates in the Bataan visit.

An Historic Trip

Narrator of the chapter; endured the heat and festivities; became proficient at the rigodon; arranged for the ladies to rest on the Sumner.

IX: The Wild Men’s Country

Narrator and protagonist; undertakes a horseback expedition through northern Luzon despite being a novice rider.

X: Governor Taft

Describes the shock of McKinley's assassination and organizes the reception for the inauguration.

XI: A Trip to Rome

Narrates the chapter; suffers a nervous breakdown and her mother's death, then later travels to Rome to join her husband after her son's illness.

Last Days in the Philippines

Returns to Manila in October; describes the redecorated Malacañan Palace, cholera precautions, and the importation of a cow for fresh milk.

Secretary of War

Narrator, describes her experiences in Japan, Washington, and Panama as the Secretary's wife.

Busy Years

Narrator; urges Taft to show more enthusiasm for his campaign; manages family arrangements.

XV: A Hurried Trip Around the World

Narrates the chapter, describes the campaign and election, accompanies Taft on the world trip, receives gifts in Shanghai, observes the freezing Filipino orchestra.

President of the United States

Narrator and First Lady, focused on White House social preparations and managing the inaugural events.

The White House

The narrator and new Mistress of the White House, she implements changes in household management and social usages.

Some White House Formalities

Narrator; describes her illness, her role as hostess, and her love for garden parties.

Conclusion

Narrates the chapter; packs linen and silver in anticipation of defeat; oversees Charlie's transition to long trousers and Helen's debut.

List of Illustrations

Central figure in the illustrations, shown in childhood home, at marriage, in Japanese and Filipina costumes, on the Potomac Drive, and in various official and domestic settings.