Huzzah! No one would love the intimacy of a book club gathering more than Dolley Madison! Renowned for her masterful entertaining, she treasured female friendships, loved sweet cakes, and often hosted the opposing political wives at her “Dove Parties.” When people finally left, she would say, “I am so sorry you have to go.” And she meant it!
In “Dolley Madison and the War of 1812,” Dolley Madison faced a bitterly divided Washington City when her husband, James Madison, became our fourth president. The prospect of war against Great Britain threatened to tear the fragile American Republic apart. In the age of duels, the “Presidentess” dared to host open parties in the newly decorated President’s House to unite political foes and cultivate an American identity. Soon everyone in Washington City squeezed in, so much that her parties became known as “squeezes.”
To set the mood of our Early Republic, I suggest you start off with this festive cocktail! Huzzah!
DOLLEY MADISON’S FLIGHT
Perfect for when you need to escape!
Ingredients
Aged rum, blended lightly, 1.5 oz
Unaged rum, pot stilled, .5 oz
Lime juice, 1 oz
Orange juice, 1 oz
Pineapple juice, 2 oz
Guava syrup, .75 oz
Cinnamon syrup, .5 oz
Bitters, 3-4 dashes–or more. (This was an extremely bitter event after all.)
Directions
1. Shake over ice, open pour into glass.
2. Garnish with lime and a cocktail sword as a salute to General Washington.
Then I suggest singing our National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” written by Francis Scott Key during the Battle of Baltimore. Next ask Alexa to play “Music of the War of 1812” by David Hildebrand. Finish off with the highly entertaining “Battle of New Orleans” by Johnny Horton.
A fun idea – guests can create their own Dolley-style turbans using a simple straw hat, cutting off the brim, and wrapping some lively fabric around it that matches their outfit. The more over-the-top, the better! And if you ladies have an empire-waist dress and some fancy slippers in the back of your closet, you are all set!
Next, I suggest serving Dolley’s Woodbury Cinnamon Tea Cakes and “iced creams,” one of Dolley’s trademark desserts. Set out some vanilla ice cream with some crazy mix-ins for people to experiment. Cheeto ice cream, anyone? Dolley loved to serve her favorite oyster as well as chestnut, parmesan and strawberry.
WOODBURY CINNAMON TEA CAKES
Cream 2 tablespoons butter with 1 cup sugar. Add 2 cups sifted flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking powder and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Add ½ cup milk and beat together thoroughly. Bake in a large pan in a medium (350 degrees F) oven for 30 minutes, or until done.
—The Presidents’ Cookbook (p. 91)
Finally, it’s time to discuss the book! Huzzah! Here are some questions to guide you.
1. What was your initial reaction to the book? Did it hook you immediately, or did it take some time?
2. Did the historical details add to the story? If so, how?
3. How did the characters evolve throughout the story? Did your opinion of them change?
4. Which character did you relate to the most? What made you connect?
5. What was your favorite part of the book?
6. Do you think Dolley was a good wife to President Madison? Was she more than just a hostess?
7. Do you think you would have the courage to take action like Dolley?
8. Does the political division in America during the War of 1812 remind you of today’s political climate?
9. What did you learn about the War of 1812 from this book?
10. Do you agree that the War of 1812 is a forgotten war?
11. How do you feel about the conclusion of the war? Was it satisfying for you?
Libby McNamee is an author, lawyer, and US Army Veteran. Her second novel, “Dolley Madison and the War of 1812” published on the 207th anniversary of the burning of Washington City. Her first, “Susanna’s Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War” was named #1 in Juvenile Fiction by the Independent Publisher Book Awards and Pinnacle Book Awards, and Finalist in Historical Fiction by the Best Book Awards. The General Assembly created “Susanna Bolling Day” on December 5 based upon Libby’s research.