Rare Photos of First Ladies You Probably Haven't Seen Before
From pursuing hobbies to relaxing in the White House.
By 
Grace, intelligence, and kindness are just some of the necessary traits to be the First Lady of the United States—and not every woman has what it takes to thrive in the role. But the ones who do are extraordinary in their own right and deserving of some recognition. To celebrate the new Showtime series The First Lady, which takes a deeper look at three first ladies: Michelle Obama, Betty Ford, and Eleanor Roosevelt, we rounded up rare snapshots of presidential spouses through the years.
Eleanor Roosevelt, 1888
Even as a young child, Eleanor Roosevelt was poised. Here, she poses for a portrait at 4 years old.
Betty Ford, Circa 1935
A young Betty Ford performs a routine at a dance class led by Martha Hill (right) at the Bennington College Summer School of Dance.
Jackie Kennedy, 1952
Before she was First Lady, Jackie Bouvier spent time behind the camera. Here, she snaps photos for a story on the rooftop pond at the Washington Times-Herald building.
Eleanor Roosevelt, 1933
During her first year as First Lady, Eleanor visited the Roosevelt summer home on Campobello Island in Canada. She even roasted her own hot dog.
Michelle Obama, 2004
Michelle and Barack Obama share an intimate moment in their Chicago home—before their days in the White House—prior to the Senator's keynote address at the Chicago Economic Club.
Barbara Bush, Circa Late 1940s
After meeting as teenagers, Barbara and George Bush married in 1945. Here, they pose on the grass with George's younger brother, Bucky.
Hillary Clinton, 1969
Hillary Clinton enjoys her senior year at Wellesley College in Massachusetts.
Betty Ford, 1973
A year before her husband took office, Betty relaxes on the beach with him at the Mauna Kea resort in Hawaii.
Claudia "Lady Bird" Johnson, 1965
In 1965, Lady Bird Johnson spent Thanksgiving Day by the water, posing on set of a special interview along the Potomac River.
Nancy Reagan, 1952
Wearing a floral headpiece and collared jacket, Nancy Reagan cuts into her wedding cake with her new husband at the Little Brown Church in California.
Laura Bush, 1978
Just one year into their marriage, Laura Bush helps her husband on the campaign trail as he runs for Congress.
Eleanor Roosevelt, 1933
Eleanor Roosevelt walks her Scottish Terrier, Scotty. She was enjoying her last few weeks at the Executive Mansion in Albany, New York before moving into the White House.
Jackie Kennedy, Circa 1960
Horses were a huge part of Jackie's life, and she passed her love of riding onto her children. Here, she makes her way through the woods with her son on her lap and daughter on a pony.
Thelma "Pat" Nixon, 1953
Pat Nixon takes a seaside walk with her then-Vice President husband and two daughters, Julie and Tricia.
Betty Ford, 1974
After undergoing breast cancer surgery, Betty is in positive spirits at home. On the table is the game ball from Washington's 30-3 win over the Denver Broncos, gifted to her by Coach George Allen.
Michelle Obama, 2004
Michelle Obama surprises her husband with a birthday cake during his run for U.S. Senate. With a little help from their young daughters, Sasha and Malia, they blow out the candles.
Pat Nixon, 1956
Forty eight years before the Obamas, Pat and her family shared a similarly sweet moment for her husband's 43rd birthday.
Betty Ford, 1978
After leaving the White House, the Fords—and their three adorable Golden Retrievers—pose poolside for a shoot with ABC News.
Eleanor Roosevelt, Circa 1930
The future First Lady gets ready for a swim with her husband while on a family vacation at Val-Kill, a New York property she developed. It's now known as the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site.
Michelle Obama, 2007
Even in the middle of an intense presidential campaign trail, the Obamas make time for family. Snapped in their RV in Iowa, they share a laugh over a game of Uno and fast food.
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