Lou Henry Hoover

Date of Birth: March 29, 1874

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: January 7, 1944

Biography

Lou Henry Hoover was born on March 29, 1874, in Waterloo, Iowa. She was an American philanthropist and the First Lady of the United States from 1929 to 1933, during the presidency of her husband, Herbert Hoover. Lou was known for her extensive work in various philanthropic endeavors and her role in promoting Girl Scouting in America. She attended Stanford University, where she earned a degree in geology, an unusual field of study for women at the time. It was at Stanford that she met Herbert Hoover, who was also studying geology. They married in 1899 and lived in several countries, including China and England, due to Herbert’s mining engineering career. Lou was an accomplished linguist, speaking several languages, and an advocate for women’s rights and education. During her tenure as First Lady, she was active in the Girl Scouts of the USA, serving as its president and leading efforts to expand the organization. She also worked to improve the lives of women and children through various social programs. After leaving the White House, Lou continued her philanthropic work. She passed away on January 7, 1944, in New York City.

5 Interesting Facts about Lou Henry Hoover

1. Lou Henry Hoover was the first woman to graduate from Stanford University with a degree in geology.

2. She was fluent in several languages, including Latin, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and Italian.

3. Lou was an avid Girl Scout and served as the president of the Girl Scouts of the USA.

4. During her time in China, she and her husband were caught in the Boxer Rebellion, but they managed to escape unharmed.

5. She was instrumental in the construction of the first presidential retreat, Camp Hoover, now known as Camp David.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lou Henry Hoover

1. “The independent girl is truly of quite modern origin, and usually is a most bewitching little piece of humanity.”

2. “I majored in geology in college but I have majored in Herbert Hoover ever since.”

3. “It is the open-mindedness and the striving to understand others that has been the glory of the American way of life.”

4. “True democracy is not determined by the majority but by the respect of the minority.”

5. “Every family should have a hobby, and the best hobby is one that helps to make others happy.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Lou Henry Hoover is estimated to be around $75 million (adjusted for inflation to today’s dollars) due to her husband’s successful career in mining engineering and public service.

Children

Lou Henry Hoover and Herbert Hoover had two children: 1. Herbert Charles Hoover (1903–1969) – He was an engineer and business executive. 2. Allan Henry Hoover (1907–1993) – He was a mining engineer and financier.