Secrets & Scandals Of America’s First Ladies

Walking like a Crab

Julia was First Lady from 1869 – 1877. First Ladies were expected to throw lavish galas, but at her events, Julia had a habit of standing in the corner. While this seemed like an anti-social problem, she was just avoiding bumping into people because it was hard for her to see clearly. When she did manage to move, she would move sideways. Her sideways movement was compared to that of a crab and she became somewhat of a joke. Still, Ulysses loved Julia saying, “Did I not see you and fall in love with you with these same eyes? I like them just as they are, and now, remember, you are not to interfere with them. They are mine, and let me tell you, Mrs. Grant, you had better not make any experiments, as I might not like you half so well with any other eyes.”