Washington, D.C. - Social Life at the National Capital - A reception by Mrs. President Hayes

This wood engraving of the Blue Room was published in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper on April 14, 1877 during the early days of the Rutherford B. Hayes administration. The engraving shows First Lady Lucy Webb Hayes hosting a reception in the Blue Room. The Blue Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion and is famous for its oval shape, central location, and views of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial. John N. Hyde, who frequently worked for the Newspaper, is the possible artist.