first ladies Archives - Woodburn - Office of the Governor

Pages Tagged With: "first ladies"

Mrs. Martha Stacy Carper

Mrs. Martha Stacy CarperFirst Lady from 1993 to 2001 Mrs. Carper, originally from North Carolina, was married to Governor Thomas R. Carper. One of Mrs. Carper’s greatest achievements as First Lady was the renovation of the Hall House, the Governor’s guest house located next to Woodburn. The Hall House was in a state of disrepair, […]

Mrs. Clarice Elaine Wolf

Mrs. Clarice Elaine WolfFirst Lady from December 31, 1992-January 19, 1993 Mrs. Wolf, originally from Colorado, was only First Lady for a brief period of time, but she spent every day of her term at Woodburn. Governor Dale E. Wolf, who served for a term as Lieutenant Governor, was sworn in as the State’s Chief […]

Mrs. Jane DiSabatino Castle

Mrs. Jane DiSabatino CastleFirst Lady from 1992-1993 Jane DiSabatino Castle is the wife of Governor Michael N. Castle. Mrs. Castle’s portrait was painted by David Larned of Farville, Pennsylvania, and was presented to the State in 2005.

Mrs. Elise Ravenel du Pont

Mrs. Elise Ravenel du PontFirst Lady from 1977 to 1985 Mrs. du Pont, heir to the Wawa chain, was married to Governor Pierre S. du Pont, IV. She brought a new style to Woodburn, employing French traditions in furnishings, draperies, and even a new style of serving food during meals. Mrs. du Pont started Woodburn’s […]

Mrs. Jeanne Webb Tribbitt

Mrs. Jeanne Webb TribbittFirst Lady from 1973-1977 Mrs. Tribbitt, of Odessa, Delaware, was married to Governor Sherman W. Tribbitt. The Tribbitts lived at Woodburn for all of Governor Tribbitt’s term. Mrs. Tribbitt opened the house to visitors as often as possible, especially to schoolchildren, and entertained a great deal. Their daughter Carole had her wedding […]

Mrs. Lillian Turner Peterson

Mrs. Lillian Turner PetersonFirst Lady from 1969-1973 Mrs. Peterson, originally from Wisconsin, was married to Governor Russell W. Peterson. She was an advocate of literacy and reading and collected books about Delaware to keep in the permanent collection at Woodburn. Mrs. Peterson’s portrait was painted by David Larned.

Wall of First Ladies

The Wall of First Ladies includes portraits of all of the First Ladies that resided at Woodburn and contributed to its contemporary charm. Privately funded, the portraits have been individually painted and unveiled in Woodburn’s Great hall. Please click on the names below to learn more about some of Delaware’s exceptional First Ladies who occupied […]

Timeline

1684 – Land grant of 412 acres is given to David Morgan. 1776 – The 13 American colonies declare independence from Great Britain. George Read, Thomas McKean and Caesar Rodney sign the Declaration of Independence on behalf of Delaware. 1777– The Great Seal of Delaware is adopted. [view image of The Great Seal] Nov. 2, […]

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