Pauline Wayne: The White House Cow of the Taft Era
While many are familiar with the presidential dogs and cats that have roamed the halls of power, few remember the bovine residents of the White House. Among the most notable was Pauline Wayne, a Holstein cow who became a beloved fixture of the Taft administration between 1910 and 1913.
President William Howard Taft and his wife, Helen Herron Taft, required a steady supply of fresh milk for their growing children and the President himself, who was known for his hearty appetite. This necessity led to the presence of livestock on the executive grounds, treating the animals as much as family pets as they were livestock.
The Arrival of Miss Wayne
Pauline Wayne was not the first cow to serve the First Family. She replaced a predecessor named Mooly Wooly, who had provided milk for a year and a half before passing away suddenly in 1910, reportedly due to overeating oats. To fill this void, Wisconsin Senator Isaac Stephenson purchased Pauline Wayne for Mrs. Taft.
At the time of her arrival, the four-year-old cow was pregnant. She soon gave birth to a male calf named "Big Bill," named in honor of the President. While Pauline remained at the White House, Big Bill was eventually sent to a farm in Maryland.
A Narrow Escape and Public Fame
Pauline Wayne became a public celebrity, most notably during the 1911 International Dairymen's Exposition in Milwaukee. However, her journey to the event nearly ended in tragedy. Pauline was transported in a private train car, but a switch crew mistakenly attached her car to a train of cattle bound for the Chicago stockyards.
For two days, the President's cow was missing. Fortunately, her attendants located her and were able to convince the stockyard officials of her identity, saving her from being slaughtered.
Life on the White House Lawn
From 1910 until 1913, "Miss Wayne" enjoyed the freedom of grazing on the White House lawn. She is recognized as the most recent presidential cow to reside at the White House. Though the exact origin of her name remains a mystery, the New York Times identified her as a member of the prestigious Wayne family of Holsteins.
Upon the conclusion of Taft's presidency, Pauline Wayne was shipped back to Wisconsin. For historical record, her Bovine Blue Book number—a registry for pedigree cattle—was 115,580.
Key Facts
- Species: Holstein cow.
- Tenure: 1910 to 1913.
- Predecessor: Mooly Wooly.
- Bovine Blue Book Number: 115,580.
- Notable Offspring: A calf named "Big Bill."
- Acquisition: Purchased by Senator Isaac Stephenson of Wisconsin.
| Cow Name | Period of Service | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Mooly Wooly | Until 1910 | Died after eating too many oats. |
| Pauline Wayne | 1910 – 1913 | Almost accidentally sent to slaughter in Chicago. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Taft family have a cow at the White House?
The family needed a consistent supply of milk for their children, and President Taft was known to be a large eater, making a resident cow a practical choice.
Who was Mooly Wooly?
Mooly Wooly was the cow that preceded Pauline Wayne, serving the First Family for approximately 18 months before dying in 1910.
How did Pauline Wayne almost end up in a slaughterhouse?
While being transported to an exposition in Milwaukee, a train switch error sent her car to the Chicago stockyards instead of her intended destination.
What happened to Pauline Wayne's calf?
Her calf, named "Big Bill" after the President, was sent to a farm in Maryland.
Where did Pauline Wayne go after the Taft presidency?
Once President Taft left office in 1913, Pauline Wayne was shipped to Wisconsin.