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What Was Abe Lincoln Thinking? Examining the Odd Two to One Ratio of His 1865 Inauguration Ball Invitation

Explore the mystery behind Abe Lincoln's 1865 Inauguration Ball invitation, which stipulated a two to one ratio of ladies to gentlemen. Was he trying to tip the scales in favor of his male advisors?
February 27, 1923. "Miss Alice Reighly, 1409 Harvard Street, president of Anti-Flirt Club, which has just been organized in Washington, D.C., and will launch an 'Anti-Flirt Week' beginning March 4. The club is composed of young women and girls who have been embarrassed by men in automobiles and on street corners." National Photo Company Collection glass negative. (Shorpy)
1708 Q St. NW

What’s up with this invite? Is Abe trying to tip the balance in the favor of his male advisors? Bizarre … two to one ratio?

Inauguration ball, Monday evening, March 6, 1865. Admit one gentleman and two ladies.
Inauguration ball, Monday evening, March 6, 1865. Admit one gentleman and two ladies.

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