Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife, Lucy,…

Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife, Lucy, are known for their policy of keeping an alcohol-free White House, giving rise to her nickname "Lemonade Lucy."

The first reception at the Hayes White House had included wine, but Hayes was dismayed at drunken behavior at receptions hosted by ambassadors around Washington, leading him to follow his wife's temperance leanings.

Alcohol will not be served again in the Hayes White House.

Critics have charged Hayes with parsimony, but Hayes spends more money (which comes out of his personal budget) after the ban, ordering that any savings from eliminating alcohol be used on more lavish entertainment.

His temperance policy also pays political dividends, strengthening his support among Protestant ministers.

Although Secretary Evarts had quipped that at the White House dinners, "water flowed like wine," the policy has been a success in convincing prohibitionists to vote Republican.