It was such a fascinating, fun, well-written book. I loved it! Thanks so much! I wrote a full review of it here! West and Mary Lynn Kotz. This was such a fun read for me a few years ago and I recommend it all the time. For every U. History buff or someone who loves a little behind-the-scenes. Full review here […]. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Comments I can't tell you how pleased I was to see this title here.
I always love your recommendations. Can't wait to read this one! Oooh, going to add this one to my list! Score: 4. Coming March Critically acclaimed author Robert Klara leads readers through an unmatched tale of political ambition and technical skill: the Truman administration's controversial rebuilding of the White House. In , President Harry Truman, enjoying a bath on the White House's second floor, almost plunged through the ceiling of the Blue Room into a tea party for the Daughters of the American Revolution.
A handpicked team of the country's top architects conducted a secret inspection of the troubled mansion and, after discovering it was in imminent danger of collapse, insisted that the First Family be evicted immediately. What followed would be the most historically significant and politically complex home-improvement job in American history. While the Trumans camped across the street at Blair House, Congress debated whether to bulldoze the White House completely, and the Soviets exploded their first atomic bomb, starting the Cold War.
Indefatigable researcher Robert Klara reveals what has, until now, been little understood about this episode: America's most famous historic home was basically demolished, giving birth to today's White House. Leaving only the mansion's facade untouched, workmen gutted everything within, replacing it with a steel frame and a complex labyrinth deep below ground that soon came to include a top-secret nuclear fallout shelter, The story of Truman's rebuilding of the White House is a snapshot of postwar America and its first Cold War leader, undertaking a job that changed the centerpiece of the country's national heritage.
The job was by no means perfect, but it was remarkable—and, until now, all but forgotten. With the help of an aggressive curator, Clement Conger, and a talented interior designer, Edward Vason Jones, the First Lady quietly erased much of the historic decor of Jacqueline Kennedy's Camelot and introduced an academic look to the State Rooms which endures to this day.
Nixon marked his presidential territory with a complete renovation of the West Wing--a harbinger of the First Lady's plans. They implemented a massive fundraising campaign to bankroll the refurbishment, which resulted in one of the foremost collections of art, art objects, furniture, paintings and sculpture in America. This book presents the never before told story of the Nixons' remodeling of the White House, motivated by the approaching American Bicentennial and a desire to restore respect to the presidency through the arts.
They are the ushers and butlers of the White House. This short book traces the history of White House staff from the very beginning.
It includes profiles of some of the most influential members, including Alonzo Fields and Eugene Allen. I found this book fascinating and entertaining.
An unusual peek into what goes on 'upstairs in real White House' told by Usher J. Filled with anecdotes and insights and told with self-effacing humor and great respect for the Presidential families, J. West gives a delightful history lesson from behind the scenes. Anyone who likes history and our presidents or is curious about life inside the White House will enjoy this book. It was a fascinating look at our first ladies, mostly, but also gave some glimpses of our leaders Roosevelt through the first month of the Nixon administration.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable listen. The workings of the White House are fascinating. Jun 11, Carole P. Interesting book about the families that occupied in the White House from Presidents Roosevelt to Nixon. JB West, the head usher, gives an insider's look at the First Ladies and the way they made the house their own. Fascinating on many levels, it's a unique microcosm of our changing society. The shift in social status and the way things are done, as the Roosevelt's upper crust lifestyle exits, compared to the bread and butter of Harry Truman's middle America.
Mami Eisenhower's velvet gloves fif Interesting book about the families that occupied in the White House from Presidents Roosevelt to Nixon. Mami Eisenhower's velvet gloves fifties style housewife, contrasts Jackie Kennedy's upper crust finishing school style that brought a new elegance to the White House.
Everything is lovingly detailed from the strange requests, the guest and parties, births and deaths, making each First Family unique. This book concentrates on women thrust into a peculiar position, torn from their regular lives, to create the illusion of normalcy for their families, all while being a role model for a country that has not quite figured out exactly what they are supposed to do.
Jul 23, Moonkiszt rated it liked it Shelves: arts-crafts-mixed-in , lifestories-biography-autobiography , time-context-issue-not-pc , historical-north-american , surprised-me , we-the-people-patriots-freedoms-see , viable-presidential-choice , pulling-back-the-curtain-revelation , violence-to-individuals , warm-fuzzies.
I took my time with this one. West the author in his role as Chief Usher. Had absolutely no idea how complicated all that is, and God Bless them all. That is a job only a very special kind of person could do. I'm not one of them! But fun to read about. This is a very entertaining read about the White House and the families who live there. I truly enjoyed learning the role of the Chief Usher! The photographs were great, especially for this Canadian who has never visited the White House.
Nov 13, Paige Connell rated it liked it Shelves: audible , nonfiction. For those obsessed with Presidential history, this book of about as close as you can get to the intimate details of the inner workings of the White House and the First Families from a man who worked hand-in-hand with them for almost 3 decades.
West served first as assistant usher and then head usher at the White House for Presidents Roosevelt through Nixon, amassing textbooks full of knowledge about these leaders and their wives and the way they ran their households. Through his chronologic For those obsessed with Presidential history, this book of about as close as you can get to the intimate details of the inner workings of the White House and the First Families from a man who worked hand-in-hand with them for almost 3 decades.
Through his chronological story, we see the vastly different leadership styles and the approaches the First Ladies take when they enter the White House. The Roosevelt family genuinely enjoyed each other's company and sat each night talking and reading together. Harry Truman called upon the WH carpenter's department to replace a bed frame after a particularly energetic night. Mamie Eisenhower redid the interior bedrooms primarily in pink.
Jacqueline Kennedy was the quintessential lady and a dear friend to the author. Lady Bird Johnson had one of the calmest and most serene personalities to counter-balance her husband's "Johnson treatment". And as the Nixons took office, West was leaving after a career and life through some of the most memorable years in history. I took off a star because of how long the book was--I sometimes paused it and came back to it after reading another book because it was very long and sometimes tedious.
But the sheer depth and intricate detail to which West was privy during his tenure is staggering and will interest any history buff. You can tell this usher was very respectful of every Presidential family and did his best to make each resident happy. Facts I found intriguing: Mrs. Truman was quiet and resourceful and noticed all the dust and cobwebs. Eisenhower liked to stay in bed until noon 4. Eisenhower liked to stay in bed until noon although working, not sleeping that whole time!
Kennedy brought so many artifacts back to the White House with her restoration projects and sought ways to think outside the box to bring in extra funds for her projects. Johnson knew how to handle her husband and had 2 daughters marry while in the White House. Nixon was barely known by JB West.
This was interesting, it's hard to say that I actively liked it, but I continued quite quickly through to the end, so I obviously enjoyed it more than maybe I think. Anyway, I did enjoy a little peek into the life of the president and his family as they made the transition to living in the White House and it was fun to get a little bit of history mixed in.
I would find this same book continued on from the Nixons till now very interesting, but I don't think they would allow it West for sure had his favorite Jackie O , but he was also very complementary to the others First Ladies. In reading between the lines he is a very interesting man I'm just not that formal and I despise setting up for parties!
He dedicated 30 years of his life to the WH and the wants whims of some of these very privileged ladies. I wonder how much that job has changed? It does seem, although they were always talking about the budget, that it would be more economical just to have a WH decorator and each FL could have input but not free reign to do whatever. It does seem silly that the American people are paying to have that house redone every years! Towards the end I found my interest in the goings on waning I didn't care what they did with the Queen's room or or any room and what color they painted it or what chairs they pulled out of storage.
May 08, Angela rated it it was amazing. I really liked this book! I learned a lot about the First Ladies. I thought the book might be really dense covering so many tears, but the writing was light and easy to follow with just enough detail to give you a glimpse into their lives.
Mar 24, Pat rated it it was amazing. Loved it! West is amazing, totally non judgmental as he worked tirelessly to fulfill the every wish of 6 different First Ladies as they settled in to the White House on a limited budget! I Loved Mamie!!! I would give this a 4. West was an usher at the White House from His job was to be of service an usher to the first ladies. Roosevelt was described as "always on the go and very busy" back then she thought nothing of walking by herself around Washington D.
West eventually was promoted to head usher. I found this very interesting with his descriptions of each first lady. The all had very different personalities. Every time a new president came in it was clear it was First Ladies "job" to decorate the White house and the rooms they occupied. He shared about which rooms were occupied as bedrooms, others for entertaining. I every much enjoyed reading what Mr.
West had to share about working for the first ladies. I especially liked reading about Eleanor Roosevelt and Jackie Kennedy. West always showed great respect about his experiences working with the first ladies. Ahhhhh just so fun. Your Rating:. Your Comment:. West Free Download pages Author J.
West Submitted by: Jane Kivik. Read Online Download.
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