First Family, regular domestic problems

Ten ways the First Family changed the White House

Since the year 1800, the house at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue has served as the President’s official residence. In the more than 200 years since, the presidential mansion has seen it all, from being set on fire by British forces to planes crashing on its lawn. Each administration has left a mark on the White House, with many presidents and first ladies expanding and renovating it, creating new traditions and customs. Let’s dive into 10 ways First Families changed the presidential residence.

New Year Reception (James and Abigail Adams)

John Adams was the first U.S. president to live in the White House — then referred to as the President’s Palace or the Presidential Mansion — alongside his wife, Abigail, who played a significant role in furnishing the newly built residence.

On New Year’s Day, 1801, the Adams held a public reception for anyone who wanted to shake the hand of the President and his wife. This tradition continued (with some interruptions) until the year 1932 when it was shut down by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who (allegedly) wanted to avoid being seen using a wheelchair.

Indoor Toilets (Thomas Jefferson)

When Thomas Jefferson assumed the presidency, he found out that the White House lacked a toilet and only had an outdoor wooden privy. He instructed the construction of two water closets, one on each side of the residence.

During Jefferson’s tenure as president, the White House saw the modernization of the lighting system, the kitchen, and some exterior elements such as the gutters. Jefferson also ordered the construction of an outside wine cellar.

White House China (James Monroe)

Did you know the White House has a special room to house the porcelain sets designed for each administration? The tradition of commissioning presidential china designs started in 1817, with President James Monroe.

The Monroe china was designed and created in Paris, depicting an eagle carrying a red, white, and blue banner that read "E Pluribus Unum." Following criticism of the presidential mansion's purchase of foreign goods, Congress determined that all presidential china should be manufactured in the United States, although some presidential couples still chose to commission French china.

The Library (Abigail Filmore)

When Millard and Abigail Fillmore moved into the White House, their interests in decoration and improvements differed from those of past First Families. None of them came from a wealthy background, so they prioritized expanding the heating system and modernizing the kitchen.

More interested in intellectual pursuits than in socializing, Abigail noticed that the Presidential Mansion lacked a library and set out to create one. She personally organized the room, selected the books, and arranged them to her liking. The library became her main parlor, where she received literary figures of the time and listened to music.

Floral Arrangements (Lucy Webb Hayes)

A passionate abolitionist and the first First Lady to earn a college degree, Lucy Webb Hayes moved into the White House at the end of the Reconstruction era, and after a highly controversial election. With scarce money to renovate the Presidential mansion, Mrs. Hayes found ingenious ways to conceal holes in the carpets and worn-down furniture.

Lucy Webb Hayes was the first president’s wife to be referred to as ‘First Lady’. She made several changes and improvements in the White House, but she is most remembered for turning the billiard room into a greenhouse with abundant flowers, which she then used for floral arrangements for the residence.

The West Wing (Theodore Roosevelt)

We all know that the West Wing is where the presidential office is located, but not everyone knows that it was not part of the original design of the White House. Before 1902, the president’s offices were located on the second floor.

When Theodore Roosevelt moved into the White House, he found out that there wasn’t enough space for his six children and all the staff. His wife Edith suggested that the second floor should be part of the living quarters and that the offices should be separated. The West Wing was built as a temporary structure on what once were the stables, but in the end, it became a permanent fixture of the residence.

The Oval Office (William Taft)

This office is known as the place where all big decisions are made, but it wasn’t in the original plans. When President William Taft decided to make the temporary West Wing permanent, he also doubled its size and created the Presidential Oval Office.

Its shape was inspired by the semicircular room in the main residence, intended for the president to receive guests. This room was an ode to the bow windows from where George Washington greeted the people in Philadelphia.

Interior Reconstruction (Harry S. Truman)

By 1949, the White House had seen a century and a half of wars, fires, political scandals, and innovations. With nearly no renovations made to it during the Great Depression and World War II, President Truman and his family moved into a house that was nearing collapse and was eventually declared unsafe when the leg of a piano crashed through the dining room ceiling.

The Trumans moved across the street during the three years the reconstruction took place. Due to the need for extensive renovations, a total demolition of the building was considered but not enacted. In the end, the decision was to preserve the exterior walls and completely rebuild and expand the interior.

Themed Christmases (Jackie Kennedy)

The White House’s themed Christmases are a renowned tradition, complete with a spectacular tree and decorations. This lovely tradition was started in 1961 by Jackie Kennedy, who then chose ‘The Nutcracker’ as a theme, and featured decorations made by disabled and senior citizens.

Since then, First Families have carried on the themed Christmas tradition, honoring topics and interests relevant to the nation and highlighting causes dear to the presidential family.

Office of the First Lady (Rosalynn Carter)

First Ladies have always played an important role in supporting the president, running the Presidential Mansion, and aiding several causes. However, this role wasn’t always officially recognized or contemplated in the White House budget.

Although some first ladies before her had officially hired staff, Rosalynn Carter was the first to organize hers into a proper office with several departments, with staff dedicated to press, social causes, campaigns, and community liaisons.

Image: Jean-Louis Paulin