Presidents n' Residents
Outside the colonnade’s windows is the ________ Garden
Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, so-named by Lady Bird Johnson
True or False: Vermeil is gold-plated sterling silver.
True. Vermeil Room is named for the collection of gilded silver received by
the WH as a bequest from Margaret Thompson Biddle in 1957 and placed on display in this room in 1958
- Hers was the largest privately owned collection of vermeil in the world, numbering about 1575 pieces
-- It's the second largest collection besides the Vatican
What is the square footage of the White House?
The White House is 55,000 square feet and is situated on 18.7 acres along with
When did the social aide program begin?
The social aide program dates to 1902, when President Theodore Roosevelt enlarged the White House and began entertaining with unprecedented gusto. First lady Edith Roosevelt took control of the social calendar and hired the first White House social secretary, Isabella
Hagner. Edith and Isabella found it difficult to handle large numbers of guests with servants and police officers, so they appealed to Teddy. Roosevelt recruited a handful of local military officers to help out once or twice a week.
Only male officers could serve as social aides until 1969, when President Richard Nixon and first lady Pat Nixon approved using women.
How many eagles are displayed throughout the State Dinning Room?
12
True or False: The WH china collection was started under Kennedy's Administration.
False - 1889-Mrs. Benjamin Harrison began the china collection - it was later expanded by Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt
How many rooms are there in the White House?
The Residence has a total of 132 rooms
What is Ed's number one rule for Social Aides?
Maintain your post. Be sure you and your Sub-OIC agree on the boundaries and duties of your area of responsibility. In keeping with standard military procedure, don’t leave your post until properly relieved or in accordance with direction from your Sub-OIC.
Who designed the bust of Abraham Lincoln?
Gutzon Borglum, he was the sculptor of Mount Rushmore
Can Social Aides sit down?
Do not sit down anywhere on the State Floor at any time during an event.
Can social aides accept gifts?
Do not accept gifts from guests to pass on to the President or First Lady.
Who was the first African American to paint a Presidential Portrait?
Hillary Clinton’s portrait, by Simmie Knox, was unveiled in Jun '04. He also painted Pres. Clinton's portrait
- Simmie Knox was the first African-American to paint a Presidential Portrait
True or False: George Washington portrait is the oldest in the WH.
False. Above the fireplace mantle is a portrait of Benjamin Franklin painted in 1767 by David Martin in London, England. It is the oldest portrait on public display here inside the home.
When do you go to attention for Hail to the Chief?
On the first note!
If Hail to the Chief is playing remain at attention until the music stops or, if the President’s movement time exceeds the time for Hail to the Chief to complete, remain at attention until the President has arrived at his position on the dais.