What’s so uncommon about a big white house?

image source, wikipedia

Truman called it a “glamorous prison” and the “great white sepulcher of ambitions”, but the American presidents simply call it home. The White House has been the dwelling of the Commander in Chief since John Adams and has become as iconic as the families who live there. Here are some Uncommon Facts about 1600 Pennsylvania Ave and the interesting characters who have graced the Oval Office.
1. The White House has 132 rooms! There are 35 bathrooms, 16 family guestrooms and 3 kitchens.

2. The White House was the largest house in the United States until after the Civil War.

3. Harry Truman’s mother refused to sleep in Lincoln’s bed during her stays in the White House, as she grew up in a Confederate home during the Civil War.

The Buck Stops Here Money Clip

4. To practice his golf, Dwight D. Eisenhower installed a small putting green in the Oval Office with a trap on one side. Finally in 1996, a full practice green was placed outside on the grounds.

5. The first woman recorded on the payroll at the White House was in 1889 under Benjamin Harrison. It is suspected that she worked as a secretary.

6. It takes 300 gallons of white paint to cover just the residential portion of the White House. The official color used is “Whisper White” by Duron.

7. First family pets are always an interesting topic and there have been many throughout the years. However, Calvin Coolidge had the most interesting menagerie with 12 dogs, 6 birds, two cats, two raccoons, a donkey, bobcat, lion cub, wallaby, pigmy hippo and bear.

8. John Quincy Adams was known to take a stroll from the White House to the Potomac River early in the morning for a naked swim.

9. The President and First Lady are charged for every meal they eat in the White House. They are also charged for incidentals, dry cleaning and toiletries, just like a hotel.

10. William Howard Taft was our heaviest president weighing in over 300 lbs. After he got stuck in the bathtub, all of the tubs in the White House were replaced with larger ones.

image source, Saturday Evening Post

These tidbits of information are sure to impress your friends this President’s Day. If you’re having dreams of a big white house for yourself, here is a collection of achromatic home decor pieces to turn your house white from the inside out!

info sources- Presidential Pet Museum, White House Historical Association, White House Museum

Written by Gaby D


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