The White House That Was

I think my truckbuddies might enjoy this color film produced in 1960, in the last year of Eisenhower's presidency, that nicely summarizes the history of the "People's House" up to that time -- without, however, mentioning the complete reconstruction of the place in President Truman's time.

In this similar black-and-white film produced a year or so later, you can see a few extraordinary pictures of the hollowed-out White House interior during Truman's reconstruction, starting about the 40:45 mark:

Bonus: Lady Bird Johnson dedicates the new Jacqueline Kennedy Garden in 1965. This was on the eastern side of the rear of the residence, while the Rose Garden was on the western end, extending to just outside the Oval Office in the West Wing. Mrs. Johnson is beautfully well-spoken, the epitome of a cultured, gracious Southern lady. 

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Lady Bird's White House Tour

A few weeks ago, I posted Jackie Kennedy's 1962 tour here; and so I thought you fellows might like to see this less famous version done by Lady Bird Johnson in December 1968, just before Lyndon left office.

Mrs. Johnson was always a favorite of mine:  a great lady, and one of those steel magnolias that the South produces in such abundance.  If you ever get to central Texas, do be sure to stop and visit the LBJ Ranch, which is both a state and a national park, and which Lady Bird had a great deal to do with setting up.  It's quite lovely, and something of her spirit lingers there.