Do you recognize this photo? The White House in 1950 and why it is relevant today

I recently received an email from a reader in Texas who enjoyed the historical flare in my writing. In our conversations we discussed architecture and America. We also chatted about what the future holds on both fronts. In that spirit, I was looking at some old photos and combined two of my favorite things...America and architectural history.

To learn more about The White House, including an online tour and rarely seen photos of "America's Home" check out the White House Museum, a wonderful online collection of information put together by Derek Jensen. It is the single most comprehensive collection of information that I have found to date.

When we think of the White House in Washington, DC there are a few things that come to mind...The President of the United States, the south lawn and magnificent gardens or maybe even the protesters constantly holding vigil outside the gates. There are many things that come to mind. We are all familiar with the images of America's most famous home. No matter what the angle or age, they all resemble a bold and timeless symbol of our nation. Our rich heritage means nothing to far too many people. If we look to the past however, we can often see what direction we are headed. On that note, I present this...

My overly analytic mind obsessed with understanding history put together something a little different when I saw the picture below...

The inside of the White House-1950

In an attempt to prevent losing readers by boring you all with the endless amount of information I have learned about the building over the years. I'll just say that "if these walls could talk" is beyond an understatement in this situation.

The south facade of the White House

During the presidency of Harry Truman, The White house was gutted down to the exterior walls and completely rebuilt. Absolutely everything except the original sandstone walls was replaced. The building we see today is quite literally, just a shell of its former self. We recognize the interior because it is designed to reflect the original home and the history that it represents. It resembles the past, but ultimately it is what happens inside that makes it so wonderful.

This is a fantastic metaphor for our country today.

In 1950 as construction crews rebuilt the White House, the nation surrounding it was in a period of rebuilding as well. Coming out of a second world war in less than a generation and entering a 3rd conflict in Korea, back home Americans were breaking down social norms and redefining the American way of life. Ultimately the nation established itself as a world power and though it looked the same from the outside, from the inside we were a stronger people with a new way of life that would change the world forever.

So what does reconstruction of a building and 1950's social issues have to do with 2013?

Much can be said that we are in the same state of affairs today as we were in 1950. Although The White House is structurally sound and not in need of being rebuilt again, perhaps we need to reconstruct the interior of our American home front. We have been at war for well over a decade. We are also facing an increasing number of moral and ethical dilemmas that require us to rethink the foundations of our society and what we will do to meet the needs of the people.

Rebuilding America from the inside resembles the "Truman Reconstruction" of The White House in 1950. From the outside America still resembles everything it did in 1950. In fact we are still the same nation based on the same principles of freedom and opportunity that were established more than 230 years ago. Much like the White House though, we're in a state of rebuilding. Just like with the reconstruction of a historical building, we must recognize the great opportunity to maintain our beautiful exterior and be a proud keeper to the wonderful country around us. It is our responsibility to embrace our proud heritage as we look toward the future.

America is not the buildings we live or work in. America is the people. There are more than 300 million Americans who are all have unique needs and desires. In this period of economic rebirth and social reconstruction, we must respect our history with an eye towards the future generations. We can rebuild our country, just as the White House was rebuilt. Hopefully 200 years from now our decedents will look back at 2013 America and be proud of what we did as a society, while respecting our fundamental roots.

Until next time

Chris


Bonus Content:
For those that love my random knowledge of pointless history here are a handful of cool facts for you...

1. George Washington is the only president who did not live in the White House. It was completed after he left office. John Adams was the first president to live in the new mansion. The Adams' filled the East Room, with clothes lines for drying laundry.

2. The east and west wings, which house executive offices, including the oval office, were added by Teddy Roosevelt. Some say it had to do with the fact that he moved six children into the main building and they just ran out of space!

3. Abraham Lincoln never slept in the "Lincoln bedroom." During his presidency it was primarily an office. At the time it was not uncommon for Lincoln to answer the front door at the white house himself wearing his slippers. He had to pay for much of his household staff out of his own salary, and was not afforded with a doorkeeper until late in the Civil War.

4. Embarrassingly, the White house and capitol building were burned by the British in 1814. Letters from first lady Dolly Madison recount the story of how she ordered the removal of the portrait of George Washington to be removed, so it would not be lost to the invading force. There are a few areas where black charring is still visible from the 1814 fire.