Title: Abigail Adams Supervising the Hanging of the Wash in the East Room

Description: Abigail Adams and her granddaughter Susanna watch as a servant hangs laundry in the unfinished East Room. When the Adames moved into the White House in 1800, many walls were left without plaster, the grand staircase had not been built, and the flooring was unfinished. Because the East Room could not be used for receptions, Mrs. Adams used it to dry laundry.

Date: 1966

Creator: Gordon Phillips

Credit: White House Historical Association