Title: South Front of the White House

Description: Under the care of President Johnson’s daughter, Martha, the White House was thoroughly cleaned. The house needed repairs badly. Cracked walls, sagging floors, and caving ceilings were unsafe. To save money in the redecorating process, carpets and curtains from the State Rooms were snipped, reassembled, and reused in the smaller family rooms. During receptions most of the furniture was removed from the rooms and the carpets were covered in order to reduce damage. Servants were assigned to watch and make sure objects were not taken from the White House as “souvenirs.”

Date: 1867

Creator: Kerston & Fordham

Credit: Library of Congress