Remodeled and Refurbished West Sitting Hall

This photograph depicts the newly remodeled and refurbished West Setting Hall during the renovation and refurbishment of the family quarters in 1961. The photograph was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on October 30, 1961, during the John F. Kennedy administration. The West Sitting Hall is often a favorite for first families. But until 1869, the room was the location of an open stairwell connecting the State Floor to the private residence, President Ulysses S. Grant had the staircase replaced with a smaller one and the room slowly took shape. During the 1902 Theodore Roosevelt renovation, the stairwell was completely removed, allowing the West Sitting Hall to connect with the Center Hall and the rest of the Second Floor residence. The room is noted for the large arched window that mirrors the one in the East Sitting Hall, on the opposite end of the Center Hall.