Chef Haller Consults with Eugene Allen at Formal Dinner

In this photograph, White House Executive Chef Henry Haller consults with Maître d'hôtel Eugene Allen, head butler John Johnson, and the team of butlers in the Family Dining Room. The table is lined with trays of lobster, waiting to be served. Both Haller and Allen were long-time employees at the White House. Haller served five first families as White House executive chef from 1966-1987. Allen began working at the White House in 1952, as a pantry man during the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration. He was promoted to the position of maître d'hôtel during the administration of Ronald Reagan. This photograph is part of Chef Haller's personal collection.