Chief Usher Rex Scouten Awards Maitre d'Hotel John W. Ficklin

In this photograph, taken February 24, 1971, White House Chief Usher Rex Scouten presents Maitre d'hotel John W. Ficklin with an award certificate during a staff event honoring Ficklin's service. The event possibly was held to commemorate Ficklin's 30th anniversary as a member of the White House staff. Ficklin served as a member of the White House domestic staff for 43 years prior to his retirement in 1983. This photograph is part of a collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. Haller served as executive chef of the White House from 1966-1987. Haller can be seen standing behind the table in the center of this photograph.

Photographer: Unknown
Date of Work: February 24, 1971
Type: Photograph
Credit: Courtesy of Henry & Carole Haller and Family

View in the Digital Library

Article
Out-Takes: One Photographer's White House Experience

One who grows up in Washington sees evidence of the nation’s governance firsthand. The caravans of black cars, senators browsing in bookstores, an occasion when the president is there and you shake his hand, a march or demonstration of one sort or another, the thrill of an inauguration day: all are likely experiences. Nothing, however, prepared me for taking my
Article
Warren G. Harding Funeral

The stunning news of President Harding's death came to the White House by telephone on August 2, 1923. The president had fallen ill and died suddenly of a heart attack in San Francisco while on a tour of the western states. Floral tributes—bouquets, crosses, wreaths, anchors of hope and many other traditional symbols of mourning—began to arrive as soon as the
Article
Working Horses at the White House

The presidential horses earned their oats and were on call 24 hours a day. Years of pounding the asphalt streets of Washington would take a toll on the feet and legs of these horses and they required and were given the best of care. Messengers, secretaries, clerks and the housekeeper used the government horses for daily business and for hauling produce
Article
President Lincoln's Christmas Gift, 1864

One hundred fifty years ago, the United States experienced its last holiday season of the Civil War. For the past three Decembers, President Abraham Lincoln had been frustrated by defeats on the battlefield and the continuation of a seemingly endless war. This Christmas of 1864 however, President Lincoln had much to celebrate. He was glad First Lady Mary Lincoln had returned
Article
Theodore Roosevelt’s White House

Theodore Roosevelt’s remodeling of the White House in 1902 transformed it from a crazy quilt of alterations over time into a cohesive statement of modern times. Of course the historic original house prevailed. That it be kept was central to the stated concept of “restoration” that architect Charles F. McKim laid before the president and first lady. The familiar White House
Gallery
White House Pets in the Past

Pet keeping in America evolved from Native Americans' and European settlers' domesticating animals as hunters, guardians, workers, and companions. Horses, cows, goats, chickens, dogs, cats, songbirds, parrots, and other small animals were a part of daily life during the early years of the White House.Since 1870, domestic pets at the White House have mirrored the species generally seen in American
Gallery
Beyond the Press Room

The range of the press within the White House Grounds is not limited to the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room but extends to many areas within the complex from which journalists broadcast the daily news, cover unfolding events, conduct interviews, and attend scheduled press briefings. With the participation of the White House Press Office, they cover the territory fairly
Gallery
Christmas at the White House

The White House observance of Christmas before the twentieth century was not an official event. First families decorated the house modestly with greens and privately celebrated the Yuletide with family and friends. The first known White House Christmas tree, decorated with candles and toys, was placed in the Second Floor Oval Room, then used as a library and family parlor,
Gallery
Out-Takes: One Photographer's White House Experience

Professional photographer Maggie Knaus was commissioned by the White House Historical Association to document numerous events at the White House. The largest grouping of her photographs was taken to illustrate The White House: An Illustrated History, published in 2004. This book, written for students by Catherine O’Neill Grace, is a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it takes to run the White Ho
Gallery
Intrepid Innovation

The computer, the car, space travel. These technologies, while seemingly old hat now, are examples of monumental technological advancement. Even less glamorous technologies such as the modern bathroom, electrical lighting, and electric vacuum cleaners have fundamentally shaped modern life. For many of these technologies, the White House has acted as a testing ground, ultimately demonstrating to the American people their