Oval Office, John F. Kennedy Administration

This photograph of the Oval Office after it was redecorated by interior decorator and socialite Sister Parish was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on August 14, 1961, during the John F. Kennedy administration. Parish utilized green draperies and carpet that were installed in 1947. The centerpiece of the room, the carved oak Resolute Desk, was presented to President Rutherford B. Hayes by Queen Victoria in 1880. Before 1909, the president's office was located in the Executive Mansion. During the William H. Taft administration, the West Wing doubled in size from the 1902 renovation and included a presidential oval office. In 1934, during the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration, the West Wing was expanded and renovated, with the Oval Office relocated to the West Wings southeast corner.