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What was it like to grow up in a home where some of the most important political decisions are being...
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The sight of sheep grazing on the south lawn of the White House may seem unusual, but during World War I, it was a highly visible symbol of home front support of the troops overseas. The flock, which numbered 48 at its peak, saved manpower by cutting the grass and earned $52,823 for the Red Cross through an auction of their wool. The Wilsons wanted to be a model American family helping the war effort, so they suspended entertaining at the White House and actively participated in public programs. Margaret Wilson sang to raise money for the troops. Mrs. Wilson organized war bond rallies, which were held on the steps of the Treasury Building with appearances by such Hollywood stars as Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Marie Dressler, and Douglas Fairbanks. She also demonstrated her support by publicizing White House compliance to food and fuel conservation programs spearheaded by Herbert Hoover, one of Wilson’s dollar-a-year-men and head of the Food Administration.
Sheep grazing on the South Lawn of the White House, c. 1918.
What was it like to grow up in a home where some of the most important political decisions are being...
Animals, whether pampered household pets, working livestock, birds, squirrels, or strays, have long been a major part of White House...
Since 1878, American presidents and their families have celebrated Easter Monday by hosting an "egg roll" party. Held on the South...
While there has yet to be a female president, women have played an integral role in shaping the White House...
Biographies & Portraits
Biographies & Portraits
For more than one hundred years, White House Social Secretaries have demonstrated a profound knowledge of protocol and society in...
James Archer AbbottJames Archer Abbott currently serves as the Executive Director of the Lewes Historical Society in Lewes, Delaware. A...
April 29, 1876 – President Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation protecting the public turf and grounds of the U.S. Capitol; egg rolling wa...
January 14, 1964: State Dinner for Italian President Antonio Segni was hosted by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Featured entertainment included Robert Merrill...
Issue 60 • Winter 202160 Years of the White House Historical AssociationThe sixtieth issue of White House History Quarterly marks the sixtieth anniversary of...
Luncheon PresentersRandolph ChurchillRandolph Churchill was born shortly before the death of his great-grandfather, Sir Winston Churchill, in January 1965. After attending...