The Hidden White House:
Harry Truman and the Reconstruction of America's Most Famous Residence by
Robert Klara. Thomas Dunne Books, 2013. 384p. (9781250000279)
This book
caught my eye on NetGalley and I’m so glad I was given a chance to review it. What a
fascinating account about a little known aspect of history. I was shocked at
the White House’s state of disrepair and what had been done to the load bearing
walls and supports! I knew that the White House had undergone some major
renovations but I never knew the extent until I read this very well researched
and fascinating account.
Goodreads
Summary:
Critically
acclaimed author Robert Klara leads readers through an unmatched tale of
political ambition and technical skill: the Truman administration’s
controversial rebuilding of the White House.
In 1948, President
Harry Truman, enjoying a bath on the White House’s second floor, almost plunged
through the ceiling of the Blue Room into a tea party for the Daughters of the
American Revolution. A handpicked team of the country’s top architects
conducted a secret inspection of the troubled mansion and, after discovering it
was in imminent danger of collapse, insisted that the First Family be evicted
immediately. What followed would be the most historically significant and
politically complex home-improvement job in American history. While the Trumans
camped across the street at Blair House, Congress debated whether to bulldoze
the White House completely, and the Soviets exploded their first atomic bomb,
starting the Cold War.
 |
| Workmen digging the sub-basement in the demolished White House in 1950 (White House - Abbie Rowe) |
The story of
Truman’s rebuilding of the White House is a snapshot of postwar America and its
first Cold War leader, undertaking a job that changed the centerpiece of the
country’s national heritage. The job was by no means perfect, but it was
remarkable—and, until now, all but forgotten.
My Review:
As stated
above Robert Klara has done an excellent job researching and writing an
engaging account of a house renovation. It also gives a great picture of the dysfunction
of political committees. And it makes me appreciate Harry Truman quite a bit
more. Imagine being president and having to live in a cramped little house.
The review
copy I received was an ebook version and 25% of the book is taken up by the
acknowledgment and endnotes. Very good proof that this book is thoroughly
researched with ample citations. The many quotes served to make this a very
engaging book on what could have easily been a dry topic.
At the
beginning of each chapter is a photograph that relates to the chapter. I’ve included
two pictures from whitehousemuseum.org that give you an idea of what a massive
undertaking the reconstruction this was.
 |
| Workmen digging the basement under the North Portico in 1950 (White House - Abbie Rowe) |
I learned a
lot about the White House, Harry Truman, and life in Washington during the end
of World War II and the start of the Cold War. I highly recommend this to
anyone interested in history and particularly those topics.
Disclosure:
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not
required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.
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