The White House 1889-92   

When Benjamin and Caroline Harrison moved into the White House, they brought the largest accompaniment of relatives since Andrew Johnson. Those living in the White House with them included their son and daughter, the son-in-law and daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, Caroline's father, Caroline's sister and niece for awhile, to name a few. Living quarters at the White House were cramped. The only private bathroom was the President's. The floor plan at the time was the main house. The lower level was for the kitchen and storage. The main level rooms were more public, and the President's office and family living quarters shared the second floor.

In 1889, the Army engineers proposed that the greenhouses move to the east side of the White House and a new executive office building be put on the west. Caroline Harrison considered the plan and began to develop her own. She hated the crowded living area and the tourists made it impossible to use the first floor. She began meeting with Secretary of State Blaine and others about a proposal for Congress. The bill never got to the House floor, but it was not tabled. It remained a possibility. Caroline did receive limited funds to redecorate and make improvements to the White House.

Part of the 2003 exhibit, The Curator's Reserve, displays artifacts dealing with the White House renovation done by Caroline Harrison. Her plan for renovating the White House can be seen in the drawing by architect, Fred Owen. The original house would be the northern focus, with two buildings facing each other to the south. They would be linked to the house from the east and west by two-story halls, with a cylindrical section in the middle. The south end of conservatories would also connect forming a private courtyard in the center. The new building on the east would be the Historical Art or National wing. The new building on the west would be the Official Wing, housing the presidential offices. The plan would have allowed for numerous large rooms. If completed, it would still function well today. Caroline Harrison's plan was the first to move the office spaces out of the house. This would later be accomplished by Teddy Roosevelt's renovation with architect Charles McKim in 1902.

Original fabric swatches that Caroline used in redecorating are displayed with original photographs of the rooms. The photographs of the White House rooms were taken by Miss Frances Benjamin Johnston. Miss Johnston was the official White House photographer for several years. The State Dining Room photograph is next to gold velvet used in the drapes. The image of the East Room shows the opulence of the room. An original piece of golden brocade fabric probably used in drapery is part of the exhibit. Miss Johnston's book states that the East Room is "imposing in white and gold decoration, dating from President Grant's first administration, and with new hangings and furnishings of golden-brown damask."

Velvets used in the Blue Room and Green Room are also displayed. The Green Room was used as a music room, and furnished in pale green plush. Miss Johnston's book states that Mrs. Harrison's bedroom was: "Daintily appointed in pale green and silver, it stands just as Mrs. Harrison left it, and like the rest of the beautified White House, is a memorial to her refined and artistic taste." Caroline must have been fond of the pale green palate as many of the multi-colored fabric pieces are done in green tones.

There are also photographs of the President's office, Cabinet Room, and the family kitchen. The kitchen photo shows Dolley Johnson, the White House cook, originally from Kentucky. The family kitchen was smaller than the main kitchen used for preparing State dinners.

Dinner invitations, table favors, a menu, and family photos at the White House help share the story of the time the Harrison's spent in the White House. Red, white, and blue paper tassels with bells were used at a birthday party for Benjamin Harrison McKee, March 15, 1891. The ribbons on each have the names of Benjamin Harrison McKee, Mary Lodge McKee, and Elizabeth McKee (probably a cousin). Photographs show Baby McKee, Mary Lodge McKee, and Mary Harrison McKee enjoying time on the White House lawn.

Caroline Harrison's plan for the White House was stately and refined. Her redecorating brought her artistic touch to the grand old home. She and her family enjoyed their first years in the White House. Sadly, Caroline would die in her daintily appointed pale green and silver bedroom October 25, 1892.

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April 18, 2003