Sunday, November 11, 2012
Dr. Lori, in this second of a two-part series, continues the historical tour of the White House, highlighting when it was burnt in the War of 1812 and the redecoration styles of Jacqueline Kennedy.
The White House was designed by James Hoban, an Irish born architect. He won a competition organized by President George Washington in 1792. The inspiration for the White House was based on a villa in Dublin, Ireland called Leinster House. The building was completed in 1794. Today, the White House is held as property #1 in the National Park Service’s hierarchy. President Thomas Jefferson made changes to the White House when he assumed the presidency. While James Madison was President from 1809 to 1817, the White House was burned by the British during the War of 1812. Hoban was invited to Washington to restore the White House. After this re-construction was complete, the famous building was painted its characteristic white and thereafter …
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Dr. Lori, in this first of a two-part series, explores the history of one of the country's ongoing and longstanding American icons.
The White House is a fascinating, stately, and beautiful place that remains a symbol of those values that we Americans hold dear. Here are a few historical tidbits that highlight the importance of the most recognizable home in the country. Many are unaware that our first President, George Washington (1789-1797) never lived in the White House. He wanted the classical building constructed to serve as a status symbol for the young nation. The original house designed by architect, James Hoban, features a classical design with a north front and south front entrance of sandstone and white panel. There was no backdoor. President John Adams (1797-1801) was the first American president to take residence in the White House. While the building was …
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Lisa Loper of the Scott Loper Team talks about the most famous “haunted house” in America
Most people would NOT want to live in a haunted house but one of the most influential people in the world does exactly that – the President of the United States. We thought it would be fun to share some of the stories about the most famous house in America – The White House and some of the ghosts who reportedly live there. For years, it has been rumored that the White House is haunted. Former presidents, residents, staff members, and visiting heads of state have reported sightings, eerie presences, and unexplained thumps, noises, and chills. A house which holds so much history and powerful figures, the White House would be a likely place to find a few ghosts rattling around. Here are the most commonly reported “ghostly inhabitants.” …
