A fun interesting book about the First Ladies starting with Roosevelt and ending with Nixon. Don’t think anybody would write about the rest of the First Ladies and their impact on the White House. ( )

I love learning about houses; whether it’s driving around town looking at neighborhoods, watching HGTV, touring famous houses, or pouring over pictures of houses. I’m also curious about how people live in their houses; from decorating styles to daily lifestyles. So when I came upon the audiobook, Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies by J.B. West, during an Audible sale, my curiosity was piqued. I’ve often wondered how the Presidential family lives in the White House. Also, how do the families move in and out so quickly at inauguration times? This book satisfied all of my curiosities.

J.B. West worked at the White House for 28 years. For most of that time, he was in the role of Chief Usher and worked directly with the First Ladies. His career started with Roosevelt in office. Some of the highlights West wrote about included Eleanor’s projects, Pearl Harbor, and Roosevelt’s death while in office. This tragic loss resulted in Vice-President Truman taking over the Presidency. This was also West’s first experience assisting with major renovations of the White House residence, which occurred every time a new family moved in. West shared about the attempted assassination of President Truman.

Eisenhower was the next presidential family to...

I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog ( )

One of my favourite books. It is a beautifully related collection of reminiscences about the job of Usher in the White House across six administrations and about the First Ladies in each case. ( )

2.66 ( )

What a little gem this turned out to be! Well written, behind-the-scenes account of Chief Usher West and the various First Ladies of the twentieth century. Deft portrait of family life in the White House. ( )