aged 61 yrs
Plat Book A, Page 149
CHIEF USHER at the WHITE HOUSE from 1909 to 1933
Irwin Hood Hoover (Ike) was sent to the White House in 1891 by the Edison Co. to wire it for electric lights. Upon completion of the six-month job, President Harrison, skittish about electricity, asked Ike to remain in a permanent position as Electrician to run and maintain the new system. Years later, President McKinley promoted him ‘upstairs’ to the ushers’ force. And in 1909 under President Taft’s residence, he was appointed Chief Usher. There he continued serving until his unexpected death in 1933—a total of 42 years with 29 of those as Usher.
As major-domo of the White House he ran its social functions, stage-managed diplomatic ceremonies, arranged seating lists for dinners, kept a check on calling cards, directed Presidential receptions, herded the Cabinet about, told distinguished visitors where to stand and what to say. As guardian of the front door, he knew who to let in and who to keep out. Having intimate daily contact with ten Presidents—Harrison, Cleveland, McKinley, T. Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, F. Roosevelt—he was regarded as a good friend and trusted aide by the presidents, their wives, and families.
Ike’s insider reminiscences were published in 1934 as his memoir, FORTY-TWO YEARS in the WHITE HOUSE.
Plat Book A, Page 149
CHIEF USHER at the WHITE HOUSE from 1909 to 1933
Irwin Hood Hoover (Ike) was sent to the White House in 1891 by the Edison Co. to wire it for electric lights. Upon completion of the six-month job, President Harrison, skittish about electricity, asked Ike to remain in a permanent position as Electrician to run and maintain the new system. Years later, President McKinley promoted him ‘upstairs’ to the ushers’ force. And in 1909 under President Taft’s residence, he was appointed Chief Usher. There he continued serving until his unexpected death in 1933—a total of 42 years with 29 of those as Usher.
As major-domo of the White House he ran its social functions, stage-managed diplomatic ceremonies, arranged seating lists for dinners, kept a check on calling cards, directed Presidential receptions, herded the Cabinet about, told distinguished visitors where to stand and what to say. As guardian of the front door, he knew who to let in and who to keep out. Having intimate daily contact with ten Presidents—Harrison, Cleveland, McKinley, T. Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, F. Roosevelt—he was regarded as a good friend and trusted aide by the presidents, their wives, and families.
Ike’s insider reminiscences were published in 1934 as his memoir, FORTY-TWO YEARS in the WHITE HOUSE.
aged 61 yrs
Plat Book A, Page 149
CHIEF USHER at the WHITE HOUSE from 1909 to 1933
Irwin Hood Hoover (Ike) was sent to the White House in 1891 by the Edison Co. to wire it for electric lights. Upon completion of the six-month job, President Harrison, skittish about electricity, asked Ike to remain in a permanent position as Electrician to run and maintain the new system. Years later, President McKinley promoted him ‘upstairs’ to the ushers’ force. And in 1909 under President Taft’s residence, he was appointed Chief Usher. There he continued serving until his unexpected death in 1933—a total of 42 years with 29 of those as Usher.
As major-domo of the White House he ran its social functions, stage-managed diplomatic ceremonies, arranged seating lists for dinners, kept a check on calling cards, directed Presidential receptions, herded the Cabinet about, told distinguished visitors where to stand and what to say. As guardian of the front door, he knew who to let in and who to keep out. Having intimate daily contact with ten Presidents—Harrison, Cleveland, McKinley, T. Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, F. Roosevelt—he was regarded as a good friend and trusted aide by the presidents, their wives, and families.
Ike’s insider reminiscences were published in 1934 as his memoir, FORTY-TWO YEARS in the WHITE HOUSE.
Plat Book A, Page 149
CHIEF USHER at the WHITE HOUSE from 1909 to 1933
Irwin Hood Hoover (Ike) was sent to the White House in 1891 by the Edison Co. to wire it for electric lights. Upon completion of the six-month job, President Harrison, skittish about electricity, asked Ike to remain in a permanent position as Electrician to run and maintain the new system. Years later, President McKinley promoted him ‘upstairs’ to the ushers’ force. And in 1909 under President Taft’s residence, he was appointed Chief Usher. There he continued serving until his unexpected death in 1933—a total of 42 years with 29 of those as Usher.
As major-domo of the White House he ran its social functions, stage-managed diplomatic ceremonies, arranged seating lists for dinners, kept a check on calling cards, directed Presidential receptions, herded the Cabinet about, told distinguished visitors where to stand and what to say. As guardian of the front door, he knew who to let in and who to keep out. Having intimate daily contact with ten Presidents—Harrison, Cleveland, McKinley, T. Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, F. Roosevelt—he was regarded as a good friend and trusted aide by the presidents, their wives, and families.
Ike’s insider reminiscences were published in 1934 as his memoir, FORTY-TWO YEARS in the WHITE HOUSE.
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