Upstairs at the White House
by J.B. West
At the end of this fascinating memoir, I felt like I’d been through an emotional journey. I’d just followed a man through thirty years of his career, and while I knew absolutely nothing about him personally, I’d gotten to know six First Ladies of the United States behind the closed doors of the White House. I’d lived through two presidential deaths, an assassination attempt, illnesses and hospitalizations, and a near crumbling of the House. For anyone who loves American history, trivia, or the golden age of the 20th century, this book is essential to add to your library. J.B. West, the Chief Usher for nearly thirty years, compiled memories and made a cohesive history without being unflattering to anyone. This book doesn’t trash anyone, so if you’re looking for dirt on Watergate, a cameo by Marilyn Monroe, or foul language, you won’t find it here. West was a classy man, as you might guess from his job title, and he has nothing but nice things to say. I formed my own conclusions about certain ladies, but not because of any negative reporting; I merely read between the lines.
If you have no idea what the Chief Usher does, you’ll find this book an absolute treasure trove of information. If all you think the First Lady does is the Easter Egg Roll and stand behind her husband during speeches, you’ll be absolutely shocked. Each of the six women featured in the book worked closely with the author as a new regime and style was put into place. From picking out furniture and drapes, deciding which guest rooms visiting dignitaries house, trimming the budget, heading committees, approving menus, daily or weekly meetings with the staff – And oh, the parties. Planning, picking attendants, selecting menus, flowers, décor, getting dolled up, and hosting, no matter the circumstance. In one shocking revelation, Mamie Eisenhower had to host a state dinner while her husband was upstairs with his doctor; he’d just had a stroke minutes earlier while in his tuxedo about to greet his guests.
The presidents themselves are not the focus, but you’ll learn a lot about them too, if you’re paying attention. I never would have imagined that each president had the time and ability to take a nap every single day, but they did. President Truman was extremely devoted to his wife, but you wouldn’t know it from his subdued public image. LBJ insisted on a shower remodel, and Nixon wanted it turned back to the way it was before. From eating preferences to what each president wore to different ceremonies and parties, West remembered so much.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. There are so many stories and experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Unlike a chief of staff’s memoir, this doesn’t focus on merely one president’s tenure. Unlike a journalist’s accounting, West doesn’t push an agenda or talk about politics at all. He has no axe to grind, no affiliation, no favoritism, and no other purpose than to inform the American public about the inner workings of the White House. It’s truly fascinating.
If you have no idea what the Chief Usher does, you’ll find this book an absolute treasure trove of information. If all you think the First Lady does is the Easter Egg Roll and stand behind her husband during speeches, you’ll be absolutely shocked. Each of the six women featured in the book worked closely with the author as a new regime and style was put into place. From picking out furniture and drapes, deciding which guest rooms visiting dignitaries house, trimming the budget, heading committees, approving menus, daily or weekly meetings with the staff – And oh, the parties. Planning, picking attendants, selecting menus, flowers, décor, getting dolled up, and hosting, no matter the circumstance. In one shocking revelation, Mamie Eisenhower had to host a state dinner while her husband was upstairs with his doctor; he’d just had a stroke minutes earlier while in his tuxedo about to greet his guests.
The presidents themselves are not the focus, but you’ll learn a lot about them too, if you’re paying attention. I never would have imagined that each president had the time and ability to take a nap every single day, but they did. President Truman was extremely devoted to his wife, but you wouldn’t know it from his subdued public image. LBJ insisted on a shower remodel, and Nixon wanted it turned back to the way it was before. From eating preferences to what each president wore to different ceremonies and parties, West remembered so much.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. There are so many stories and experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Unlike a chief of staff’s memoir, this doesn’t focus on merely one president’s tenure. Unlike a journalist’s accounting, West doesn’t push an agenda or talk about politics at all. He has no axe to grind, no affiliation, no favoritism, and no other purpose than to inform the American public about the inner workings of the White House. It’s truly fascinating.