Check nearby libraries
Buy this book
![Loading indicator](/images/ajax-loader-bar.gif)
"In 1948, Harry Truman, President of the United States, almost fell through the ceiling of the Blue Room in a bathtub into a meeting of the Daughters of the American Revolution. A team of the nation's top architects was hastily assembled to inspect the White House, and upon seeing the state the old mansion was in, insisted the First Family be evicted immediately. What followed was the biggest home-improvement job the nation had ever seen. The Trumans moved across the street to the Blair House, the Congress argued about how much the job would cost, and then, in the midst of it all, the Soviets exploded an atomic bomb. Indefatigable researcher Rob Klara reveals what has, until now, been little understood about this episode: America's most famous historic home was basically demolished, giving birth to today's White House. The facade was left intact, but the entire structure was taken apart, removed, and replaced with a steel structure with a complex series of steel-reinforced subbasements and bomb shelters. The story of Truman's rebuilding of the White House is a snapshot of postwar America and its first Cold War leader, undertaking a job that changed a piece of America's national heritage. The job was by no means perfect, but it was remarkable--and history has nearly forgotten about it"--
Check nearby libraries
Buy this book
![Loading indicator](/images/ajax-loader-bar.gif)
Previews available in: English
Subjects
Repair and reconstruction, White House (Washington, D.C.), Public buildings, History, Truman, harry s., 1884-1972, White house (washington, d.c.), Public buildings, united states, HISTORY / United States / General, HISTORY / United States / 20th Century, HISTORY / United States / State & Local / Middle Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA), ARCHITECTURE / Buildings / Landmarks & Monuments, ARCHITECTURE / Historic Preservation / GeneralPeople
Harry S. Truman (1884-1972)Places
Washington (D.C.)Times
20th centuryShowing 2 featured editions. View all 2 editions?
Edition | Availability |
---|---|
1
The Hidden White House: Harry Truman and the Reconstruction of America's Most Famous Residence
Oct 21, 2014, St. Martin's Griffin
paperback
1250053935 9781250053930
|
zzzz
Libraries near you:
WorldCat
|
2
The hidden White House: Harry Truman and the reconstruction of America's most famous residence
2013
in English
- First edition.
1250000270 9781250000279
|
aaaa
Libraries near you:
WorldCat
|
Book Details
Table of Contents
Edition Notes
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Classifications
The Physical Object
ID Numbers
Community Reviews (0)
Feedback?November 14, 2020 | Edited by MARC Bot | import existing book |
August 15, 2020 | Edited by ImportBot | import existing book |
July 18, 2019 | Edited by MARC Bot | import existing book |
May 5, 2017 | Created by ImportBot | import new book |