57 pages • 1 hour read
Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies
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Themes
The Contribution of First Ladies to the Presidency
West highlights the significant contributions of first ladies to the presidency, despite their unelected and unpaid status. As head of state and head of government, the president leads both politically and as the nation’s representative to the world. Many first ladies have supported presidents in these roles, as West’s first-person history of the 20th century shows. Furthermore, West explores how some first ladies expanded their influence by undertaking projects of their own, preserving the White House and enhancing the first lady’s role beyond the residence.
Beyond their public roles, many first ladies have served as trusted confidantes to the president, offering a unique perspective that no one else in the government could provide. Presidents often turned to their wives for counsel, knowing they had only their best interests at heart. For instance, President Truman frequently sought advice from his wife, Bess, in private meetings where they discussed his speeches, policies, and political strategy. Her intelligence and insight played a vital role in shaping his decisions. In the case of the Roosevelts, Eleanor Roosevelt took on an even more active role, traveling both domestically and abroad on behalf of her husband. With Franklin D. Roosevelt physically limited by illness, Eleanor's travels allowed her to gauge public opinion and provide him with candid advice that cut to the core of important issues.
First ladies also played a key role in state and informal functions. As head of state, presidents host many functions, including state dinners for foreign dignitaries and receptions for officials, the military, and Congress. First ladies historically have overseen the preparation for these dinners, including the venue, seating arrangements, menus, and entertainment. West described Mamie Eisenhower as a spectacular hostess who added pomp and circumstance to formal occasions, an expertise she developed as a general’s wife. She kept the condition of the White House clean and ensured that it was properly decorated for all occasions. Jackie Kennedy also was an outstanding hostess, especially for foreign dignitaries. While Lady Bird Johnson delegated the detailed planning of events to her social secretary, she oversaw the process and stepped in when necessary.
In addition, some first ladies adopted projects of their own that served public interests. Eleanor Roosevelt, for example, had multiple projects focused on improving the lives of ordinary Americans. Jackie Kennedy transformed the White House into a museum with her restoration project. Supervising the project at every step, she was involved in the selection of antiques and paintings, the hiring of directors, and the financing of the project. It also was her idea to establish the White House Historical Association, which produced a guidebook, which in turn financed the project. With her beautification project, Lady Bird Johnson won accolades from ecologists and national acclaim, and she anticipated the environmental movement of the 1970s.
West’s narrative demonstrates that the modern first lady is no mere figurehead but rather an important leader in her right, with the role shifting and changing based on the priorities of the women in the role and the needs of the time.
The Important Role of Behind-the-Scenes Workers
West provides a vivid portrayal of the extraordinary efforts made by the behind-the-scenes staff at the White House, who ensure smooth operations and meet the unique demands of the first family. The staff, coordinated by the chief usher’s office, manage everything from daily requests to larger logistical and budgetary responsibilities, working tirelessly to maintain seamless service.
From his vantage point as an usher and later as chief usher, West illustrates the high level of commitment and professionalism that these workers bring to their roles. The staff were central to hospitality, especially during Eleanor Roosevelt's tenure when guests frequently stayed at the White House. Workers skillfully managed their needs and juggled Eleanor’s extensive travel schedule, often adjusting logistics on short notice. Discretion was paramount, with the staff carefully concealing President Roosevelt’s paralysis from the public.
The demands on the staff evolved with each administration. Jackie Kennedy, for instance, made numerous requests, from arranging for animals in her children’s playground to sourcing black fabric after President Kennedy’s assassination. The staff worked through the night to prepare the White House for mourning. While some requests were unusual, such as acquiring a high-pressure showerhead for President Johnson or cottage cheese for Pat Nixon late at night, the workers embraced these tasks as challenges, ensuring that even the most specific needs were met.
West also outlines the enormous amount of work required for events at the White House. Inauguration Day was the busiest day of the year, with staff moving one family out and another in within hours. State dinners and receptions were equally demanding, requiring meticulous menu preparation and room setup. Mamie Eisenhower insisted on pristine rugs, with the staff shaking out footprints, while President Johnson used the entire White House for business, complicating logistics. West recalls the near disaster when carpenters almost burst in on an event with the Queen of England present during the Eisenhower administration.
Representing all the behind-the-scenes workers, West provides a unique insight not only into their tasks but also into the qualities essential for success: hard work, discretion, compassion, professionalism, flexibility, and unwavering loyalty to the office. The dedication of these workers ensured that the White House remained a well-run institution, even during the most challenging times.
The Impact of Public Scrutiny on the Life of the First Family
Living in the White House placed the president and his family under constant public scrutiny, significantly affecting their lives. West explains that while some first families managed to carve out private moments, maintaining anything close to normalcy was a challenge. The demands of the presidency—constant entertainment, guests, and travel—took a toll on family life, leading to a unique form of isolation. Presidents often turned to their families for support, as privacy and intimacy were difficult to maintain in such a public role.
For example, President Truman, a devoted family man, fiercely defended his wife and daughter from public criticism, though his efforts sometimes backfired politically, as seen in his infamous letter to a reviewer who criticized his daughter’s musical performance. The Eisenhowers sought refuge from scrutiny by spending time at their Gettysburg home and Camp David. Jackie Kennedy, with young children in the White House, went to great lengths to protect their privacy, installing shrubbery to shield them from onlookers and controlling press access. West notes that Jackie presented a carefully curated public image, distinctly different from her private self, as she navigated the intense media attention.
First families not only faced scrutiny but also endured a lack of privacy. Some first ladies, like Mamie Eisenhower, enjoyed entertaining, while others, like Bess Truman, found it burdensome. Regardless, the first family’s behavior and image were constantly observed, with potential political consequences. President Johnson’s brother, Sam Houston, was closely monitored to prevent any embarrassment to the administration. This ever-present pressure impacted the relationships within the family, as they navigated both public and private roles.
The isolation grew more intense after an assassination attempt on President Truman, further restricting the movements of first families. For President Johnson, this isolation was particularly difficult, as he felt increasingly cut off from his former colleagues during the Vietnam War. He turned to his daughters for comfort, demonstrating the emotional toll that public life exacted. According to West, while many first ladies were reluctant to leave the White House, the constant scrutiny and lack of privacy ultimately disrupted their family life, leaving a lasting impact.
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