“The secret was loyalty to the White House and to the Presidency, rather than to whoever happens to be occupying the office for four years, or eight.”–J.B. West, Upstairs at the White House
This is a fascinating and oftentimes delightful book. J.B. West was the chief usher at the White House for nearly three decades. During that time he worked closely with six different first ladies –Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jackie Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, and Pat Nixon. He directed all activities at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, from state events, to parties, weddings, funerals, and even extensive renovations.
West gives an up close and personal look at each of the first ladies and presidents he served. He is always respectful–this is not a gossip or scandal filled book–but he does acknowledge when there were difficult situations. His loyalty was to the White House and the presidency, not to the individual people. He served and built relationships with each, irrespective of their political persuasion or party.
I enjoyed this book and the insights it gave into a world that is typically off limits to the public.
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