The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1897-08-12
WHITE HOUSE STORIES.
Memories of the Administration of
President Polk.
President Pierce was the Don vivens
of HIS Period--some White House
Children and what Be-
came OF Them.
rspecial INFLAMMATION Le,ter.l

For a generation past we have almost
constantly had children in the white
house. The Lincoln family. Nellie
Grant, the Hayes family, Nellie Arthur,
Molly Garfield, Benny Mckee. and the
Cleveland little girls have all contrib
uted their share to the simplicity and
domesticity of the home lives of our
presidents; and our people have looked
with pleasure and approval upon the
mothers and children Of the executive
mansion, as well as upon the men who
resided there, both as the heads of
families and as the executive head of
the nation.
"Children came to the white house"
says an elderly gentleman, during the
administration of President Polk. There
were two births at the white house,
Maj. Walker. the presidents private
secretary, came there with his wife and
two children, but at the close of Folks
administration the Walkers had four
children. Mrs. Walker was Virginia
lady and assisted in the social duties of
the house, and maintained the reputa-
ton o. her state for hospitality. Maj.
Walkers oldest son was fine little
fellow, about six years old. He was a
pet of everyone, especially the presi-
dent. Mr.. Polk taught him how 10 sa-
Lutte visitors. One morning when the
family was about to breakfast, as the
president entered the room. Harry was
standing near piece of furniture. and
when Strengthening himself prepara-
tory to making his salute, bumped his
head. Instead OF making the salute
he turned to see what lad struck him,
with his back to the president. The
president enjoyed his discontinue and
excused the salute. The poor boy was
killed shortly after the administration
closed by being thrown from horse
AT all of the public receptions dur
ing Folks administration, Gen. Hunter
the marshal, was master of ceremonies
and he was fine old Virginian II
was his custom In the winter to send
to the president occasionally a fine fat
wild goose. and nothing entered the
white house in Mr.. Polk's term which
was more highly appreciated by tn,
president. The Marine band played
at the receptions and levees and in th,
grounds. Then the band represented
no particular nationality; in fact, rep
resentatiyes Of every nation in Europ,
could be found in it. During the levee
the band would play in the hall adjoin
ing the east room. 1t was a custom o
the president to treat the band, es
pecially when they were giving an open
air concert on the lawn, and usually
bottle each of gin, sherry, old ry,
and brandy was quietly smuggled ol
the stand. After the election of Presi
dent Taylor, in 1s4s, and before his in
augufation, the latter made severa
calls on Mr.. Polk. Old Zach stopped a
Willard's, and before his Inauguration
he dined with Mr.. Polk and his cab
met. Here he had an opportunity of see
ing the attendants of the house, an,
Col. Bliss, Gen. Taylor's son-in-law. sug
gested that he make no change. BE
fore retiring from the white house MI
Polk introduced the attendants to hi
successor, remarking OF the male al
tendants that he had made democra
of every one of them. Old Rough an
Ready answered by extending hi
hand, saying: Give me your hand. w
won't fall out about politics, but TAX
care we don't fall out about somethin
else
During the winter President Polk
brother was guest at the white hous,
and, as he was jolly good fellow. h
made things lively there, keeping every
body in good humor. He was CON
paratively young man. at least 2
years the junior of the president. an