The Kadoka press and Kadoka reporter. [volume] (Kadoka, S.D.) 1910-1923, 1911-01-13
WHITE HOUSE
A MECCA.

to our readers. 1t was written by Miss
Ella Crawford, of this city, who is
visiting relatives at the nations capi-
tol and had the pleasure of attending
the reception and viewing the White
House,
The presidents New Year reception
was one day late because of the inter-
yention of the Sabbath. Certainly this
annual function doesn't lose in popu-
larity. The drizzling rain and threat
ening skies did not seem to curtail the
anxiety of the general public to see
and Shake hands with the president.
The hours of the reception was from
IL 100 a. m. until 2:30 p. M, when the
gates were closed leaving many dis
appointed ones outside. President
Taft, knowing the weather conditions
outside, hastened the reception of Off
GERS and others that he might be able
to begin '8ith the general public. His
good right arm worked like a pump
handle and his round face was lllumi-
mated by the celebrated Taft smile.n ~
Gold lace and buttons were very much
in evidence as were many uniforms.
Truly most delightful event for
one never having the privilege of at
tending such function before. The
presence of large number of the
Roosevelt family attracted Miss Ethel
much attention. Mrs. Longworth and
Roosevelt being members in the re-
ceiving party. President Taft's three
brothers were also in attendance.
/ was in linz with some Spanish
American war veterans and their
families so stood in iine but very
short time. On entering the lobby
we were attracted by the prtrfuse dec
orations, and the brilliant uniforms of
officers and the diplomatic corps. On
each side of the reception hall were
seated the two sections of the U. s.
Marine band in uniforms of red, blue
and gold. They supplied unusually in
teresting music and played as only
the Marine band can. Each section
played twenty-six numbers during the
reception hours. We filed in by twos.
then into the "red room" single file.
This room has walls and window
draperies of red velvet. Then on into
the ''blue room" where the president
stood to receive the people, giving
each hearty hand shake, greetings
and pleasant smile. The receiving
line was composed of eleven ladies
dressed in the heighth of fashion.
The walls of this room are covered
with blue corded silk and the window
hangings are blue with gold stars in
the upper folds. On the mantle is
clock of gold presented by Napoleon
l, also bronze vases and two triple gold
plate candelebra. Then we passed
into the least room" or state parlor,
a magnificent apartment 40xs2 feet,
ceiling % feet high, from which sus-
lends three massive crystal chande-
liers. The four carved mantles are
surmounted by mirrors, walls and
ceiling are in white and gold, anG
the window draperies old gold. This
room contains richly decorated
piano which was made at a cost of
S15,0 900 and presented by New York
firm of piano makers.
The green room" has walls of
green velvet with white wainscoating
and in front of white marble mantle
is screen of old Gobelin tapestry in
a frame of gold surmounted by a
spread eagle. The state dining room
is panelled with dark English Oak
and decorated with heads of Ameri-
can big game. The white mantle is
surmounted by an old Flemish tapes
try depicting country scene, and a
panel of verse from Virgil in praise OF
hunting The massive mahogany
table will seat one hundred guests.
The presidents room and cabinet
room are in the executive office west
of the White House. The former
rooms are on the first floor and the
living rooms on the second floor. The
second New Years reception of the
Taft administration Is now history to
enrich the White House annuals.
A description of the White House
might be of interest to some as it was
to me.
The prevailing characteristic of the
building is one of stately simplicity
the air is one of repose and dignity
and in situation, character and sur
roundings the White House is becom
ing as the home of the president. II
is constructed of Virginia free stone
ITO feet long and so feet wide, and
consists OF rustic basement, two
stories and an attic, the whole sur
rounded by an ornamental balustrade
1t was the first public building erect
ed at the new seat of government
Washington himself selected the site
laid the corner stone and lived to sec