Evening star., 1948-02-01
Changes in the White House

as early as 1916. Anthracite coal
began gaining favor and replacing
wood here as early as 1881, when q
consignment arrived at Bradleys7
Wharf, where it was announced "a
detailed account of how it could be
used" would be explained. .>
Gas Installed in 1848
In 184S gas was installed in the
Presidents House, and in 1858 q
system of heating and ventilating
was put into effecs.
Illuminating of the mansion was
one OF the early problems encoun-
tered by its occupants and Mrs.
Madison at her first reception in May
1909, found it necessary to use 1000
wax candles in the chandeliers to
give the place sufficient light, which,
however, produced gorgeous spec
tacle.
1t would Aappear that the second
President Adams, had to pay his
own heating and lighting bills, ana
that his predecessors did the same.
After President John Tyler took ms
bride to the White House In 1874.
society turned out in force to pay
honor to the Chief Executives new
wife. ,
After one of these functions. when
much candle grease had fallen on
the gentlemen's coats and the ladles
handsome gowns, it was decided TO
have the rooms lighted with gas,
and the method then tried proved
success. Meantime a more per
fected method was introduced and
this was adopted and first used on
December 29, 184S.
Conservatory Removed
One of the most unfortunate
things to occur to the White House.
and which decidedly detracted from
its beauty, was the removal OF the
conservatory which stood for many
wears at the west terrace, where the
executive Offices now stand.
Mrs Hayes, who was probably
more truly a lover of flowers than
her predecessors, thinking to add 10
the beauty of the White House ana
give more room to the overcroWoeo
plants, had plans made whereby
Gen. Grants smoking room gave
wav to the conservatory.
President Arthur had few changes
made, but it was through him that
the windows in the state dining
room next to the conservatory were
cut down to the floor to add 70 the
attractive outlook.
Harriet Lane johnson was lover
of flowers, and here Mrs. Lincoln
once posed for picture and so olo
Mrs. Mckinley. President Theooore
Roosevelt, standing In the east
room. is said to have perceived tne
grandeur of the vista OF hundreos
of feet between the extreme side OF
the east room down the famous req
corridor and through the long aisle
of palms and potted plants IN the
conservatory This led him to have
his seat, with those Of his guests OF
honor, placed facing the view.
Prince Henry, when visiting this
country, was charmed with TINS view
when his attention was called to 1t
by the intrepid Teddy"
Early Defenders Spoke
Efforts to change, remodel or re-
construct the White House have
been going on ever since 1t was
first erected, and as early AS 1887
we find one of it's defenders saying:
Some persons, under every admin
istration, have objected to the style
of the Presidents mansion, as bor-
dering on unnecessary state ana
para debut we are of a different
opinion. 1t is the house provided
| by the people for the residence OF
the Chief Magistrate of their choice,
and he is the tenant at certain sea-
sons for four or, at most, eight
years; it hardly equals the seats OF
many of the nobility and wealthy
commoners of England, and bears
no comparison with the residences
of the petty princes Of Germany or
the grand dukes of italy; it exhibits
no rich marbles, fine statues nor
costly paintings. 1t Is what the
mansion of the head of this Re-
public should be, large enough for
public and family purposes. and
should be finished and maintained
IN style to crafty every wish for
convenience and pleasure"