The Surprising Story of the White House

On November 1, 1800, President John Adams became the first resident of the White House. Since then, every U.S. President has lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C., each adding a new chapter to its history.

The People’s House has been through two total destructions. In 1814, the White House was burned by the British Army. The rebuilt executive mansion was actually considered unsafe in 1848. It was then demolished for the second time and rebuilt during the Truman Administration.

You will learn that future Presidents and First Ladies have added their touches to the structure, design, and furnishings. You’ll discover that the West Wing was added by President Theodore Roosevelt and the Oval Office was first occupied by President William Taft in 1909.

Carolyn will share the story of the beautification, preservation, understanding, and appreciation of the People’s House.

Carolyn Tucker Myers is originally from Memphis, Tennessee. In 1951, her parents opened a hardware store in Pasadena.

Carolyn graduated from Pasadena High School in 1955 and the University of Texas, Austin, in 1959. Newly married she lived in Morocco while her Air Force husband was stationed there.

In 1977, she moved back to Pasadena with her only child, a son. She joined the family business where she worked for 34 years.

International secretary of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, Carolyn also served as president of Soroptimist International of Pasadena. She was recognized as a Woman of Excellence by the Federation of Houston Professional Women. She has recently been accepted into the DAR, Daughters of the American Revolution, Lady Washington Houston chapter.

Carolyn will now share her fascination with The People’s House…The White House.