Creating a Private Life
When George Washington took office, he decided that the president should work and live in the same residence. Every chief executive since has abided by that rule. And while it has made performing the job of president more efficient, it has made family life more difficult. Quiet time and privacy must be seized from or interwoven with official business. Ultimately it is almost impossible to lead a "normal" existence when living in the White House.
Spencer repeating rifle used by Abraham Lincoln for target practice, about 1864
Harry S Truman's vacation shirt
One way presidents create a private life is by getting out of Washington. Harry Truman spent 175 working vacation days at the commander’s house at the U.S. Naval Station, Key West, Florida. He went so often it became known as the Little White House. Around 1947, Harry S Truman gave a shirt he had worn there to a friend who teased him about his vacation attire. The shirt was autographed by the Truman family.
One way presidents create a private life is by getting out of Washington. Harry Truman spent 175 working vacation days at the commander’s house at the U.S. Naval Station, Key West, Florida. He went so often it became known as the Little White House. Around 1947, Harry S Truman gave a shirt he had worn there to a friend who teased him about his vacation attire. The shirt was autographed by the Truman family.
