The East Room, scene of many historic White House events, was designated by
architect James Hoban as the "Public Audience Room." It normally
contains little furniture and traditionally is used for large gatherings,
such as dances, after-dinner entertainments, concerts, weddings,
funerals, award presentations, press conferences, and bill-signing
ceremonies.
Today the East Room retains the late 18th-century classical style to
which it was restored by architects McKim, Mead & White during the
Theodore
Roosevelt renovation of 1902. An oak floor of Fontainebleau parquetry
was installed at the time as were the bronze electric-light standards,
upholstered benches, and three Bohemian cut-glass chandeliers. The
walls were paneled in wood with classical fluted pilasters and relief
insets. The paneling was painted white, and delicate plaster decoration
was added to the ceiling.
The Steinway grand piano with gilt American eagle supports was designed
by Eric Gugler and was given to the White House in 1938 by the
manufacturer. It is decorated with gilt stenciling by Dunbar Beck.
The full-length portrait of
George Washington that hangs here is one of several replicas painted by
Gilbert Stuart of his
"Landsdowne" portrait. It is the only object known to have remained in
the White House since 1800--except for periods of reconstruction, such as
after the British burned the mansion during the War of 1812.
Local artistry, 1818: President
Monroe purchased 24 chairs for the East Room from William King, a
cabinetmaker in Georgetown. One of these chairs is pictured here.
During the Civil War years and the administration of Abraham
Lincoln there was much activity in the East Room. At one time during
the war Union troops occupied the room.
In 1864, the East Room was the scene of a large reception given by
President Lincoln in honor of Ulysses S.
Grant shortly before his appointment as head of all the Union
armies. In
April of 1865 the East Room was again filled with people, but
this time they were mourners surrounding the body of President Lincoln
after he had been assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. Seven Presidents
have lain in state in the East Room, including John F. Kennedy in November
1963.
When President Arthur redecorated the White House in 1882, Louis C.
Tiffany found it necessary only to install silver paper on the ceiling of
the East Room and to increase the number of potted plants. All of the
heavy victorian adornments were swept away in the 1902 restoration.
During the Theodore Roosevelt Administration, this room became the scene
of some unusual activities, including a wrestling match arranged to
entertain some 50 to 60 guests of the President. The exuberant Roosevelt
children are also known to have used the East Room for roller-skating.