Memorandum from William Adams Delano to President Harry S. Truman

As I wrote you on February 6th, I have consulted awning-makers, sail-makers and material manufacturers to arrive at the best method of solving the awning problem for the lower porch. I believe we have found a satisfactory solution. In addition, I have consulted many of my architectural friends in whose taste I have faith as to whether these awnings should be white or of some pleasant color. The judgment is almost unanimous in favor of color. The sample in place is not what I hope for for the final color: I could not get a sample vat-dyed in time to show you before you leave on vacation. This sample will show only the effect of a colored awning as against a pure white one. The reasons why I and my friends are in favor of color are these: Since a white material cannot be a heavy canvas but must be of a a lighter weight stuff, to pull up and lower easily and fit the pocket pro-Man AND vided in the face of the balcony - therefore: (a) Any white material thinner than a heavy canvas would be translucent and not afford the protection from the sun's glare, often needed on the lower porch. (b) Any white material would show stains readily and require more frequent cleanings. (c) It would not bring out so well the form of the columns and the shape of the colonnade, which is our chief argument in favor of the combined balcony and awnings as against the present disfiguring awnings. (d) The upper balcony will be in partial shadow most of the time and a light colored awning hanging from this balcony will simulate this shadow and produce a better architectural composition to the central e ircular motive of the south facade.