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White House - Curator Furnishings and China
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White House - Curator Furnishings and China
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The original documents are located in Box 66, folder "White House - Curator
Furnishings and China" of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 66 of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
WH Currator
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 26, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Clement E. Conger
FROM:
William E. Casselman II
N
SUBJECT:
White House China - Reproduced by Castleton
In the October issue of Travel and Leisure Magazine, published by American
Express Company (AMEXCO), there is a four page advertisement entitled,
"A Series of Eight Authentic Designs of White House China Reproduced by
Castleton in a Special Edition of True Translucent China. " In your memorandum
of November 4, 1974, you have advised me that this advertisement is neither
authorized by the White House nor by the White House Historical Association.
You have requested advice concerning what steps, if any, can be taken to rectify
this situation.
We have concluded that the matter should be referred to the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) for consideration and appropriate action by them, as they
are the agency of Government best situated to deal with a situation of this kind.
Neither the White House nor the White House Historical Association had any
contract with AMEXCO or Castleton which would provide a basis for action
by the White House or by the Association. Your memorandum suggests that
the Association and AMEXCO were in the midst of negotiations when this
advertisement first appeared, but that these negotiations had not yet rippened
into a contract. Hence, there is no basis upon which to predicate a claim for
breach of contract. Neither does the advertisement make use of the Presidential
Seal, the Flag of the United States or violate any of the other statutes which
prohibit advertising of this sort.
However, there appears to be two areas in which the advertisement may be
misleading. The first is that the advertisement may suggest that it has
been authorized by the White House. Secondly, Castleton is described
BERALD R. FORD LIBRARY
- 2 -
as the "official supplier of state china to the White House, " and, of course,
this is false. The concept of White House sponsorship is suggested only by
inference and, after careful review, we have concluded that we do not have
a very strong argument that the advertisement is misleading in this respect.
On the other hand, the recitation that Castleton is the official supplier of
state china appears plainly in the advertisement, and as noted above, this
is demonstrably false. While the statement is false, the resulting injury
is suffered by the public at large (not the White House) who persumably
could be misled and as a result make a purchase they might otherwise
would not have made, Since we believe this to be the case, the matter should
be referred to the FTC for whatever action they may think appropriate.
We do not believe it would be appropriate for the White House or for the
Association to contact AMEXCO. Since the Association was deprived of
royalty payments when the contemplated agreement with AMEXCO did not
materialize, any effort to stop AMEXCO's current merchandising effort,
initiated by the Association or by the White House, might be misinterpreted
and regarded as a threat of governmental action unless the initial negotiations
were revived which, of course; is not our purpose. However, if the public
has been misled by the advertisement, then, as noted above the FTC should
be advised of this fact so that it can take appropriate remedial action.
I would be pleased to discuss this matter further with you, at your convenience.
cc: Phil Buchen
FORD LIBRARY 3
Saturday 3/8/75
2:45
Concerning White House china, I had the attached
in my files -- is this possibly what you had in mind?
SEALE R. FORD THERARY
WH Curator
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 26, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Clement E. Conger
FROM:
William E. Casselman II
N
SUBJECT:
White House China - Reproduced by Castleton
In the October issue of Travel and Leisure Magazine, published by American
Express Company (AMEXCO), there is a four page advertisement entitled,
"A Series of Eight Authentic Designs of White House China Reproduced by
Castleton in a Special Edition of True Translucent China. = In your memorandum
of November 4, 1974, you have advised me that this advertisement is neither
authorized by the White House nor by the White House Historical Association.
You have requested advice concerning what steps, if any, can be taken to rectify
this situation.
We have concluded that the matter should be referred to the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) for consideration and appropriate action by them, as they
are the agency of Government best situated to deal with a situation of this kind.
Neither the White House nor the White House Historical Association had any
contract with AMEXCO or Castleton which would provide a basis for action
by the White House or by the Association. Your memorandum suggests that
the Association and AMEXCO were in the midst of negotiations when this
advertisement first appeared, but that these negotiations had not yet rippened
into a contract. Hence, there is no basis upon which to predicate a claim for
breach of contract. Neither does the advertisement make use of the Presidential
Seal, the Flag of the United States or violate any of the other statutes which
prohibit advertising of this sort.
However, there appears to be two areas in which the advertisement may be
misleading. The first is that the advertisement may suggest that it has
been authorized by the White House. Secondly, Castleton is described
FORD
- 2 -
as the "official supplier of state china to the White House, 11 and, of course,
this is false. The concept of White House sponsorship is suggested only by
inference and, after careful review, we have concluded that we do not have
a very strong argument that the advertisement is misleading in this respect.
On the other hand, the recitation that Castleton is the official supplier of
state china appears plainly in the advertisement, and as noted above, this
is demonstrably false. While the statement is false, the resulting injury
is suffered by the public at large (not the White House) who persumably
could be mislead and as a result make a purchase they might otherwise
would not have made Since we believe this to be the case, the matter should
be referred to the FTC for whatever action they may think appropriate.
We do not believe it would be appropriate for the White House or for the
Association to contact AMEXCO. Since the Association was deprived of
royalty payments when the contemplated agreement with AMEXCO did not
materialize, any effort to stop AMEXCO's current merchandising effort,
initiated by the Association or by the White House, might be misinterpreted
and regarded as a threat of governmental action unless the initial negotiations
were revived which, of course, is not our purpose. However, if the public
has been mislead by the advertisement, then, as noted above the FTC should
be advised of this fact so that it can take appropriate remedial action.
I would be pleased to discuss this matter further with you, at your convenience.
CC: Phil Buchen
&
FORD
STATE
WH
THE WHITE HOUSE
Curator
WASHINGTON
May 30, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Clem Conger
FROM:
Phil Buchen T.W.B.
After Bill Casselman and I reviewed your proposed letter
to the Department of the Treasury (copy of which is attached),
I suggest that the letter be sent only if the last paragraph is
stricken and replaced by language as follows:
"This letter is being written merely to provide
you with information similar to that which I have
provided in cases of gifts of furniture or
furnishings by others to the White House and the
State Department. I have no objections to the public
release of this letter. 11
If you have any questions, please call me.
is
FORD
3:35 p.m.
Thursday, May 29
Mr. Conger called about the draft letter he
wrote about the gifts given by Mr. Tracy.
SEAL H. FORD LIBRARY
THE
WASHINGTON WHITE HOUSE 5/27/75
Mr. Casalman's
office was
checking to
see if anything
had gone out
on this.
BERALD AMOUNT F. FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
5/26/75
Rod:
I'd like your
VIews on this
matter.
Okay, Ind only it it the
letter is made public!
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 22, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
BILL CASSELMAN
BY
Per our telephone conversation today, attached is a proposed letter
from Clem Conger to the Internal Revenue Service regarding the
valuation of two gifts given by Mr. Berry B. Tracy to the White
House in 1973. Mr. Tracy is the Assistant Curator of the Metro-
politan Museum of Art, and has been extremely generous in both
selling and donating period furniture to the White House for inclusion
in its permanent collection. However, Mr. Tracy is a man of limited
means. Therefore, in an effort to avoid heavy capital gains tax on
the increased value of the furniture which he has sold, he apparently
decided to donate two valuable pieces to the White House to help offset
his gains. IRS has questioned the valuation placed on these pieces
by a professional appraiser, Mr. Harold Sack. Clem proposes to
write IRS in support of Sack's appraisal.
When Clem called his proposed letter to my attention, I asked him if
the situation had ever arisen before. He advised that on about 10 or
15 occasions he has written to IRS at the request of donors to support
the valuations of gifts given to either the White House or State Department.
White House contact with IRS is always a sensitive matter. Section 11
of the guidelines to the Standards of Conduct for the White House Staff
states that "As a general rule, no member of the staff should make an
ex parte contact with a regulatory agency involving any matter pending
before that agency, regardless of whether the proceedings are deemed
to be rule-making or adjudicative, when such a contact may imply
preferential treatment or the use of influence on the decision-making
process. 11 (We have generally treated IRS as a regulatory agency for
purposes of these guidelines). However, the guidelines do recognize
"exceptional occasions" when such contacts may be justified. In this
case, Clem feels that the White House has a legitimate interest in the
manner in which IRS values donations in kind to the White House and,
based on his past practices, Clem very much desires to send his
proposed letter to the IRS.
FORD
Enclosure
CEMALE
DRAFT
Department of the Treasury
Office of Internal Revenue
469 Broadway
Newburgh, New York 12550
Attention: Mr. V. Iannuzzi, Conferee
Dear Mr. Iannuzzi:
I am writing in connection with the possible reassessment
of the valuations of two gifts by Mr. Berry B. Tracy to the
White House in 1973. They are two of the most important and
beautiful pieces of period furniture recently acquired for the
permanent collection of the White House.
One is an exceptionally beautiful pier table dating about
1815 by the well-known cabinetma}ker, Charles Honore Lannuier.
The other is a very handsome mahogany bedstead of about 1810
by the equally famous New York cabinetmaker, Duncan Phyfe.
Both pieces are of the very highest quality.
The acquisition of this furniture was arranged by me as
Curator of the White House. We would gladly have purchased them at
what in my opinion was their appraised fair market values of $16,000
and $12,500 respectively had not Mr. Tracy so generously elected
to give them to the White House for the permanent collection.
Frequently, when a private owner of an important object is
suffered that the donor
given to the White House Collection, we have asked the firm of
Israel Sack, Inc., 15 East 57th Street, New York, New York,
SERALD N. FORD LIBRARY
to establish its market value for our protection and that of the
donor. I can say that in my many years of acquaintanceship with
Mr. Harold Sack of Israel Sack, Inc., that his intergrity and
knowledge of American furniture and the fair market value of
great pieces is the best available in this country. I rely on
Mr. Sack for vlaues, quality and authenticity frequently.
In light of these facts, I wish you to take note of Mr. Sacks
valuations and the reality of potential sale of Mr. Tracy's superb
gifts to the Nation. I hope that you will consider this confidential
information in your consideration of Mr. Tracy's case.
Very sincerely,
Clement E. Conger
The Curator
cc: Mr. Berry B. Tracy
P. O. Box 633
Goshen, New York 10924
Mr. Harold Sack
Israel Sack, Inc.
15 East 57th Street
New York, New York
FORDO & DERAL LIBRARY
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 2, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
THROUGH:
BILL CASSELMAN
A
FROM:
BARRY ROTH
BR
SUBJECT:
Writing Table and Desk at San Clemente
The Act of September 22, 1961, 75 Stat. 586, provides:
"Articles of furniture, fixtures and decorative objects of
the White House, when declared by the President to be of
historic or artistic interest, together with such similar
articles, fixtures, and objects as are acquired by the White
House in the future when similarly so declared, shall there-
after be considered to be inalienable and the property of the
White House. Any such article, fixture, or object when not
in use or on display in the White House shall be transferred
by direction of the President as a loan to the Smithsonian
Institution for its care, study, and storage or exhibition,
and such articles, fixtures, and objects shall be returned
to the White House from the Smithsonian Institution on notice
by the President."
In addition, 3 U.S.C. 109 requires an annual inventory each June
of the plates, furniture and public property of the White House. This
inventory is to be transmitted to the President for his approval and
then maintained for reference in the office of the Director of the
National Parks Service. The inventory is required to include when
the item was purchased, its cost, condition and final disposition.
In view of these statutes, the following options are available with
respect to the writing table and desk now at San Clemente (a detailed
description of the items is attached):
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
FORD
GERAL
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAI
-2-
(1) Leave them there without additional action on our part.
This option has several drawbacks. First, the items would be shown
on the annual inventory as being located at San Clemente. Second, it
is inconsistent with the intent of the above statutes which limit the use
of White House furniture to the White House or to the Smithsonian
Institution for storage or exhibit. A concern has also been expressed
that they may be claimed as part of Nixon's estate athis death, and
that the White House could permanently lose these items.
(2) Transfer the items to GSA. Although there is no record
that the Presidential declaration required by the Act of September 22,
1961, has ever been made, Rex Scouten and his predecessors have
interpreted this Act to generally apply to all White House furniture
and property regardless, and Rex feels that a formal declaration is
unnecessary. Rex also feels that were we to transfer the property
to GSA, we would clearly be in violation of the Congressional intent
that the property remain inalienable to the White House. On the other
hand, an argument can be made that either an actual declaration by
the President, or the delegation to another official who then makes
that declaration, is necessary for these items to fall within the scope
of this statute.
GSA clearly has the authority under the Former President's Act to
furnish an office for the former President at San Clemente, and if
transferred to GSA, the items would properly be at San Clemente on
that basis. This authority lapses on Nixon's death and thus would
insure that the property is reclaimed by the government at that time,
when it could then be transferred back to the White House by GSA.
This has the additional advantage that the inventory prepared this
June would only show that the items had been transferred to GSA and
would not show that they were at San Clemente. Rex is strongly
opposed to this method to the extent it would be a precedent for future
Presidents to permanently remove White House furniture, the very
reason Congress enacted these laws in the first place. In response to
that, I think this would not be the case as long as we now make the
appropriate declarations so that such White House furnishings clearly
fall within the terms of this Act. On their return, the declarations
should also be made for these two items.
(3) Return the items to the White House. This is clearly
consistent with the present law and would eliminate any possible
FORD
future criticism of the President on this matter.
GERALE
LIBRARY
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONF IDENTIAL
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
-3-
In view of the approaching June inventory, a decision is required
now.
Decision
Option 1.
Take no further action now
Option 2. Transfer to GSA
Option 3.
Return to White House
Discuss further
cc: Phil Buchen
it
FORD
BENALD
ANY
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
THE WHITE HOUSE.
WASHINGTON
WHITE HOUSE ITEMS AT SAN CLEMENTE:
WRITING TABLE (902.408)
Mahogany writing table, rectangular, with two narrow drawers
in front of table, each with brass mount handles. Between
the drawers is a panel with a carved basket of flowers and
drapery tassels on each side, The four legs are cabriole
shaped with scroll bracket and shell carving at the knee.
Dutch feet.
This table was purchased for the White House in the Theodore
Roosevelt administration in 1902. A label on the table reads:
"White House. Theodore Roosevelt President. Col. Theodore
A. Bingham B. G."
DESK (952.3301)
Mahogany double pedestal desk with overhanging top and canted
corners. Flat top has three sections of brown leather. At sides
of corners near top are carved rosettes and acanthus leaf carving.
Across the top are three three narrow drawers and each pedestal
contains three drawers graduated in size from top to bottom.
Table given to White House in 1952. Label on desk reads: Gift
of John McShain.
Mcasurements: height-30", length-72", depth-36".
Dor
Fortal
With
Curator
STEELCASE INC GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49501
July 17, 1975
Mr. Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Phil:
Thank you for the interest you have shown
in our suggested project for the Bicentennial of re-
producing the Treaty of Paris desk and chair.
We certainly would not wish to go ahead with
any such program without the approval and cooperation
of the various departments concerned. There are enough
problems without adding one more and we will consider
the matter closed.
Thank you again, and Mary joins with me in
sending our very best wishes to you and "Bunny".
Sincerely,
Fave
David D. Hunting, Sr.
/jvl
STATE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 7, 1975
CARBP
Dear Dave:
When I last talked with you about your proposed project
to reproduce the Treaty of Paris desk and chair, the
originals of which are in the State Department, you
indicated that you wanted to defer to the views of
Clem Conger and the Fine Arts Committee of the State
Department. Now I have been informed that Clem Conger
did take up the matter with such Committee and has written
you of the Committee's opinion that it should not authorize
the project.
I regret that this was the outcome, but in view of your
advice to me of your desire to defer to the judgment of this
Committee, I will take no further steps unless you would like
me to do SO. However, please do not hesitate to propose that
I ask the Committee to reconsider its action.
Warmest regards to you and Mary.
Sincerely,
Thil
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. Dave Hunting
Stow/Davis Furniture Company
25 Summer Avenue, N. W.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504
FORD OF Lingher OTHER
STOWIDAVIS
April 18, 1975
Dear Phil:
Thank you for your thoughtful note.
When in Washington, I proposed our program to Mr. Conger.
He suggested that I outline it in writing which I did as a
Stow/Davis participation in the Bi-Centennial effort.
Thinking that a similar proposal by the Furniture Manu-
facturers Association to the Bi-Centennial Commission
might be more acceptable than a program sponsored by
an individual company, the Association wrote also.
We would not wish to proceed with either program without
the approval of Mr. Conger. If we do not hear favorably,
we have no intention of pressing the matter further, or
asking Administration assistance.
Sorry not to have seen you the other night. This is a
big year for the Hunting family, and I was very, very
busy.
Will see you soon, I hope.
Sincerely,
Tave
8.
TORD
maf
Mr. Philip W. Buchen
The White House
Washington, D.C.
STOW|DAVIS FURNITURE COMPANY 25 SUMMER AVENUE, N.W., GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49504 TELEPHONE (616) 456-9681
NEW YORK
CHICAGO
LOS ANGELES
REVOLUTION
AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL ADMINISTRATION
AMERICAN
BICENTENNIAL
736 JACKSON PLACE, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20276
1776-1976
(202) 382-1776
June 24, 1975
Mr. Kenneth Bergsma
President, Furniture Manufacturers
Association of Grand Rapids
220 Lyon Street, NW.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49502
Dear Mr. Bergsma:
I apologize for the delay in responding to your letter to me of
March 20, 1975, which I apparently misplaced.
I have discussed your proposal with our Program Staff and a representative
of the State Department. It is the feeling of our ARBA Program Department
that the program outlined in your letter would not meet the ariteria for
designation as a national Bicentennial program of the ARBA.
Consistent with policy guidelines adopted by the ARBA Board in carrying
out the Congressional mandate contained in Public Law 93-179, it may be
possible to accomplish the intent of your program through the ARBA symbol
licensing program, which may or may not include limited reproductions of
the "Treaty of Paris" desk and chair. Under our symbol licensing guide-
lines, it would be possible to designate as an officially recognized com-
memorative a collection of furniture reproductions, assuming all rights
could be obtained. Such a collection could be purchased by companies for
display and subsequent donation to local museums. Such a collection could
also be offered for sale to the general public if that was your desire.
Under the licensing program, the collection would be done under the auspices
of the AREA symbol licensing guidelines, and we are in no position to support
the presentation of any item as a gift to President and Mrs. Ford. One of
every item included under the symbol licensing program will be subsequently
turned over to the Smithsonian Institution when the ARBA goes out of exist-
ence in July 1977.
Should this alternative proposal be of interest to you, I would be pleased
to meet and discuss it with you in detail. My telephone number is (202)
634-1851.
Sincerely,
Andy Wahlquist
(CB)
R. FORD LIBRAKY
Andrew F. Wahlquist
Deputy Assistant Administrator
for Symbol Licensing and
Commemorative Sales
-2-
CC: Philip Buchen
The White House
Marjorie Lynch
ARBA Deputy Administrator
Please note:
NEW ADDRESS:
BERALD W. FORD THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL
ADMINISTRATION
2401 E Street, N. W.
Washington, D.C. 20276
THE WHITE HOUSE
Bergana,
WASHINGTON
Keb
April 9, 1975
Dear Dave:
The President has referred to me the copy of the
letter you sent to him which Ken Bergsma had sent
to Andy Wahlquist.
I have checked with Mr. Wahlquist and he advises
me that the matter is under consideration and that
the Furniture Manufacturers Association will have
a reply shortly. As I understand it, the Bicenten-
nial Administration is only authorized to licensed
use of the official Bicentennial insignia. Because
use of the insignia on the proposed desk would not
be fitting, it appears likely that the Administra-
tion can only offer encouragement for this project.
However, I cannot anticipate exactly the nature of
the forthcoming response.
It was good to see Dave, Jr., even briefly, at the
reception in Grand Rapids; and I was only sorry
not to see you but understood fully that you were
engaged in preparing for Mary's birthday celebration.
Sincerely,
Thil
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. David Hunting
Stow/Davis Furniture Company
25 Summer Avenue, N. W.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504
CC: Dorothy Downton
Jack Marsh
SEAL FORD ABRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 27, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
JACK
Recalling my earlier memo to you you have any
further guidance?
It is my recollection from our meeting on this that you were going
to take care of it.
Many thanks.
FORD - 03 LIBRARY
April 7, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
JACK MARSH
I would appreciate your guidance on the accompany-
ing note from Dorothy Downton together with
attachments involving a Grand Rapids' project.
Thanks.
JCM/dl
SEAL R. 3 FORD
MAP 26 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 25, 1975
Mr. Marsh:
We received this letter from Mr. Dave
Hunting who is a close friend of the
President's in Grand Rapids. The President
has read the letter from Mr. Bergsma to
Mr. Wahlquist. He asked that I send it
to you to be sure that these gentlemen
receive a quick approval if one is necessary.
The President also thinks that Mr. Hunting
should receive a letter from him indicating
what we have done.
Thanks.
Dorothy Downton
FORD - LIBRARY
From
STOW I DAVIS
Xawe Hunting
GERALD R. FORD FIBRARY
*STOW DAVIS FURNITUR RE COMPANY 25 SUMMER AVENUE. NW. GRAND RAPIDS. MICHIGAN 49504 TELEPHONE (613) 456-9631
NEW YORK CHICAGO . LOS ANGELES
FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF GRAND RAPIDS
March 20, 1975
Mr. Andy Wahlquist
ARBA 2401 "E" St., N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20276
Gentlemen:
The members of the Furniture Manufacturers Association of Grand Rapids are
anxious to participate in the Bi-Centennial program. Our Association is
composed of 36 companies manufacturing wood furniture.
Subject to your approval and authorization, we propose to manufacture a
limited number of reproductions of the "Treaty of Paris" desk and chair
now on display in the reception rooms of the State Department. These
pieces would be arranged as a display with photographs, flags, replicas
of treaties, etc.
This display would be offered to banks, insurance companies and other
interested firms. It would serve as a focal point in their Bi-Centennial
exhibits and programs.
We would probably restrict the release of this exhibit on the basis of
one to each participant. It would be our endeavor to have the parti-
cipant agree to donate the furniture to a local museum or art gallery
at the end of the 8i-Centennial year. Our association would guarantee
that the desk and chair would be of highest quality suitable for museum
preservation.
The companies involved would send experienced designers to Washington
to faithfully record the desk and chair, both in detail of design,
construction, character of wood, etc.
It is the intent of the Association to present one of these desks and
chairs to President & Mrs. Ford as a gift from the Association.
Because it will require almost twelve months to manufacture the furniture,
an early decision is imperative.
Are further steps necessary to secure your authorization?
Sincerely,
KewittBurand
Kenneth Bergsma, President
Charle Rober
BERALD R. FORD LIBRARY
Charles R. Solon, Managing Director
220 Lyon
-103 STREET, N.W., GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49502 x (616) 456-969;
May 21, 1975
Dear Mr. Hunting:
As I promised in my letter to you of March 4, 1974
your request for the Fine Arts Committee to grant permission
to reproduce the Treaty of Paris desk as a Bicentennial project
was put on the Agenda for the Spring Fine Arts Committee
Meeting which was held on May 19, 1975.
We explained the proposal of Stow/Davis Furniture Company
to reproduce the Treaty of Paris Desk in a Inditted number which
would then be placed in banks, large firms, etc. I explained
that this would be a patriotic rather than a commercial
endeavor. The consensus of the Fine Arts Committee was that
we should not allow the Treaty of Paris Desk to be copied even
though they realized your project was a very worthwhile and
patriotic endeavor.
We appreciate your interest in the Americana Project
for furnishing the Diplomatic Reception Rooms.
Very sincerely,
Clement E. Conger
Chairman
Fine Arts Sommittee
Mr. David D. Hunting,
Stow/Davis Furniture Company,
25 Summer Avenue, N.W.,
Exand Rapids, Michigan 48504.
FORD of LIBRARY 03
STOWIDAVIS
March 7, 1975
Mr. Clement E. Conger
Chairman-Special Fine Arts Committee
Department of State
Washington, DC
Dear Mr. Conger:
I have your letter of March 4, and am disappointed that our suggested
Bi-Centennial project does not look more favorable.
We are afraid that a delay of four months in obtaining approval from
you or the Fine Arts Committee would not give us time to complete
the manufacture and distribution of the desk. Is there any way in
which we could start work at our risk, subject to approval at a later
date.
I asked the Director of the Grand Rapids Museum to bring the project
to the attention of the National Committee for the Bi-Centennial Era
when he was in Washington a few days ago. He talked with Miss
Marjorie Lynch about our desire to participate as indicated in our
previous letter to you.
Incidentally, I have mentioned our program to a large national insurance
company and to several banks. Their promises of cooperation were most
encouraging.
If you could see any way to expedite the clearance of this program,
I would be glad to come to Washington for further discussion.
Yours very truly
D.D Hunting D. D. Hunting
maf
BERAU R. FORD LIBRARY
STOW.DAVIS FURNITURE COMPANY 25 SUMMER AVENUE, N.W., GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49504 TELEPHONE (616) 456-9681
NEW YORK
CHICAGO
LOS ANGELES
2) Crate hat. Lile
March 4, 1975
Dear Mr. Hunting:
Thank you for your letter of February 21 regarding
the possibility of our granting permission to reproduce
the Treaty of Paris desk as a Bicentennial project. As I
may have explained to you. on the telephone before, we have
turned down all previous requests to make reproductions of
American furniture in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. Granted
your proposal has a somewhat different angle than the others,
I would be glad to bring this subject to the attention of
our Fine Arts Committee at its next meeting which will probably
be in May.
Very sincerely,
Clement E. Conger
Chairman
Fine Arts Committee
Mr. David D. Hunting,
StowiDavis Furniture Company,
25 Summer Avenue, N.W.,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 48504.
AMOUNT BERALD TOTAL
STOWIDAVIS
February 21, 1975
Mr. Clement E. Conger
Chairman-Special Fine Arts Committee
Department of State
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Conger:
When in Washington I spoke to you over the phone about the possibility of
this Company having permission to reproduce the Treaty of Paris Desk as
our Bi-centennial project.
Briefly and subject to your suggestions, we would propose to make a limited
number of exact "museum" duplicates. These we would place with banks,
insurance companies, or large firms as a focal point for their Centennial
exhibits and programs. We would hope to make the display of this desk
most attractive with proper flags, photographs, etc.
We would restrict the release of this desk on the basis of one to each
participant. We will make every endeavor to have the participant agree to
give the desk to a local museum or art gallery upon the termination of this
exhibit or display.
We do not regard this as a commercial project, but rather as our contribution
to the Bi-centennial program. The desk will not be advertised for sale. We
expect to manufacture the desk of a quality suitable for museum preservation.
To do this, we would send an experienced designer to Washington to faithfully
record the desk both in detail of design, construction, character of wood, etc.
Should you be inclined to favorably consider this request, we would like to
present our program to and request the cooperation of:
The National Council for Historical Preservation
The American Association for State and Local History
FORD
The Amer ican Association for Museums
The National Committee for the Bicentennial Era
GERALD
STOW DAVIS FURNITURE COMPANY 25 SUMMER AVENUE, N.W., GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49504 TELEPHONE (616) 456-9681
NEW YORK
CHICAGO
LOS ANGELES
Mr. Clement E. Conger
-2-
February 21, 1975
We would propose to present one desk to President Ford as a gift from
the Furniture Manufacturers Association of Grand Rapids.
We have said nothing about this project to others. For information about
our company and our responsibility, you could question Mrs. William Seidman,
formerly President of the Grand Rapids Art Gallery, and now in Washington
with her husband William Seidman of the White House staff.
I also had the good fortune to be escorted through the White House by
Michael J. Farrell, who may remember our group.
Because it will require almost twelve months to manufacture these desks,
we would appreciate your early consideration, and I will phone you in a
few days to arrange a personal interview.
Yours very truly,
D.Hunting
David D. Hunting
maf
FORD
DERALT
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
FORD - LIBRANT e
Mr. Conger
is not in
the WH yet -
but I've left
word for
him to call me.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Evo:
Please tell
Clem Congor I
must talk to him
before Monday.
Ask where I might
roach him ou Saturday
in case I can't
coll before then.
P
FORDO - LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 25, 1975
Mr. Buchen,
Attached is a copy of the memorandum
to Clem Conger that Mrs. Ford discussed
with you this afternoon.
Nancy
Nancy Chirdon
September 5, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO CLEM CONGER, CURATOR'S OFFICE
FROM: Mrs. Ford
After careful consideration, I have come to the following
conclusions regarding the items which have been placed for my
approval both in the East sitting Hall and the Queen's Bedroom:
East Sitting Hall
The orienial rug that was selected does not appeal to me,
and I feel that it is unsuitable. In view of the fact that we
often use this area for entertaining, I would much prefer
either something more cheerful and warmer or the return of the
original carpet. I also want to confirm that the new drapes will
be an exact duplication of those which we now have.
Queen's Bedroom
At this time, I must reiterate my strong feelings that the
bed is such an historic piece of furniture and, therefore, request
that it not be removed from this room. I am sure there will be
no problem in having someone come into the room to drape it. I
also must express my great disappointment at the selection of the
sofa by Samuel HcIntire. 7 have found that it is most uncomfort-
able -- your feet do not even touch the floor while sitting in it.
Although I have agreed that the martle should be replaced, at
this time I wish to confirm that this does not include the above
mirror.
After again reviewing the Queen's Bedroom and reflecting your
suggested changes, I must admit that I am particularly partial to
the effectiveness of the present fabric. Therefore, I feel I must
be absolutely positive that all the changes create an equally
attractive atmosphere. I believe this will require more of my
personal attention.
Thank you.
UERA FORD UNIVERSITY
Monday 10/27/75
1:20
Mr. Hills:
The grandfather clocks are taken care of by the
2550
W.H. Curator's office.
There is apparently no one in the office today; we will
try again tomorrow.
GERATO 2. FORD LIBEARY
E
Thursday 11/20/75
6:15 Clem Conger left these materials for you.
He must talk with you before you take the materials
to Mrs. Ford -- he has things to tell you which he
did not include in the material.
FORDS a LIBRARY
November 20, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR MRS. FORD
SUBJ:
"Materials for the Queens' Bedroom"
The original discussions with Mrs. Nixon on refurbishing the
Queens' Bedroom began back in the Spring of 1973. We do not have
notes on all the meetings with Mrs. Nixon, but we do have a note
dated June 6, 1973, in which she approved the architectural im-
provements to the room and upgrading the mediocre collection of
furniture by using the best pieces of the Seymour collection of
furniture for the Queens' Bedroom, the Queens' Sitting Room,
and the East Sitting Hall.
The wonderful collection of very beautiful and rather feminine
American furniture by John and Thomas Seymour of Salem,
Massachusetts was acquired from Mr. Vernon Stoneman of Boston
during 1972. Mr. Stoneman gave the tambour pedimented secretary
by the Seymours, now in the East Sitting Hall, valued in excess of
$50,000.
The basic fabrics for the Queens' Bedroom (draperies,
bed hangings, upholsteries) were approved by Mrs. Nixon in the
Spring of 1974 after a series of discussions on the improvements
in the Room, dating back into 1973. This basic order was placed
with Scalamandre in April 1974 and delivered to Browne Decorating
BENAU 11. FORD LIBRARY
- 2 -
Company, Atlanta, Georgia, in June 1974. The first bill for fabrics
amounting to $3, 907 was received in July 1974 but was not paid
until December 1974. Supplemental orders for guimpe, fringe,
jabots, and other materials were placed thereafter, after extensive
consultations on colors and examination of samples by Mr. David
Byers, Browne Decorating Company, Atlanta, and Mr. Edward
Jones but not all items were delivered until early 1975. (See
attached letter of October 28, 1975 from Mr. Byers).
These consultations, which happen on most fabrics for every room,
are carried on between Mr. Jones and Mr. Byers in Georgia.
I am not concerned with most details once the basic fabric orders
are placed. The bills for these fabrics to date amount to $13,068
and have been paid for in 1975. Guimpe, fringe and jabots, etc. are
often more expensive than the basic fabrics but are very correct
and very necessary.
After the basic decisions are made, Mr. Jones or I place the
basic orders for fabrics with Scalamandre or such other firms as
may be necessary. Materials are delivered to Mr. Byers at
Browne Decorating Company, Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Byers is one
of many interior designers whose work is done in an independent shop
in the very large firm of Browne Decorating Company, Atlanta.
BERALD . FORD
- 3 -
This is the finest firm in the United States for restoration type
draperies, bed hangings, etc. As the Metropolitan Museum and other
major collections and collectors place their orders with Browne
Decorating Company and because of the large volume of work done
by this firm, deliveries are often quite slow. They try when possible
to give preference to the White House. The person in charge of the
shop has been absent for some time. Normally, we do not pay final
bills until all the work in a room is finished. Because of the passage
of so much time, we have paid part of the Scalamandre bills but not
all. We do not pay Browne Decorating until an installation is completed.
Per Mr. Byers' letter of October 21, attached, total cost of the new
draperies in the new materials will be $6206 which is not bad as costs
go now. Cost of dressing the bed in the new materials amounts to
$3945.
The Queens' Bedroom is treated as a restoration room, and
in our opinion the fabrics and designs should be the best and most
authentic possible of the first quarter of the 19th century.
We now realize you like the rose taffeta material which is
presently in the draperies and bed hangings in the room. As we have
said in the past, however, we wish to have you at least see the
proposed new draperies before you make a final decision. I think that
when you see the new draperies and bed hangings, you will most likely
TORD & LIBRARY
- 4 -
agree that they are much more beautiful than the present rose
taffeta draperies. The new draperies and bed hangings are properly
designed whereas the present draperies and bed hangings most
do
definitely are not. The new draperies and bed hangings willalso
be related & to the other new upholsteries on chairs and sofa alroady in the
Room. If you do not like the new draperies and bed hanging materials,
they can of course be stored. Then we could make correctly designed
draperies in place of the present ones with the present rose taffeta
material. Perhaps most of the present rose taffeta material could
be re-used, we are not sure. Boudin of Paris in the Kennedy Admini-
stration selected these materials. Boudin designed the draperies
and bed hangings. Mr. DuPont, then Head of the Fine Arts Committee,
did not approve Mrs. Kennedy's using Boudin's designs as they were
not correct to an American period house.
If after seeing the new materials in place, you want to go back
to the-old rose taffeta material, new replacement rose taffeta material can be
existing
of the same design
A
ordered from Jensen of Paris at $150 if necessary. Cost of making
the draperies in the rose taffeta material would be $3699. Redoing the
present bed correctly in the Jensen rose taffeta material would be
$4887 (see Mr. Byer's letter attached, dated November 7, 1975).
We have contributed funds on hand to complete all work done
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
- 5 -
to date and any foreseeable work in the future.
Upgrading of the collection of furniture in the Queens' Bedroom
and replacing some very poor reproductions and second-rate antiques
with the beautiful Seymour furniture (already in the Room) as well
as using beautiful new materials for draperies and upholsteries will
be a real step forward in the continuing work of refurbishing White
House rooms correctly as they need it.
Accordingly, While you and the President are in China, we
propose to install the mantel and chair railing which you have
already approved. We will hang the new draperies in the new
materials for you to see. We will install the new bed temporarily
and take the present bed to Atlanta for redressing, hopefully in the
new materials.
Incidentally, once the Queens Room is finished, I think it
quite possible that I can find a donor to underwrite the entire cost
of improvements to the Room.
FORD . LIBRARY DERALD
November 1975
QUEENS BED ROOM
Summary
1972
Seymour furniture collection acquired - part
given, part purchased from Mr. Vernon Stoneman,
Boston, Massachusetts
December 1972 Paid Mr. Vernon Stoneman for Seymour
Collection of furniture
$70,000
May 1973
Paid Mr. Vernon Stoneman for Seymour
Collection of furniture
$53,550
Seymour Secretary
$45,000 pd. April 1974
30,000 pd. Dee 1974
15,000 pd. Feb. 1975
Spring 1973
Original discussions with Mrs. Nixon, Mr. Jones,
and Mr. Conger on changes in Queens Room fabrics,
furniture, draperies, upholsteries.
June 6, 1973
Mrs. Nixon approved architectural changes
(mantel, chair rail, cornices, etc.). Upgrade
furniture with Seymour pieces.
Spring 1974
Mrs. Nixon approved all basic fabric designs.
April 1974
Basic fabric orders placed by Mr. Conger with
Scalamandre. (Basic fabrics delivered July 1974);
bills paid December 1974:
$3,907
April 1974
Supplemental orders placed by Mr. Byers and
and later
Mr. Jones in 1974 and early 1975 after extensive
consultations and reorders.
deliveries made
Supplemental fabric bills paid in 1975
$13,048
Unpaid fabric bills
$ 387
Fall 1975
Browne Decorating Company to be paid:
(work already done months ago)
New draperies
........
$6206
Dressing new bed
$4975
FORD LIBRARY GREATO
Alternative Possibilities
Recommended: No. 1: Redress present bed in new materials -$3945
Not Recommended:
No. 2: Rework and redress present bed in our
own rose taffeta material
$4887
(same price if new rose taffeta materials used)
Not Recommended:
No. 3: Redo in correct 7designed present draperies using
A
in,rose material
$3699
present
New trimmings - jabots, guimpe, etc. for draperies
and bed to match rose taffeta would cost an un-
determined amount, but approximately
-
$9000
Not Recommended:
Cost of new rose taffeta material for draperies
and bed hangings only if needed
$20,000
2
FORD
GREATE
Monday 11/24/75
4:10
Clem Conger brought in the attached for you to
take to Mrs. Ford (needs to be approved before
they leave).
Mr. Conger would like to talk with you (on the phone
at least) before you take the package to Mrs. Ford.
BERATE 2. FORD LIBRARY
November 25, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR MRS. FORD
FROM
CLEM CONGER
Back a long time ago when we had the rug made by
Mr. Frank M. Michaelian, Spinning Wheel, in New York that
is presently in the State Dining Room. Mr. Scouten suggested
that we have an alternate rug made inasmuch as that one was
such a bargain at $12,000. It would be worth in the general
market somewhere in excess of $30,000. Mrs. Nixon, Mr. Scouten,
Mr. Jones and I all worked on this subject of a second rug and
the idea was to make it virtually identical in many ways, but a little
bit warmer in feeling. These rugs are made in India, the only
place in the world we are told, where there is a loom that can make
a rug so wide. The State Dining Room rug measures 43" 5" X
28' X 9". Normally rugs cannot be made wider than 21 feet.
This alternate rug took about a year to make and has been
at the warehouse for several months. We have been wanting to getita
in for you to see. Unfortunately because of the large size, we
$15,000
would have to rent a truck at some expense to bring it in here.
Mr. Scouten and I wonder if when you come back from China if
you would mind going with me to the warehouse for just a few minutes
to see it there. If this is not convenient, we will of course go ahead
and have it brought in to the White House.
Because of the constant usage and constant spillage on the
rug in the State Dining Room, it more than any other room needs
an alternate rug. As you know, we try to have alternate rugs for
all the principal rooms.
FORD . LIBRARY 01V838
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 26, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MRS. BETTY FORD
FROM:
PHIL BUCHEN
Phil
Attached is a memorandum prepared by Clem Conger
after several consultations with me and after he
had obtained the letters which are attached.
I am sending a copy at the same time to
Rex Scouten, and I would be glad to meet with
you and him whenever it is convenient for you
late this afternoon.
Attachment
CC: Rex Scouten
FORD LIDRARY à SECURE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 24, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR MRS. FORD
SUBJ:
"Materials for the Queens' Bedroom"
The original discussions with Mrs. Nixon on refurbishing
the Queens' Bedroom began back in the Spring of 1973. We do not have
notes on all the meetings with Mrs. Nixon, but we do have a note
dated June 6, 1973, in which she approved the architectural im-
provements to the room and upgrading the collection of furniture
by using the best pieces of the Seymour collection of furniture for
the Queens' Bedroom, the Queens' Sitting Room, and the East
Sitting Hall.
The wonderful collection of very beautiful and rather feminine
American furniture by John and Thomas Seymour of Salem,
Massachusetts was acquired from Mr. Vernon Stoneman of Boston
during 1972. Mr. Stoneman gave the tambour pedimented secretary
by the Seymours, now in the East Sitting Hall, valued in excess of
$50,000.
The basic fabrics for the Queens' Bedroom (draperies,
bed hangings, upholsteries) were approved by Mrs. Nixon in the
Spring of 1974 after a series of discussions on the improvements
in the Room, dating back into 1973. This basic order was placed
with Scalamandre in April 1974 and delivered to Browne Decorating
SEALED #. FORD
- 2 -
Company, Atlanta, Georgia, in June 1974. The first bill for fabrics
amounting to $3, 907 was received in July 1974 but was not paid
until December 1974. Supplemental orders for guimpe, fringe,
jabots, and other materials were placed thereafter, after extensive
consultations on colors and examination of samples by Mr. David
Byers, Browne Decorating Company, Atlanta, and Mr. Edward
Jones but not all items were delivered until early 1975. (See
attached letter of October 28, 1975 from Mr. Byers).
These consultations, which happen on most fabrics for every room,
are carried on between Mr. Jones and Mr. Byers in Georgia.
I am not concerned with most details once the basic fabric orders
are placed. The bills for these fabrics to date amount to $13, 068
and have been paid for in 1975. Guimpe, fringe and jabots, etc. are
often more expensive than the basic fabrics but are very correct
and very necessary.
After the basic decisions are made, Mr. Jones or I place the
basic orders for fabrics with Scalamandre or such other firms as
may be necessary. Materials are delivered to Mr. Byers at
Browne Decorating Company, Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Byers is one
of many interior designers whose work is done in an independent shop
in the very large firm of Browne Decorating Company, Atlanta.
FORDO is Street LIBRARY
- 3 -
This is the finest firm in the United States for restoration type
draperies, bed hangings, etc. As the Metropolitan Museum and other
major collections and collectors place their orders with Browne
Decorating Company and because of the large volume of work done
by this firm, deliveries are often quite slow. They try when possible
to give preference to the White House. The person in charge of the
shop has been absent for some time. Normally, we do not pay final
bills until all the work in a room is finished. Because of the passage
of so much time, we have paid part of the Scalamandre bills but not
all. We do not pay Browne Decorating until an installation is completed.
Per Mr. Byers' letter of October 21, attached, total cost of the new
draperies in the new materials will be $6206 which is not bad as costs
go now. Cost of dressing the bed in the new materials amounts to
$3945.
The Queens' Bedroom is treated as a restoration room, and
in our opinion the fabrics and designs should be the best and most
authentic possible of the first quarter of the 19th century.
We now realize you like the rose taffeta material which is
presently in the draperies and bed hangings in the room. As we have
said in the past, however, we wish to have you at least see the
proposed new draperies before you make a final decision. I think that
when you see the new draperies and bed hangings, you will most likely
STATE E. FORD LIBRARY
4
agree that they are much more beautiful than the present rose
taffeta draperies. The new draperies and bed hangings are properly
designed whereas the present draperies and bed hangings most
definitely are not. The new draperies and bed hangings do relate to
the other new upholsteries on chairs and sofa already in the Room.
If you do not like the new draperies and bed hanging materials,
they can of course be stored. Then we could make correctly designed
draperies in place of the present ones with present rose taffeta
material. Perhaps most of the present rose taffeta material could
be re-used, we are not sure. Boudin of Paris in the Kennedy Admini-
stration selected these materials. Boudin designed the draperies
and bed hangings. Mr. DuPont, then Head of the Fine Arts Committee,
did not approve Mrs. Kennedy's using Boudin's designs as they were
not correct to an American period house.
If after seeing the new materials in place, you want to go back
to the existing rose taffeta material, replacement material of the same
design can be ordered from Jensen of Paris at $150 if necessary.
Cost of making the draperies in the rose taffeta material would be $3699.
Redoing the present bed correctly in the Jensen rose taffeta material
would be $4887 (See Mr. Byer's letter attached, dated November 7, 1975).
We have contributed funds on hand to complete all work done
to date and any foreseeable work in the future.
-
FORD
DERRED
LIBRARY
- 5 -
While you and the President are in China, we propose to
install the mantel and chair railing whch you have already approved.
We will hang the new draperies in the new materials for you to see.
We will install the new bed temporarily and take the present bed
to Atlanta for redressing, hopefully in the new materials.
FORDO 1. WHEN LIBRARY
November 1975
QUEENS BED ROOM
Summary
Spring 1973
Original discussions with Mrs. Nixon, Mr. Jones,
and Mr. Conger on changes in Queens' Room fabrics,
furniture with Seymour pieces.
June 6, 1973
Mrs. Nixon approved architectural changes (mantel,
chair rail, cornices, etc.). Upgrade furniture, with
Seymour pieces.
Spring 1974
Basic fabric orders placed by Mr. Conger with
Scalamandre. (Basic fabrics delivered July 1974);
bills paid December 1974: $3,907
April 1974
Supplemental orders placed by Mr. Byers and
and later
Mr. Jones, deliveries made in 1974 and early 1975
after extensive consultations and reorders.
Supplemental fabric bills paid in 1975
$13,048
Unpaid fabric bills
$ 387
Fall 1975
Browne Decorating Company to be paid:
(work already done months ago)
New draperies
$6206
Dressing new bed
$4975
Alternative Possibilities continued next page
FORD 1. STATE LIBRA
- 2 -
Alternative Possibilities
Recommended: No. 1: Redress present bed in new materials - $3945
Not Recommended:
No. 2: Rework and redress present bed in our
own rose taffeta material
$4887
(same price if new rose taffeta materials used)
Not Recommended:
No. 3: Redo in correctly designed draperies using
present rose material
$3699
New trimmings - jabots, guimpe, etc. for draperies
and bed to match rose taffeta would cost an un-
determined amount, but approximately
$9000
Not Recommended:
Cost of new rose taffeta material for draperies
and bed hangings only if needed
$20,000
GETALD F FORD
C
W.E.BROWNE DECORATING CO.
443 Peachtree Street, N.E.
ATLANTA 30308
NOVEMBER 7, 1975
Rec's iN CURATORS OFF
November 17, 1975
MR. CKEMENT E. CONGER
CURATOR
WHITE HOUSE
1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVONUE
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20006
DEAR MR. CONGER:
I AM SORRY ABOUT THE DELAY IN GETTING THIS QUOTATION
TO YOU BUT I WAS ANXIOUS TO BE SURE OF ITS ACCURACY AND IT WAS
NECESSARY TO GET THE YAROAGE PRICES THAT THE WHITE HOUSE WOULD
HAVE TO PAY FOR EACH ITEM REQUIRED.
THE BED THAT IS AT PRESENT IN THE QUEEN'S BEDROOM
IS OF COURSE LARGER THAN THE BED WHICH WE HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED,
BUT AFTER CAREFUL PRICE ESTIMATES WE HAVE COME UP WITH THE FOL-
LOWING FIGURES. THE BED THAT IS AT PRESENT IN THE QUEEN'S BED-
ROOM WOULD COST $4,887.50 TO RE-DRAPE EXACTLY AS IT IS NOW DONE
roal VI
THE SAME BED DONE WITH THE FABRICS WHICH ARE USED ON THE UPHOL-
STERY OF THE CHAIRS AND ON THE DRAPERIES WOULD COST $3,945.00. new made
THE PRINCIPAL REASON IS THAT THE MATERIAL USED IS LESS COST PER
YARD THAN THE MATERIAL NOW ON THE BED, AND WE WERE ALSO USING A
SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT DESIGN WHICH WE THOUGHT MIGHT BE PRETTIER IN
THE ROOM WITH THE NEW FABRICS.
IT WOULD TAKE US APPROXIMATELY FOUR WEEKS TO RE-DO
THE BED AND GET IT BACK TO THE WHITE HOUSE. IN THE MEANTIME, IF
IT IS SATISFACTORY WITH YOU, THE BED WE HAVE ALREADY DONE COULD
STAY IN THE ROOM UNTIL THE OTHER IS COMPLETED.
SINCERELY,
W. E. BROWNE DECORATING COMPANY
David Richmand r5yers
DAVID RICHMOND BYERS 111
VICE PRESIDENT
SERVICES k. FORD LIBRARY
DRB:RM
W.E.BROWNE DECORATING CO.
443 Peachtree Street, N. E.
ATLANTA 30308
October 3, 1975
Mr. Clement E. Conger,
Curator,
White House,
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,
Washington, D. C. 20006
Dear Mr. Conger:
Pursuant to your request of several weeks ago we will give you some idea of
the transaction discussed involving potential delivery of work for the Queen's
Bedroom on the second floor.
Mr. Conger, you may recall that the initial discussion was made in the spring
of 1973 after the furniture and an Aubusson rug was acquired. When we made
an installation in Washington in the fall of 1973 we discussed the potentiality
ot using and working a scheme around the Stoneman Collection of New England (S
most WAS PURC
furniture donated to the White House for this room. At that time we discussed
the idea of reworking the plaster work, cornice and the treatment in the room,
i.e., the dado and moldings to conform with the New England scale and
character of the mantelpiece selected. Also, at that time, the First Lady was
very interested and understood our reasoning, as well as the architect, Mr.
Jones', behind the rescaling of the design and the period precedent for the
detail and treatment of this room.
We got together a scheme for you of an antique wallpaper of the period of the
room which we were suggesting as a softening effect for the pictures and the
scale of the furniture to be used. We discussed the potentiality of obtaining
a rug that would conform more in period and character, scale and coloring
SEAL R. FORD LIBRARY
to the proposed arrangement. At that time we got together a scheme of fabrics
to blend with the antique wallpaper that we were suggesting to be reproduced
for the room and using the existing antique mirror from the dressing room
above the mantel to conform with the scale of the room. We proposed a scheme
of special stripe to be woven in colors as sample submitted, to be used for cur
tains and the antique bed treatment, with a brocaded lining tor the bed, inside
curtains and bedspread of strawberry patterned silk on a special blue green
background as submitted. After the presentation of our scheme and proposed
suggestions of fabrics to be especially woven were approved the first of the
year, we donfirmed the orders with Scalamandre in April. 1974 Sufficient striped
fabric to be fabricated in special colors, as approved, for the curtains and bed
hangings was then ordered from Paris to go with the Scalamandre brocade.
The manner of treatment was approved from the suggestion made, as photostat
énclosed from Mr. Montgomery's book.
It was discussed that we would do a curtain treatment on the window with cur-
tains draped with tassel mold fringe and a valance on rod similar to that treat-
ment at the 19th Century show at the Metropolitan Museum exhibition, this
seemed to delight the First Lady.
During the season following we were able to find examples of an antique braid,
fringe trimming, etc. to be fabricated for this room by Scalamandre. It took
some months to get the silk dyed, wood molds made for the fringe and samples
approved. During this time Miss Olsen had retired from Scalamandre. There
was some delay in the approval of the samples woven after the trimming depart-
ment was taken over by Mr. Stagmier. After all of the trimmings, brocade, etc.
were approved from samples prepared, the orders went into work with
Scalamandre with the exception of the stripe for the curtains which we were to
supply from our sources in France. After fabrication of the fabrics and
trimmings, it took some months to receive the order given in total and these
were billed to the White House by Scalamandre at cost upon receipt of same by
us, as ordered April 1974.
When the above fabrics were received, they were put into work by our work-
rooms to be installed at your convenience. It was understood that the fireplace
in the room is to be changed and that the room would be painted and wallpaper
eliminated; the architectural changes are not to be made as originally discussed,
but the mantel and special facings are to be completed in the fall, meaning
approximately mid November, as you recently confirmed. We are planning to
make installation upon completion of these alterations. It is not unusual to take
eighteen months to assemble orders for a decorating job when special fabrica-
tions and dying are necessary for execution of the scheme.
It will be necessary to bring the present bed to Atlanta to develope the design
and execute the patterns properly.
Trusting that the above explanations will clarify the time sequence of the
execution of the order.
Sincerely,
W. E. BROWNE DECORATING COMPANY
David David Richmond Rilmond Byers III 55yen"
Vice President
DRB:dt
SEAL FORD LIBRARY
IND
19
A
W.E.BROWNE DECORATING CO.
Rediu Curators
443 Peachtree Street, N.E.
ATLANTA 30308
Mifice Nov. 3,19
OCTOBER 28, 1975
MR. CLEMENT E. CONGER
CURATOR
WHITE HOUSE
1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20006
DEAR MR. CONGER:
IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR RECENT REQUEST TO SEND YOU
INFORMATION FROM OUR RECORDS AS TO SCHEDULED ORDERS OF MATERIALS
AND PROGRESS OF WORK ON THE QUEEN'S BEDROOM, I HAVE THE FOLLOW-
ING TO REPORT.
As I RECALL, A RUG WAS OBTAINED FOR THIS ROOM BY YOU
TO REPLACE THE MODERN AUBUSSON IN THE ROOM IN THE LATE SUMMER
OF 1973. I WAS INFORMED BY MR. JONES THAT FABRICS HAD BEEN SUB-
MITTED AND APPROVED BY YOU AND THE COMMITTEE AND WHAT DESIGNS
WERE SUGGESTED. I MADE STUDIES AND QUANTITY ESTIMATES AND PLACED
THE ORDER FOR ALL MAJOR QUANTITIES OF MATERIALS JUST AFTER THE
FIRST OF APRIL 1974. THIS INCLUDED FABRICS FOR DRAPERIES, BED
AND ALL UPHOLSTERING. OF COURSE YOU UNDERSTAND THAT BRAID, TRIM-
MINGS AND SPECIAL FRINGES ARE ALWAYS ORDERED LATER AS THE SCHEME
IS DEVELOPED AND SPECIAL SAMPLES ARE APPROVED. As SAMPLES ARE
APPROVED, SOMETIMES AFTER FOUR OR FIVE SUBMISSIONS, THEY ARE PUT
INTO WORK. As A CONSEQUENCE, DELIVERIES OF THESE SPECIAL ITEMS
EXTENDED INTO LATE 1974 AND EARLY 1975.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION, UPON THIRTY DAYS NOTICE WE COULD
HAVE INSTALLED THIS ROOM AS EARLY AS NOVEMBER 1974.
SINCERELY,
W. E. BROWNE DECORATING COMPANY
David VICE DAVID PRESIDENT RICHMOND Richmond BYERS III Byen
DRB:RM
FORD LIBRARY
WH Irrnshings
December 4, 1975
Dear Mrs. Klapthor:
I am returning your most wonderful
book .. "Official White House China -
1789 to the Present. #
It was very helpful to us, and we thank
you for se generously loaning us your
personal copy.
Sincerely,
Eva Daughtrey
Secretary to
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mrs. Margaret Brown Klapthor
Room 4109
History and Technology Building
Division of Political History
Washington, D. C. 20560
TORDS - LIBRARY
In connection with a request from Rod Buchen,
I checked to get information about White House
china.
Borrowed from the Smithsonism a
book entitled "Official White House China - 1789 to
the Present" -- which I borrowed from
Mrs. Margaret Brown Klapthor (Division of Political
History, Room 4109 History and Technology Building
(between 12th and 14th Streets on Constitution),
Washington, D. C. 20560.
Talked with Edie Mayo
381-5244
Book can be obtained through the McGraw-Hill Book Store
at the Smithsonian.
TORDO - LIBRARY DEPART
W.E.BROWNE DECORATING CO.
443 Peachtree Street, N.E.
ATLANTA 8
October 21, 1975
Mr. Clement E. Conger, Curator,
White House,
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,
Washington, D.C. 20006
Dear Mr. Conger:
Listed herewith are the itemized decorations to complete the Queen's
Bedroom; the room is to be installed at your convenience after the completion
of alterations around mid November:
A. Two pairs of curtains of special imported pink and
green stripe, fabricated with a draped valance on
pole, as per engraving by Mesangeres Marbles et
Objets de Gout 1796-1830 and interpreted by us for
the Metropolitan Museum show in 1970 and approved
by the Fine Arts Commission. We have used own
special trimmings and braid, faced back with own
special green taffeta using antique pole ends.
Labor for all above:
$ 3,699.00 Pr.
63 yds. special stripe @ $24.00 yd.
(Approx. forty (40) yds. will be
(retained for future use.
17 yds. billed 1/31/75, work order
7861, sent to Le Volsie for covering
own sofa by him)
1,512.00
2 Pr. Antique pole ends in gilt
wood deacquisitioned for the above
Metropolitan show:
995.00
$6,206
B. The antique teaster bed (from the White House Collection)
for use in the Queen's Bedroom will have side and back cur-
tains and outside valance draped to conform to the photograph
shown from Mr. Montgomery's book of Wintheur, approved
by The Fine Arts Committee using own braid and fringe; the
ceiling and inside curtains have been fabricated from own
especially made silk strawberry pattern brocade. The bed-
spread and bolster made from the same, and special green
taffeta is used for the flounce. The outside curtains and
SEAL R. FORD LIBRARY
valance made from the special imported stripe as the cur-
tains.
-2-
Price for installation of the bed will
include the posts extended, polishing,
restoring the antique bowknot for the
canopy, special fitted box springs and
mattress:
$ 3,995.00
40 yds. of special imported striped
taffeta from France:
980.00
(Approximately twenty (20) yds. will be
retained for future use.)
total 11, 181
to here
We have had four antique New England
side chairs restored in paint and gilt
for this room, these chairs purchased from
Arpad by The Fine Arts Committee:
895.00
Trusting the above is the information desired, I am
Sincerely,
W. E. BROWNE DECORATING COMPANY
David Rulman 15gen
David Richmond Byers III
Vice President
DRB:dt
GENERAL N. FORD LIBRARY
WIS Ournishings
Friday 11/28/75
10:05
Clem Conger is in his State Dept. office -- will be
back in his White House office at noon and will be
available any time after that to discuss your meeting
with Mrs. Ford.
Mr. Buchen said
Rex Bonten Buown-
discussit with him.
1:10 advised Congers office
TORO LIBRARY GIVEST