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OCR Page 1 of 16Speech by Mr. On.
white House
January 5, 1950
Mr. Chairman and members of the Washington Building Congress:
I have been asked to tell you something of the Renovation of the
Executive Nansion, and while I feel somewhat that I am carrying coals
to Newcastle speaking in Washington where more has been published about
the White House than anywhere else, I am happy to bring to you some
facts about the background of this operation and the work being
undertaken.
History records that the White House was the first public building
to be erected in Washington, its corner stone having been laid with
much Masonic ceremony on October 13, 1792. It has been the home of
all of our Presidents save George Washington, but he had much to do
with its site selection and erection.
There probably is no building so important to the people of the
United States, the most famous home in the country, one which carries
affection for millions and which has become a symbol of the endurance
of our democratic way of life.
It is interesting to note, contrary to the general belief, that
the White House has been undergoing changes, additions and repairs
almost since its erection. While I will not dwell too long on its
history, it is necessary for a more complete understanding of the
problem, to recount certain events which have had a bearing on the
problem before us today.
The White House was designed by James Hoban, winner of a competition
for its design, and its construction was supervised by him. The building
was first occupied by President and Mrs. John Adams in November 1800,
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