57 pages • 1 hour read
J. B. West, Mary Lynn KotzUpstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1973A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Part 6Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Part 6: “The Nixons”
Part 6, Chapter 1 Summary
The transfer of power from the Johnsons to the Nixons was extraordinarily cordial, causing West to remark that it was hardly believable “that they were of different political parties” (323). The Nixons arrived with two daughters, Tricia, 22, and Julie, 20, as well as her bridegroom David Eisenhower, after whom Camp David was named. Mrs. Pat Nixon “threw the kitchen into a tizzy” (325) with her first request for cottage cheese. The White House had none and had to find a deli to obtain some and fulfill her request. Some of the early changes made by the Nixons included the removal of the plaque noting President Kennedy’s bedroom, the changing of the name of the Jackie Kennedy Garden to the First Lady’s Garden, and the removal of President Johnson’s shower and telephone wiring. West explains that the Nixons made sure to “de-Kennedyize” (329) their new home. However, the antique furnishings, paintings, and sculptures remained. Most upsetting to West, the swimming pool, which had been a gift to President Roosevelt by school children, was removed.
Part 6, Chapter 2 Summary
The press was housed where the swimming pool had been, and Nixon had the staff prepare the East Room for religious services. Reverend Billy Graham was the first preacher invited. Formal entertainment, with white ties, returned, with the first diplomatic reception on January 31. Otherwise, the Nixons hosted small dinners. On one occasion, the president went into the kitchen to compliment the chef, who was delighted. The first lady announced that she would not have any special project but would encourage the recruitment of volunteers to help others.
On March 1, 1969, West had his last day in the White House. Mrs. Nixon had told him that she was sad to see him retire. He and the new chief usher, Rex Scouten, went to see her on that day to mark the transfer. West noted that in only six weeks, he mainly saw the public persona of the new first lady. However, she demonstrated spontaneity and warmth (336). In fact, per West, all the first ladies were strong in spirit, having learned to be on display and to find ways to protect private moments (336). They performed a great public service. When West returned to the White House after he retired, President Nixon told him, “After all you’ve done for this house, you’re welcome here any time” (337).
Part 6 Analysis
Although West served only a short time during the Nixon administration, he provides further insight into The Important Role of Behind-the-Scenes Workers at the White House. When presidential administrations change, the ushers and staff must adjust to the new family. Anyone who harbors loyalty to the previous administration and resists change is quickly found out and dismissed. In her first night at the White House, the first lady, Pat Nixon, requested some cottage cheese for dinner. At this time, most of Washington, DC, was closed. There was no cottage cheese in the White House. The staff made calls and finally found a deli open. They obtained the cottage cheese and did not disappoint the new first lady. Nor did the staff show any signs of disapproval when the East Room was to be used for religious services. They simply did as the new residents demanded.
West never got to know Pat Nixon, as he only saw her public persona in his short time there. Yet he had praise for her and all the first ladies who had developed strength in helping their husbands get to the White House. Pat, like the others, had to be on public display but be able to have private moments with her family. She, too, would provide an unpaid public service for the American people and show The Contribution of First Ladies to the Presidency. Already, West was struck with the cordiality and grace that occurred during the transfer of power from one political party to another. Presidents and first ladies from both parties appreciated his contribution to the White House, and he served all of them to the best of his ability.
