Residence

An intimate, behind-the-scenes history of the White House service staff, from the Kennedys to the present Americas First Families are unknowable in many ways. No one has insight into their true character like the people who serve their meals and make their beds every day. Full of stories and details by turns dramatic, humorous, and heartwarming, The Residence reveals daily life in the White House as it is really lived through the voices of the maids, butlers, cooks, florists, doormen, engineers, and others who tend to the needs of the President and First Family. These dedicated professionals maintain the six-floor mansions 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 28 fireplaces, three elevators, and eight staircases, and prepare everything from hors doeuvres for intimate gatherings to meals served at elaborate state dinners. Over the course of the day, they gather in the lower levels basement kitchen to share stories, trade secrets, forge lifelong friendships, and sometimes even fall in love.Combining incredible first-person anecdotes from extensive interviews with scores of White House staff membersmany speaking for the first timewith archival research, Kate Andersen Brower tells their story. She reveals the intimacy between the First Family and the people who serve them, as well as tension that has shaken the staff over the decades. From the housekeeper and engineer who fell in love while serving President Reagan to Jackie Kennedys private moment of grief with a beloved staffer after her husbands assassination to the tumultuous days surrounding President Nixons resignation and President Clintons impeachment battle, The Residence is full of surprising and moving details that illuminate day-to-day life at the White House.