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White House Renovations and Changes

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  • East Terrace, September 10, 1902

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    This photographs of the construction of the East Terrace was taken in 1902, during Theodore Roosevelt's administration. Soon after he assumed office, Roosevelt ordered a major White House renovation, establishing a design that has remained largely in place ever since. His plan included the reconstruction of the East Terrace, part of an earlier White House design that had been demolished. The terrace became part of the East Wing, which originally served as a visitor's entrance. This photograph appeared in a report to the Senate which provided an overview of the project. This is a black and white photograph developed into silver gelatin and platinotypes.

    White House Historical Association
  • House Cleaning Time at the White House

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    This black and white photograph by prominent Washington, D.C. photographer Barnett McFee Clinedinst shows scaffolding on the North Portico of the White House during a renovation. Clinedinst opened a photography studio in the capital with his father, and went on to become the official White House photographer for Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William H. Taft, and Woodrow Wilson.

    White House Collection
  • Steel Support Towers Built During Construction

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    This photograph by Abbie Rowe of the National Park Service shows steel frame towers built to support the third floor and the roof while the rest of the house was demolished. This work was part of President Harry S. Truman's large-scale 1948-1952 renovation of the White House.

    White House Collection
  • Construction of the Outdoor Swimming Pool

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    This is a photograph of President Gerald R. Ford and his daughter Susan Ford surveying the progress of construction on the new outdoor swimming pool on the South Grounds.

    Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

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