45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, is unlikely to find the White House in anything other than tip-top condition. However, things weren't quite the same when the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman, moved into the residence in 1945. To his surprise and dismay, it had serious problems. Not only was it drafty and creaky - it was downright unsafe.
Chandeliers in the house were observed swaying for no apparent reason, and floors moved underneath people’s feet when stepped on.
All of the above resulted in a structural investigation being conducted on the building, revealing haphazard retrofitting, fire hazards and a second floor that was on the verge of collapsing. What’s more, the White House’s foundations were sinking, walls were peeling away, and disused water and gas pipes were weighing down the building and making it unsustainable.
The situation was so bad that, in June 1948, one of the legs of First Daughter Margaret Truman’s piano fell right through a floorboard of her second-floor sitting room. This event, along with others, made the Presidential family and its aides realize that serious measures were required to save the historic building.
In 1949, Congress approved a $5.4 million project to gut the building in its entirety, replacing its interior while retaining its historic facade.
Architects, engineers, and workers toiled for the next 22 months, trying to figure out how to remove unstable structural elements while somehow ensuring the exterior of the building remained intact.
All of the construction equipment used on the site had to be carried inside in pieces, then re-assembled before being used in order to prevent exterior damage. The first and second floors were replaced, while several expansions and basement levels were added, including a bomb shelter that was capable of withstanding a nuclear attack.
President Truman and his family returned to reside in the White House in 1952, with a small ceremony marking the occasion. The First Family received a gold key to its newly-refurbished residence.
January 3, 1950: A second floor corridor.
These Slang Words Are Sure to Tickle Your Funny Bone
We’ve collected 11 silly-sounding slang words starting from Victorian times all the way to the present day so that all of us could have a good laugh!
Remember the Things that Defined the 1950s?
The 1950s marked the beginning of the postwar era, increased prosperity and drastic changes to everyday life. Here are 10 things that defined the 1950s.
This Brilliant 1950s Quiz Is Truly a Blast From the Past!
For some of us, it feels like we were living in the 1950s only yesterday, but how many of the most famous people and events do we actually remember?
13 Insightful & Thoughtful Quotes by John F. Kennedy
In this article, we will explore some of the best quotes by John F. Kennedy, which reveal the depth of his wisdom and his dedication to public service.
Nostalgia: Gorgeous Photos of America in the 1950s
We hope you enjoy these beautiful captures of the 1950s in the USA.
10 Things Home Owners Must Watch Out For in the Winter
This brief list of just 10 winter household tips will guide you through the basics of winter home maintenance.
These Colorful Photos Are An Affirmation Of Life's Beauty
These photos are concrete evidence of the existence of beauty in every nook and cranny of our world. What's more, they'll fill your heart with joy and wonder.
View Amazing Animated Photos of Landscapes Past & Present
Landscapes change enormously over time, and these photos capture that fact better than ever. Here are 12 landscapes photographed in the past and present.
In Pictures: Northern Lights Photographer of the Year 2023
Check out the best winning images from the Northern Lights Photographer of the Year 2023.
Are These Weirdest Houses Ever Built?
n this video, we're taking you on a journey to meet the weirdest houses in the world, looking very different to the ones we're used to.
These Photos Show How Our World Is Just Full of Surprises!
We are blessed to inhabit this Earth - think of all the beautiful things that you've seen! Here are 21 photos to prove that the world is full of surprises.
Amsterdam 100 Years Ago: Incredible Old Photos!
Have a look at some of George Hendrik Breitner's photography, which captures Amsterdam as it was in the late 19th Century and the early 1900s.
See Just How Much Women's Fashion Changed In 200 Years
Fashion changes all the time, but how much it does change is even more remarkable when viewed from the perspective of centuries. Take a look.
These Thanksgiving Decorations are a Feast for the Eyes
These delightful Thanksgiving decorations will get you into the holiday spirit.
A Mother’s Love Captured in 15 Stunning Animal Photos
A mother’s love for her child is one of the most heartwarming sights one could witness, a love that transcends the barrier between humans and animals
These Fantastic Inventions Can Improve Everyone's' Lives!
Here is a collection of awesome inventions that you didn’t know you needed, and they are complete genius due to their simplicity. Take a look!
17 Breathtaking Animal Photos Straight Out Of a Fairy Tale
These 17 stunning photos will uncover the secret life of forest animals in Finland, who can be cute, fascinating, and even fearsome...
Would You Pay $15 Million for This Grand House?
This mansion has it all, but is it worth the money?
These Are the Most Visually Stunning Castles In England
There aren't many architectural sites in the world that are as impressive as an English castle. Here are the 7 most visually impressive in the country.
Even Grown-Ups Can't Resist These Amazing Playgrounds!
This Danish company creates such incredible playgrounds that your kids will never want to go home!
10 Tips for Getting the Best Out of Your Photos
Do you want to know how to take better travel and vacation shots than anyone you know? Read these 10 tips and never look back.
Don’t Confuse These Glorious Pictures of Nature for Paintings
The next 17 pictures, don’t need an artist's touch, and although you might mistake it for painting, these pictures depict nature itself is in all its splendor.
This Guy Knows How to Build the Best Secret Base
This man of the jungle builds from the ground up a beautiful small space reinforced with bamboo, making use of items found in the wild only, and using everything he can.
12 Gorgeous Churches That Reveal France's Beautiful Past
France's rich culture is not built on food, shopping or fashion, but centuries of Christian worship. These 12 magnificent churches remind us of France's gifts.
Welcome to Elk Rock Residence, a Retro Luxury Tree House
This house was built entirely by high school dropouts, who all found a second chance for a successful life and career.
These 25 Drone Photographs Are Drop Dead Gorgeous
Drone photography is an exciting and burgeoning art form. SkyPixel's 2016 competition attracted 27,000 entrants, and these were 25 of the very best.
15 Photos of Afghanistan Like You've Never Seen It Before
These photos shed a light on a troubled country, to show us the lighter and beautiful side of Afghanistan. Take a look for yourself!
Discover How Some Really Famous Images Were Staged
The images you're about to see are some of the most famous from the 19th and 20th centuries, but they're all fake! Here they are.
20 Stunning Photos of Women in the Most Gorgeous Dresses!
Get ready to appreciate a showcase of the most outstanding pieces of fashion along with some of the most picturesque locations on the planet. Enjoy!
13 Mesmerizing Sunset Silhouettes You Won't Forget
Photographer Aaditya Shrirang Bhat creates unique photo stories during the sunset.
These Photos Were Captured Just at the Right Moment...
These amazing photos were each shot at exactly the right moment for hilarious, beautiful and incredible photographs. Take a look!
From an Unsightly Tree Stump to a Garden's Centerpiece!
If you have a tree stump in your garden that you can't get rid of, why not turn it into something beautiful?
See Vintage Post-War New York in All Its Photogenic Glory
Take a trip down memory lane with some fabulous and fascinating vintage photos of New York City as it used to be in the glory of the post-war period...
22 Celebrities Who Make Getting Older Look So Cool
These celebrities are ageless!
50 Years This Man Built and Built.. And Here's the Result!
This cathedral is slowly being built by an amazing 90 year old man, using discarded waste. Read on to here this inspiring story, and see a glorious church.
Earth is a Gorgeous Place, and These 18 Photos Prove It
From the national parks in the United States, through the enchanting sights of the frozen north - these are the amazing gifts nature has to offer us.
These Special Wildlife Photos All Have a Special Secret...
A unique take on double exposure, these artistic shots of animals superimposed over Norwegian forests are just stunning.
This Showstopping Senior Couple Steals the Show Every Day
'In old age, life just begins' is definitely the motto for this elderly couple who are Berlin's fashion icons and social stars
22 New and Beautiful Colorized Vintage Photos
Enjoy this amazing new collection of colorized historical photos.
15 Photos of Superstars Side by Side Their Younger Selves
Have you ever dreamed to see your favorite celebrity next to their younger selves? Then here is a collection of 15 very famous people now and then.
Learn All About the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World...
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World serve as testament to the imagination, ingenuity, and sheer hard work of which human beings are capable. Learn more here.
A 100 Year Old Window to Another New York City
These beautiful and educational late 19th and early 20th century photos of New York City were released recently by the NYC municipal archives...
25 Photos That Tell an Amazing Story
Extraordinary photos from recent years who have really made an impact on all who see them.
2022 Wrap-Up: Trends in Interior Design and Architecture
We're wrapping up 2022's hottest trends in architecture, construction, and interior design. Jump in for inspiration!
We’re Confident These Panoramic Pictures Will Amaze You...
For the past 9 years, EPSON has held an amazing panorama photography contest around the world, and now you can see the 17 photos that made it to the finals!
These People Undoubtedly Have Talent by the Boatload
There's so much talent in the world that it's occasionally hard to fathom. Nevertheless, here are 20 photos that show just how talented people really are.