Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies

Although he made the greatest demands on the staff of any president in West’s tenure, President Johnson garnered the greatest loyalty and devotion from them (279). The president used the whole of the executive mansion, conducting official business even in the swimming pool. Every day, per West, was a logistical challenge for the staff to have rooms ready. Indeed, the White House was always full of people, including the president’s brother, Sam Houston Johnson, who was kept under watch. The president was most concerned with press coverage, as he was trying to establish his credentials as a liberal and national leader. He pushed hard for major legislative achievements, such as Medicare and civil rights laws. To win over members of Congress, he had working parties for members and would subject them to the Johnson treatment, or strong-armed pressure. As the war in Vietnam became unpopular, he did not enjoy hosting members of Congress. He felt the isolation of the presidency strongly and took solace in doting on his daughters.

Lady Bird was structured in her schedule, going to her office in the morning and conferring with West, Liz, Bess, and the White House curator. West labeled her a “corporate first lady” (280), as she was programmed, prepared, and then performed. She attended to her many visitors, suggesting itineraries and giving them one hour of her time. She bowled with her daughter Lynda, played bridge with friends, and enjoyed watching some television shows. In the afternoons, she made her public appearances. When Lynda transferred to George Washington University, the second floor of the White House became like a college dormitory. At the request of Lynda and Luci, Caroline Kennedy’s classroom was turned into a hideaway for the teenagers where even the Secret Service was not allowed. Until the school year finished in 1964, Caroline came to attend school in that classroom at Jackie’s request. After that, it was clear that there was a “Johnsonization” (291) of the White House, which involved people and not décor.

When a new administration comes to power, there are often battles between new and old help. The Johnsons brought some of their personal staff with them, including Zephyr, a cook. She was upset that the French chef made more money than she did and lobbied West for a raise. Each presidential family requires loyalty and can tell when a member of the staff harbors allegiance to the previous presidential family. The Johnsons were no different and soon replaced the chief maid with Mary Kaltman, whose heart was in the kitchen. Ultimately, the French chef, hired by the Kennedys, clashed with Kaltman, and he was replaced with another person. Kaltman was efficient and balanced the budget. In one instance, she went to West complaining that a ham had been stolen, and she was upset about the expense. It turned out that rats had taken the ham. An exterminator was called. West found Lady Bird to be practical in resolving staff issues.

Although Lady Bird supported Jackie Kennedy’s restoration project, she wanted a project of her own. She selected beautification, a mission to preserve and reclaim the scenic beauty of the US. This project helped the first lady become a national figure and was supported by the Department of Interior, the National Park Service, and conservationists all over the country. A friend of hers, Mary Lasker, donated millions of dollars to the project.

As a gift to his wife, the president sought to pass the Highway Beautification Act, which would restrict billboards. The vote in the House on this bill was held on the day of a White House party for members of Congress. When stalling tactics were introduced, the president let it be known that the party would not start until the bill was passed. The bill, known as the Lady Bird Act, passed just before midnight, and the party did not get in full swing until the early hours of the morning. By then, the president, who had gallbladder surgery the next day, was in bed.

The Johnsons entertained on a “grand scale” (302), and as a result, the entertainment bills were higher than in previous administrations. They had a stage constructed in the East Room and had elaborate after-dinner entertainment. Bess, the social secretary, took charge of the planning of these events and was creative in her selection of entertainment. There was always music, and the Johnsons loved to dance. In a break from tradition, the first couple was the last to leave these events. In the past, the guests would wait to leave until after the first couple had departed. The president, however, refused to wear white tie and tails, keeping these events less formal. The first lady had the final word on these matters, but she essentially delegated the organization and decision-making to Bess. West comments that the position of social secretary “paralleled the growth of the mansion as an institution” (307). The Roosevelts’ social secretary typically only worked mornings and sent invitations for social occasions. In contrast, “Bess Abell directed everything” (308).

Bess used her power. In one instance, she obtained a promotion for a staff member via devious means, getting a new position approved after the west wing had denied her plea to give the staff member a raise. The first lady involved herself in the selection of china patterns. However, there was a major error, and the plates came back smudged and inconsistent with her wishes. When Bess realized that they could not be returned, she had the staff destroy them by throwing them against a concrete wall in the basement. The staff, including West, had a blast.

During his time in office, Johnson’s daughters grew up, married, and had children. Luci was engaged in 1966, and West prepared for his first White House wedding. He noted how she kept her wedding dress a top secret, with the staff required to stay in place when photos of it were taken. Right before the wedding, West was invited to a surprise birthday party for Jackie Kennedy in Massachusetts. He went, and when Jackie saw him, she “came as close to a shriek as I’d ever heard her” (314). He returned for the wedding the next day, and he and Zella gave the president’s daughter an antique Chinese porcelain plate for the wedding. He was touched when Lady Bird called him to thank him and praise the gift.

In December 1967, Lynda married in a ceremony in the White House, the first wedding ceremony there in 53 years. Luci had been wed at a Catholic church. At the wedding, Lady Bird took charge of her husband when he wanted to include a dog in the family photo. She absolutely forbade it, and he acquiesced. Immediately after that, the staff prepared for Christmas.

On March 31, 1968, the president announced publicly that he would not seek re-election. The Vietnam War was highly unpopular, and Johnson’s overexposure to the media had backfired. He tried to negotiate peace with honor before leaving office but was unable to do so. West observes the rapid change in political fortunes experienced by the Johnsons. In the last two months, they held fewer parties and hosted guests from Texas. They left with their “heads held high” (318), and Mrs. Johnson could take pride in her accomplishments.