WHITE HOUSE SUMMARY
1600 Pennsylvania Ave: an address that is known to most; a place that 7th graders visit on their field trips, shuffling through streets and allowing their eyes to take mental pictures of the awe that surrounds them. Today, I had the opportunity to relive my childhood dream of visiting the White House. This is a historical residence has been around for 200 years.
All 90 Department of Labor interns arrived at the White House ready to explore this grand building. We went through an extensive security check, which included going through metal detectors. After all, it is the White House! Then, we started on our journey through the White House. Our first stop was the East Corridor. One of the features was a multiple display of photo and art exhibits. Outside was the famous Jacqueline Kennedy Garden where magnolias are planted. Each hallway is lined with portraits of past presidents and past first ladies. It is interesting to see the layout of each hallway. Next are the main hallways where there are rooms that are separated by color and direction. The East Room is the largest in the White House. It is used for receptions, ceremonies, press conferences and other events. Next is the Green Room which served as Thomas Jefferson's dining room. The other rooms have similar usage as in entertaining guests. The most interesting room for me was the Blue Room which was furnished as to represent James Monroe's time in the White House. An interesting factoid is that most of the furniture that is seen in this room was directly bought by James Monroe. After the fire of 1814, it had to be refurnished. What I found curious was that most of the presidential portraits have been painted in dark colors. Only the last few presidents have been portrayed in a lighter tone. Recently I found out that our current president portrait is taken by a digital camera. This can represent a progression of time.
History is all around Washington DC, even more so at the White House; the residential place of our former and future leaders. Personally, I found the tour exciting and it fulfilled that young desire of touring the White House. So many people get to be a part of the magic and experience the wonders of history in the making.
