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

The transfer of power from the Johnsons to the Nixons was extraordinarily cordial, causing West to remark that it was hardly believable “that they were of different political parties” (323). The Nixons arrived with two daughters, Tricia, 22, and Julie, 20, as well as her bridegroom David Eisenhower, after whom Camp David was named. Mrs. Pat Nixon “threw the kitchen into a tizzy” (325) with her first request for cottage cheese. The White House had none and had to find a deli to obtain some and fulfill her request. Some of the early changes made by the Nixons included the removal of the plaque noting President Kennedy’s bedroom, the changing of the name of the Jackie Kennedy Garden to the First Lady’s Garden, and the removal of President Johnson’s shower and telephone wiring. West explains that the Nixons made sure to “de-Kennedyize” (329) their new home. However, the antique furnishings, paintings, and sculptures remained. Most upsetting to West, the swimming pool, which had been a gift to President Roosevelt by school children, was removed.

The press was housed where the swimming pool had been, and Nixon had the staff prepare the East Room for religious services. Reverend Billy Graham was the first preacher invited.