D3301

White House

200th Anniversary

Collins Cover Announcement 

The White House

200 Years as Presidential Home

George Washington began his term as first president of the United States on April 30, 1789. During the next few years, he oversaw construction of the White House, but work was still underway when he left office and was thus our only president not to occupy our presidential home.

Although the White House was still unfinished, Abigail and John Adams moved into the mansion in November of 1800. Construction continued into the term of our third president, Thomas Jefferson. During the War of 1812, British troops burned the White House on August 24, 1814 but, James Madison, our fourth president, and his wife Dolley escaped without harm. The First Lady saved many, many presidential artifacts that devastating and dangerous night, including the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington that today hangs in the East Room.

After the fire, the mansion was reconstructed, and over the last two centuries it has seen extensive rebuilding, expansion, and remodeling_ Today the White House has 132 rooms. Among the facilities are a movie theater, a swimming pool, and a bowling alley. Expansive lawns, gardens, and trees cover the 18-acre grounds. My hand painted cachet features the presidential home at night when spotlights turn its color to a soft golden cream glow. You'll enjoy having this cover in your collection. The White House — D3301 - $12.25.