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.
Cheeky Joke: A Parent's Mistake
It's 1957, and young Bobby is taking Carrie out on a date. Carrie's supportive dad encourages them both, and even suggests a hip dance they can do together...
A Clever New Way Red Phone Boxes Are Reused in the UK
Have you ever wondered what happened to the famous red telephone boxes of the UK? It turns out that some of them are being used to save lives...
There is a Mystery Behind These Beautiful Vintage Photos
These vintage photos from 1950s Switzerland and Italy are beautiful and they have a mysterious story behind them
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?
A Simple Trick For Painting Walls Twice As FAST!
With this simple trick, you'll be able to coat any wall with a fresh coat of paint twice as fast!
These Historical Building Restorations Only Did More Harm
The restoration projects of these historical buildings didn't go according to plan, it seems, and these 12 buildings were transformed beyond belief...
These Photos Tell Us Some Amazing Stories About the World
The world, as these pictures prove, is full of amazing sights and stories.
Moments of Happiness: 17 Award Winning Wedding Photos
These are the most heartfelt, beautiful, and funny wedding photos submitted to the FdB Photography Awards.
These Are the Greatest Historic Homes Found in the US
These historic homes are the most important in the United States. See pictures of a historic home in each US state, and find out more about them.
Ladies, This Is How You Pose For a Full-Body Photo!
These practical posing tips that will help you look graceful and elegant in every photo.
16 Historical Pictures That’ll Bring Back Memories…
"It is a mistake to think that the past is dead," said Will Durant, and these 16 pictures prove him right...
13 Mesmerizing Sunset Silhouettes You Won't Forget
Photographer Aaditya Shrirang Bhat creates unique photo stories during the sunset.
15 Creative Design Ideas That Will Make Our Lives Simpler
In this collection of pictures, you will see some simple yet innovative designs that are made to make our life simpler.
15 of the Weirdest and Most Wonderful Images Ever Seen
There are some photographs that help tell the most astonishing stories you've ever heard. Here are 15.
Polish Castles: Having a Look at Some Architectural Beauty
Flying above the beautiful castles of ancient Poland.
15 Photographs Showcasing Architecture Like Never Before
Here is a look at some of the best photographs of building art from all over the world that will make you appreciate their beauty.
Take a Look At These Truly Beautiful Dog Photos!
Kristýna Kvapilová's first love in life is photographing dogs, and that's highly evident from her stunning images. Take a look at her best work here.
Time Transforms Everything - 15 Incredible Photos
Admire how time changed the world around us in these 15 historical photo comparisons of famous places around the world.
These Crazy Statues Will Really Mess with Your Head...
Check out these 15 bombastic sculptures that simply appear to defy the laws of physics. Take a look for yourself!
These Optical Illusions Will Totally Mess With Your Head
Check out these optical illusions and let the head-scratching begin! There are no less than 24 of them to enjoy in this post.
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.
The Full Glory of a Golden Rome...
Look at these unbelievably colorful postcards from Rome, resurrected by Retronaut.
35 Classic National Geographic Photos You'll NEVER Forget
National Geographic's Best Photo Collection presents stunning contest winners.
This Street Photographer Left His Grandson a Real Treasure
Dylan Scalet finally had time to digitalize the photographs he inherited from his grandfather during lockdown. What he found was incredible.
These Hilarious Pics Prove That Mankind is Probably Doomed
There's more evidence of mankind being doomed than the alarmist media reports on your TV! Take a look at these 20 hilarious photos.
15 Captivating Photos of Impressive Artwork and Designs
We stumbled upon some really unique photos of intentional and accidental art.
16 Rare, Historic Photographs Everyone Should See
These photographs will show you some of the rare scenes in human history. The pictures are worth volumes of books, but hardly anyone has seen them before.
An Amethyst Gemstone Comes to Life in Real-Time
Take an in-depth look at how a hyper-realistic creation is made, from start to finish.
Ten Most Impressive Castles in the Far East
We're going to introduce you to 10 of the most fascinating and spectacular palaces built in East Asia, each with a captivating backstory.
This Ukrainian Pastry Chef Creates Cake Masterpieces
This chef is a shining star in the skies of handmade artisanal pastries. She is so exceptionally creative that she can be defined as a sculptor chef.
These Chinese Gardens are Like Nothing You've Seen Before!
These gardens combine beauty and function, and are places of pure serenity and unparalleled grace.
12 Reasons Japanese Bathrooms Are the Best!
Find out why Japanese bathrooms are more efficient and comfortable than western bathrooms. Maybe it'll give you a few ideas...
Are These Japanese Houses Crazy or Artistic?
The Japanese are known for being a little eccentric. Put that together with their enterprising spirit and there's a recipe for weirdest home designs ever!
14 Stunning Examples of Brutalist Architecture
These pictures perfectly capture the essence of brutalist architecture. Let’s check them out.
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.
14 Examples of Stunning Infrastructure That Inspire Awe
Enjoy this collection of pictures of incredible engineering marvels from the world over.
These Cool Cat Portraits Really Capture the Feline Spirit
If you like cats - even only a little - don't miss these phenomenal cat portraits!
12 Vintage Tools That Have Stood The Test of Time
Here is a collection of some really old vintage household items that are amazingly still working properly.
Would You Pay $15 Million for This Grand House?
This mansion has it all, but is it worth the money?
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.
Rare Photos From Decades Gone By Show What Life Was Like
Take a look at a collection of rarely seen photos from decades gone by. These photo show how far mankind has progressed.
Goldsmithing Expert Turns a Metal Blob into Pure Gold!
An amazing process of chemisty and gold-working turns this blob into pure 24 carat gold.
15 Incredible Handmade Leather Creations
Check out some of the most incredible leather creations!
15 Gripping Images Reflecting the Duality of Life on Earth
A look at a collection of digital collages that show how some people from different regions have completely opposite lives from one another.
Let These Wonderful Photos Fill Your Day with True Joy
These pictures tell some beautiful stories, and all of them unite to make you feel that life is a joy!
The Wonders of Modern Architecture are a Joy to Behold
Modern architecture has gone a long way towards defining what the world we live in looks like. Here are 15 wondrous examples from around the world.
Make Your Home Even Better With These Awesome Ideas
If you're looking to do a spot of home redecorating, these ideas will inspire you to greatness!