This photograph, taken by Robert L. Knudsen on September 4, 1963, shows White House Executive Chef René Verdon and Maître d’Hotel Charles E. Ficklin working in the Family Kitchen on the Second Floor of the White House. Located near the private residence and guestrooms, the Family Kitchen accommodates the preparation of simple meals and snacks by members of the first family.

This photograph of the private Family Kitchen on the Second Floor of the White House was taken in the mid-20th century, circa 1966-1987. Unlike the formal kitchen on the Ground Floor, where the White House Kitchen staff prepares elaborate meals for first families and their distinguished guests, the Family Kitchen offers a space for White House residents to prepare meals for themselves. The Family Kitchen gave President Jimmy Carter a private space to prepare his morning cup of coffee when he awoke at around 5:30AM, and gave President Gerald R. Ford a place to toast his favorite breakfast of English muffins. This photograph is part of a collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. Haller served as executive chef of the White House from 1966-1987.

In this photograph, White House Executive Chef Henry Haller finalizes preparations on a dish in the Family Kitchen on the Second Floor of the White House. During his tenure as executive chef from 1966-1987, Haller cooked for five first families and their distinguished guests. The Swiss-American chef managed over 250 State Dinners, oversaw meal preparation for some of the largest dinner parties ever held at the White House, and catered the wedding receptions of first daughters Luci Baines Johnson, Lynda Bird Johnson, and Tricia Nixon. Haller's recipes varied to suit the tastes of the families he served, emphasizing steak for the Johnsons, international dishes for the Nixons, healthy unpretentious dishes for the Fords, Southern comfort foods for the Carters, and variety for the Reagans. This photograph is part of Haller's personal collection.

In this photograph, taken September 5, 1974 in the Family Kitchen on the Second Floor of the White House, President Gerald R. Ford shows the press his favorite way to prepare English muffins. Although President Ford enjoyed waffles with strawberries and sour cream as a Sunday treat, on most days the President enjoyed a more balanced breakfast of English muffins, melons, orange juice, and tea. This photograph is part of a collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. Haller served as executive chef at the White House from 1966-1987.

In this photograph, taken in the Family Kitchen on the Second Floor of the White House on December 10, 1974, First Lady Betty Ford discusses menus with White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. This photograph includes a personal thank you note from the first lady to Chef Haller. This photograph is part of Haller's personal collection. Haller served as executive chef of the White House from 1966-1987.

This black and white photograph was taken in the Second Floor Family Kitchen and shows President Gerald R. Ford making English muffins with members of the press present.