• Lithograph of President Abraham Lincoln
    Currier & Ives
    portrait
    print
    This lithograph of President Abraham Lincoln was created by Currier & Ives Lithography Company circa 1860-1861. In late 1860, Abraham Lincoln began growing a beard, and was the first United States president to do so. After his first election, he reportedly received a letter from an eleven-year-old fan, Grace Bedell, who suggested that growing facial hair might improve his appearance. In his reply to this letter, President Lincoln wrote, “As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affectation if I were to begin wearing them now? Your very sincere well-wisher," A. LINCOLN."” By 1861, Lincoln’s beard appeared in portraits, paintings, and photographs, and would remain a style that he maintained for the remainder of his life. Lincoln became president on March 4, 1861 and had earlier served in the House of Representatives.
  • Print of President John Quincy Adams
    Thomas Gimbrede
    print
    portrait
    Cabinet
    This print of President John Quincy Adams, made by Thomas Gimbrede in 1826, suggests how Adams may have dressed during his time as Secretary of State. Adams is pictured here wearing a black morning coat and breeches, in line with his preference for simple, formal styles. His short haircut marked another first; Adams was the earliest president to adopt this style, rather than the long powdered hair typically associated with early presidents.
  • The Inauguration of President George Washington
    Currier & Ives
    print
    inagurations
    This hand-colored lithograph by Currier & Ives was published in 1876 and depicts the Inauguration of President George Washington. Eleven men are depicted witnessing Washington taking the Oath of Office. He places his right hand on an open bible and holds a sword with his left hand. Figures noted in the key below the image include Alexander Hamilton, Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, Roger Sherman, Mr. Otis, John Adams, Baron Friedrich Wilhelm Steuben, and General Henry Knox. Washington served as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He served as president from April 30, 1789 until March 4, 1797.
  • Vice President Tyler Receives News of President Harrison's Death
    Unknown
    presidential sites & libraries
    Virginia
    prints
    engraving
    This engraving depicts Vice President John Tyler at his home in Williamsburg, Virginia, receiving news from a messenger regarding the death of President William Henry Harrison. On April 4, 1841, Harrison became the first president to die while in office following a battle with pneumonia. As the first vice president to unexpectedly rise to the office of the presidency, Tyler established a precedent of not merely title but also presidential power falling to the new successor. This image appears in a book titled "The Lives of the Presidents" by William O. Stoddard, published in 1886.
  • Holiday Card from President and Mrs. Johnson, 1968
    White House Calligraphy Office
    south view
    print
    holidays
    South Lawn
    Christmas
    Washington Monument
    Jefferson Memorial
    This is the illustrated side of a holiday card that was presented to White House Executive Chef Henry Haller from First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and President Lyndon B. Johnson in December 1968. The card features an illustration by Robert Laessig of the South Grounds as seen from the South Portico, with the Jefferson Monument and Washington Monument visible in the distance. The card includes a note from the presidential couple, declaring "appreciation" and "warmest wishes" for "all the years ahead." The Johnson's 1968 holiday card marked both the passing of the holiday season as well as the end of the Johnson administration, with the inauguration of President Richard M. Nixon the following month. To see the full card, see 1128399. This card is part of a personal collection belonging to Chef Haller. In the position, Haller served five first families and their distinguished guests from 1966-1987.
  • Holiday Card from President and Mrs. Johnson, 1967
    White House Calligraphy Office
    Christmas
    holidays
    Blue Room
    State Floor
    print
    This is the interior of a Christmas card that was presented to White House Executive Chef Henry Haller from First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and President Lyndon B. Johnson in December 1967. This was Haller's second Christmas at the White House, though he was to remain executive chef until 1987. The card features an illustration by Robert Laessig of the official White House Christmas tree, positioned in its traditional spot in the center of the Blue Room. The back of the card discusses the tradition of Christmas trees in the White House. To view the card in its entirety, see 1128401. This card is part of a personal collection belonging to Chef Haller. In the position, Haller served five first families and their distinguished guests from 1966-1987.
  • Holiday Card from President and Mrs. Johnson, 1966
    White House Calligraphy Office
    Christmas
    North Drive
    North Portico
    holidays
    north view
    print
    North Grounds
    This Christmas card was presented to White House Executive Chef Henry Haller from First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and President Lyndon B. Johnson in December 1966. This was Haller's first Christmas at the White House, though he was to remain as executive chef until 1987. The card features an illustration by Robert Laessig of the North Portico, festively decorated for the holidays. The opposite side of the card includes a description of the American Elm tree featured in the illustration, which was planted by President Woodrow Wilson in December 1913. To view the card in its entirety, see 1128398. This card is part of a personal collection belonging to Chef Haller. In the position, Haller served five first families and their distinguished guests from 1966-1987.
  • Passing the Rubicon
    Eliphalet M. Brown
    Japan
    engraving
    prints
    landscape
    This lithograph by Eliphalet M. Brown is one of five prints published in 1855 recording Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition to Japan. The lithographs are based on sketch work by William Heine. Brown was known for daguerreotypes as well as lithographs. These images provided Americans with some of their first glimpses of Japan.