• The White House in Snow, Coolidge Administration
    Harris & Ewing
    snow
    north view
    North Grounds
    North Drive
    This photograph of the White House following a snowfall was taken around 1927 to 1928 during the Calvin Coolidge administration. A snowplow can be seen up the North Drive as it approaches the North Portico. A line of workers are also captured shoveling snow at the right.
  • President Hoover Views Fire Damage
    Harris & Ewing
    construction & maintenance
    disasters
    This photograph, taken on January 15, 1930, shows President Herbert Hoover walking past debris and workers repairing fire damage to the West Wing. On the evening of December 24, 1929, the West Wing caught fire, requiring the efforts of 130 firefighters to extinguish the powerful, four-alarm blaze. The fire started when pamphlets in the attic ignited, likely caused by a blocked or faulty chimney vent or defective electric wiring. Following repairs, President Herbert Hoover and his aides returned to the West Wing on April 14, 1930.
  • Engineers Inspect Fire Damage
    Harris & Ewing
    construction & maintenance
    disasters
    This photograph, taken in January 1930, shows engineers inspecting for fire damage on the roof of the White House. On the evening of December 24, 1929, the West Wing caught fire, requiring the efforts of 130 firefighters to extinguish the powerful, four-alarm blaze. The fire started when pamphlets in the attic ignited, likely caused by a blocked or faulty chimney vent or defective electric wiring. Following repairs, President Herbert Hoover and his aides returned to the West Wing on April 14, 1930.
  • Press on the South Lawn
    Harris & Ewing
    press
    South Lawn
    This black and white photograph is of members of the press posing for a picture on the South Lawn of the White House. The photograph was taken during the administration of President Woodrow Wilson.
  • White House Sheep on the South Lawn
    Harris & Ewing
    South Lawn
    pets
    This photograph by Harris & Ewing shows President Woodrow Wilson's sheep grazing on the South Lawn. Instead of using groundskeepers to cut the grass, the sheep grazed on the White House lawns. The flock grew to 48 at its peak. The wool sheared from the sheep was sold at auction to raise money for the Red Cross.