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Sheep Grazing at the White House in 1919 – The Story Behind the Photo

Discover the story behind a Nation's Attic photograph of sheep grazing at the White House in 1919. Woodrow and Edith Wilson had the sheep roam the grounds to save money and also to raise money for the Red Cross.
Treasury target range completed. Washington, D.C., June 10. The Treasury Department in Washington, D.C., has installed a new and modern target range in the sub basement of the Treasury Building. The range has shielded lights and electrically operated targets, is sound proof and ventilated by a fan which removes gases almost instantly. Entrance to the firing booths is through two doors which act as an air lock and prevent sound and gas from going into the outer rooms. Left to right in the picture: R.P. Hallion, White House Police; J.E. Murphy, assistant chief, Secret Service; E.L. Warden, White House Police; E.D. Murray, chief bonus mate, Coast Guard; Frank J. Wilson, chief of Secret Service; J.J. Cash, White House Police; Adam T. Smith, gunners mate, 1st. class, Coast Guard; and Elmer Irey, coordinator, Treasury Enforcement Services, 6-10-40
a death warrant being read to inmate Wirz on the gallows
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Here’s a photo I found on Flickr. It’s from the Nation’s Attic (i.e., The Smithsonian). They have a great set of photos up there, so you should take a look.

The photograph below shows sheep grazing near the East Wing of the White House during World War I. Woodrow and Edith Wilson had the sheep roam the grounds so they could save money by not having to mow the grass. Also, the sheep’s wool was auctioned off to raise money for the Red Cross.

Sheep grazing at the White House (1919)
Sheep grazing at the White House (1919)

By the way, Woodrow Wilson House, up on S St. NW has a website and a blog that you should check out.

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