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Harry Truman

6 stories
Hollow interior shell of the White House with only the four exterior stone walls standing after demolition, Truman renovation, May 17, 1950
Truman White House Renovation, 1949-1952: Interior and Exterior Photos9 min read

A leg of Margaret Truman’s piano fell through the White House floor in 1948. By 1952 the interior had been gutted and rebuilt.

telegram from Ho Chi Minh to Harry Truman
Ho Chi Minh’s Telegram to Harry Truman, February 28th, 19461 min read

On February 28th, 1946, Ho Chi Minh sent a telegram to Harry Truman. Here is the document itself, dug up at the National Archives.

Dramatic Attempt to Assassinate President Truman in Blair House4 min read

On November 1, 1950, two Puerto Rican nationalists tried to shoot their way into Blair House to kill Truman. He was upstairs, napping.

Truman's proposed West Wing expansion
Harry Truman’s Proposed West Wing Extension Was Never Built1 min read

Harry Truman proposed expanding the West Wing of the White House, but the plan was rejected. In response, he built the Truman Balcony on the south side of the building instead.

Photograph of President Truman and French President Charles de Gaulle, during welcoming ceremonies on the White House lawn, with officers saluting in the background. (August 22nd, 1945)
Charles de Gaulle at the White House With Truman in August 19452 min read

Truman welcomed Charles de Gaulle to the White House on August 22, 1945. The Post hoped the visit would clear up “foolish misunderstandings” with France.

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U.S. and Iraqi representatives standing on porch of White House (May 28th, 1945)
Iraq’s Prince Abdul Ilah Visits Washington, 19451 min read

In May 1945, weeks after Truman took office, Iraq’s regent Prince Abdul Ilah visited Washington as the President’s guest and laid a wreath at a monument.

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