President of the United States Archives - Page 5 of 6

The Earliest Surviving Color Videotape of the President of the United States

December 18, 2021March 10, 2012 by ghostsofdc

I came across this one on YouTube. This was the first time the President of the United States was videotaped and then broadcast in color. This is the earliest surviving color videotape. It was filmed on May 22nd, 1958 in the WRC-TV studios in Washington (the local NBC affiliate).

The video starts off in black and white while Eisenhower’s motorcade approaches the studios, but then transitions to color for the first time when Robert Sarnoff, president of NBC, flips the switch in the middle of the broadcast.

Must see TV: President Eisenhower’s farewell address (trinityweb.wordpress.com)
Commission Supports DC Eisenhower Memorial Design (baltimore.cbslocal.com)

The Story of How The White House Got Its Name

March 20, 2022March 2, 2012 by ghostsofdc

President's Palace design by John Collins

Way back in the day, the building we now know as the White House was called the “President’s Palace”, “President’s Mansion”, or the “President’s House.” The nomenclature evolved over time, with the accepted name for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue becoming the “Executive Mansion.” It wasn’t until Teddy Roosevelt‘s presidency that the building would be officially referred to at “The White House.”

In March 1792, the three appointed commissioners overseeing the planning and design of the new city (Thomas Jefferson, Daniel Carroll and David Stuart), put out an advertisement to all major towns in the United States calling for designs to be submitted for the new President’s House.

A premium of five hundred dollars or a medal of that value to the person, who before the 15th of the following July, should produce to them the first approved plan, if adopted by them, for a President’s House. On the 16th of July it was recorded that the President of the United States with the Commissioners examined the several plans for the Capitol and the Palace which had been forwarded agreeably to advertisements of the 14th of March.

Abraham Lincoln in Color

March 27, 2026February 1, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Explore the vivid details of Abraham Lincoln’s era through colorized photos that bring clarity and connection to one of America’s most revered Presidents.

If Walls Could Talk: The Yellow House at 2513 Cliffbourne Pl. NW – Part 2

December 20, 2021January 31, 2012 by ghostsofdc

The "Rainbow Row" of homes on Cliffbourne Pl. NW

This is the second post in a four-part series covering the colorful homes on Cliffbourne Pl. NW, between Calvert St. and Biltmore St. This one is the brightest of the set and it really stands out on a sunny day. Let’s now look into the second home … the one at 2513 Cliffbourne Pl. NW.

The Yellow House: 2513 Cliffbourne Pl. NW

Witnessing History: A Silent Film of President William McKinley Shot by Thomas Edison in 1901

November 2, 2023January 21, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Witness history in this incredible silent film of President William McKinley, shot by Thomas Edison in 1901 at the Capitol. Thanks to the Library of Congress, we can see what life was like over a hundred years ago!

A Look Back at President Nixon During the Watergate Scandal

December 23, 2021January 13, 2012 by ghostsofdc

I really wanted to start by skewing these posts towards more anonymous D.C. residents, but I keep coming across gold on YouTube like this. I promise to return to more posts on hidden and lost Washington, but you have to watch this. Look how defensive President Nixon is at the end as he folds his arms. Wow. I’m sure many of you reading this remember these dark days, which really redefined the American Presidency.

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address: An Analysis of One of the Most Powerful Speeches of All Time

January 11, 2012 by ghostsofdc

One of the most powerful and important inaugural addresses of all time, this is something worth watching in its entirety. The whole speech is below if you’d like to read it. This is a truly amazing and powerful speech. If you want to skip to the famous quote, start watching at 13:45.

The full text of the speech is below if you’d like to read along.

Theodore Roosevelt: A Man Who Took a Bullet and Still Gave a Speech

August 31, 2019January 10, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Mark this down as something you’ll never see today. The President is just walking out of the White House grounds … alone. Let’s be honest, any guy that takes a bullet in his chest and STILL gives a speech can kick anyone’s ass. He casually strolls south onto what appears to be E St.

Watching Teddy Roosevelt’s Inauguration in 1905 – A Fascinating Look Back in Time

December 20, 2021January 8, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Now this is a great one from the vaults of the Library of Congress. I found this on YouTube (of course). There’s no sound, but it’s very interesting to watch.

On Mar. 4, 1905, Teddy Roosevelt was inaugurated in Washington, D.C. with much celebration and fanfare. He rides in an open landau on 15 St. NW, escorted by mounted Rough Riders; Secret Service men and detectives walk on either side of the carriage; he tips his hat to the crowd.

Watch as FDR is Inaugurated for the Fourth Time at the White House During WWII

December 6, 2022January 7, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Here is video (partly in color) of FDR being inaugurated for the fourth time. This being the fourth time is impressive enough, but also, this happened on the South Portico of the White House due to ongoing privations due to the Second World War. It was a rather muted event compared to all other inaugurations. That doesn’t mean this video isn’t incredible.

Watch as Franklin Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United states starts his fourth term (which only lasts three months). He died in April of the same year and his funeral procession is something you can watch here.

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