This Old House Decorates Truman Study and Lincoln Room

December 8, 2009

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Truman Study at Blair House

In the Truman Study at Blair House visitors will be taken back to Christmases of 1948 through 1952 when President Harry S. Truman and his family lived at Blair House while the White House underwent a restoration. While the family often spent the holidays back in Independence, Missouri, This Old House imagines it was here where many gifts and greetings would land. By integrating into the design items inspired by ones noted in an official gift list from the Christmas of 1951— various tokens that everyday Americans felt compelled to send him—This Old House will offer a glimpse of the President’s life at Blair House around the holidays. Further personalizing the room will be decorations crafted from vintage photographs of Truman, his family, and Blair House.

Photo Credit: Andrew Cutraro Photo Credit: Andrew Cutraro

Lincoln Room at Blair House

Arguably the most historic room in Blair House, will feature an architecturally themed design. Ornaments will be based on the room’s period, Federal-style furnishings and details. Ornate plaster ceiling medallions will become wreaths, and brass hardware—including a replica of the room’s 1824 keyhole cover—will double as tree trimmings. Woodwork will be played up using garlands of greens and fruits.