57 pages • 1 hour read
J. B. West, Mary Lynn KotzUpstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies
J. B. West, Mary Lynn KotzNonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1973A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Index of Terms
Chief Usher
Chief usher was the role that West occupied starting in 1957, having risen from the rank of usher. The title is a “holdover from early times, when the principal duty was ‘ushering’ expected visitors in to see the President and First Lady” (4). In time, the position has come to be so much more than that and includes managing the White House, preparing its budget, supervising a large staff, and accommodating the needs and wishes of the first family and their guests. In describing his duties, West provides a testimony to The Important Role of Behind-the-Scenes Workers at the White House.
Ileitis
Ileitis is an inflammation of the small intestine. In June 1956, President Eisenhower suffered an attack of ileitis and required surgery and a long hospital stay. He was whisked away out of view of the press. Upon his return, he reiterated his intention to seek re-election and easily won the Republican nomination for president.
Social Secretary
When West began working at the White House in 1941, the position of social secretary to the first lady was a part-time job and primarily entailed sending invitations to receptions. Over time, the role became more comprehensive, culminating in the Johnson administration. By that time, the social secretary planned all the entertainment at the White House, including menus for receptions and the decoration of halls. Tasks previously done by first ladies were now performed by a full-time professional.
Sputnik
Sputnik was the first manmade satellite to orbit the Earth. Launched by the Soviet Union in October 1957, it intensified the Cold War, with the US looking as though it was behind in the space and arms race. President Eisenhower felt the pressure from its launch that year.
White House Curator
The White House curator is tasked with the preservation and cataloging of artworks, antiques, and furnishings in the White House. The position was established in 1961 as part of Jackie Kennedy’s restoration project and was important in transforming the White House into a museum of sorts.
White House-itis
White House-itis is the term that Jackie Kennedy and West used to describe staff who developed big heads and sought to hire assistants and build fiefdoms. When the author of the guidebook created to finance the restoration of the White House developed this tendency, Jackie had her relocated out of the White House to complete her work.
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