About this item
Highlights
- Foreword by Barbara Bush.From January 1986 until March 1994, Chris Emery was part of one of the most unique services in the U.S. government--an usher in the White House.For more than 200 years, a small office has operated on the State Floor of the White House Executive Residence.
- Author(s): Christopher B Emery
- 240 Pages
- History, United States
Description
About the Book
From January 1986 to March 1994, Chris Emery held a unique position in the U.S. government-an usher in the White House. Emery was the only White House Usher terminated in the 20th century. Turn the pages to learn which first lady fired him.
Book Synopsis
Foreword by Barbara Bush.
From January 1986 until March 1994, Chris Emery was part of one of the most unique services in the U.S. government--an usher in the White House.
For more than 200 years, a small office has operated on the State Floor of the White House Executive Residence. Known as the Usher's Office, whose mission is to accommodate the personal needs of the first family, and to make the White House feel like a home. The Usher's Office is the managing office of the Executive Residence and its staff of 90-plus. The staff consists of butlers, carpenters, grounds personnel, electricians, painters, plumbers, florists, maids, housemen, cooks, chefs, storekeepers, curators, calligraphers, doormen, and administrative support.
Ushers work closely with the first family, senior staff, Social Office, Press Office, Secret Service Agency, and military leaders to carry out White House functions: luncheons, dinners, teas, receptions, meetings, conferences, and more.
Chris Emery was only the 18th White House Usher since 1891, and had the honor and privilege to serve presidential families for three years during the Reagan administration, four years for President H. W. Bush, and 14 months under President Clinton. His vignettes recreate intimate White House happenings from an insider's viewpoint.
Chris Emery was the only White House Usher to be terminated in the 20th century. Turn the pages to find out which first lady fired him...
"With his book, White House Usher: Stories from the Inside, former usher Chris Emery gives his readers a peek inside what happens upstairs at the White House. Chris' anecdotes tell a rich story of how America's house really is the First Families' home. I loved my trip down memory lane."
- Former First Lady Barbara Bush (October 2017)
Review Quotes
"With his book, White House Usher: Stories from the Inside, former usher Chris Emery gives his readers a peek inside what happens upstairs at the White House. Chris' anecdotes tell a rich story of how America's house really is the First Families' home. I loved my trip down memory lane."
- Former First Lady Barbara Bush (October 2017)
"Your book was exquisitely written and was a pure joy to read. Best read I've had in several years."
- MSgt (Ret), USAF
"The first-hand stories chronicled in this book are not only illuminating and entertaining, they are an important witness to history."
- Reader from Fulton, MD
"Emery gives an honest and accurate account of life and the workings of the White House and brings warmth and humour that will bring reassurance to the reader that, despite being the pinnacle of power, the White House is also very much a family home."
- Reader from Great Britain.
"Author Christopher Emery has a sharp and respectful eye for the history he was privileged to see."
- Reader from Washington DC.