White House Renovation Souvenirs

Description

The building that is home to the Presidents has gone through tremendous changes over the 222 years of its history. The burning by the British in 1814 resulted in the first complete rebuilding of its interior. In 1902 Teddy Roosevelt remodeled the whole ground level to update and “modernize” it. President Coolidge replaced the roof and added to the third floor in 1927. Harry Truman, in the early 1950s, completely gutted and rebuilt the White House because of major structural safety issues.

As a result, very little of the original material, except for the exterior walls, remains in this historic residence. Fortunately, over the years, collectors have preserved and cherished little pieces of history that were once a small part of the President’s House and witnessed events that shaped our nation.

Gavels, canes, bricks, nails and other amazing souvenirs made with this material survived and now proudly reside in collections and museums around the country. Hundreds of photographs and stories document this collection of treasures made from the most recognizable and historic building in this country, if not the entire world…. The White House.

The first book on the subject, White House Renovation Souvenirs, delves into the field of collecting relics and souvenirs made with pieces of the White House. Since many of these types of items are unique, this book is not a price guide, but is an invaluable resource for the background and history of this field of collecting. The hundreds of photos and images, along with stories and renovation history, provide collectors with the tools and information they need to build a fascinating and truly unique collection.

 

About the Author

Wayne Smith is a lifelong collector with a passion for research. He holds a bachelor’s degree in U.S. History from the University of Maryland and is the author of White House Renovation Souvenirs. Wayne has spent decades collecting, documenting and writing articles in antiques and collector publications.

He is a co-founder of a national collectors group, the Ice Screamers, dedicated to preserving the history of the Soda Fountain. His first book, Ice Cream Dippers, on the historical evolution of the ice cream scoop, is still considered by many collectors to be the standard in the field.

Wayne spends way too much time searching for bits and pieces of information that add to the story of a piece in a collection. Preserving the history is his goal. This book has been a work in progress for many, many years and he hopes that it will be informative and useful to anyone who appreciates the history of the White House and its renovation souvenirs.

With over 40 years’ experience collecting, buying and selling antiques, Wayne has developed a solid sense of the marketplace and is familiar with the venues that offer these types of items. He has tracked their exchanges for many years. He holds memberships in the White House Historical Association, National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Political Items Collectors (APIC) organizations.

He believes that everyone, especially the younger generation, would have a deeper appreciation of history if they had an opportunity to own or be able to hold a small piece of history in their hands.

Wayne enjoys and lives life to the fullest because he knows that every day is a treasured gift. Wayne and his family live just outside of Washington, D.C.

Read What Others Have To Say…

“In White House Renovation Souvenirs, Wayne Smith breaks down the various constructions of the iconic residence and highlights souvenirs connected to them. A lifelong collector with a history degree from the University of Maryland, Smith brings his passion for relics and preservation to bear on this genre of souvenirs. Smith begins the preface, “History is my passion, I am a collector.” What follows is an engaging account through a collector’s eye of White House history, richly illustrated with photographs and images of souvenirs. They include bookends made of plaster ornaments from the State Dining Room ceiling, a clock inset into a hunk of burned timber, a wood paperweight inset with a medallion of President Truman, an ashtray and lighter set, and more. Smith’s depth of knowledge is evident on every page. His passion for collecting will resonate with all who do, no matter your focus. Pick up a copy for your personal library or as a gift for anyone interested in the White House or the nation’s capital.” — Military Images Magazine

 

“Of the many books on the subject of the official residence of the president of the United States, this one has the distinction of being the only one focused on collecting relics and souvenirs from the building itself, which has seen many renovations over its two centuries of existence….this book shows the wide array of White House souvenirs that survive today along with historical photographs of its interiors and extensive documentation of its various reconstruction projects. For anyone who enjoys learning about White House history or historic preservation, it is an interesting and informative read.” —  Maine Antique Digest

 

“Wayne Smith’s new book entitled White House Renovation Souvenirs is truly a work of art…. If you are looking for a wonderful book on the history of the White House and its relics, this is it….I sat back on a rainy day and read this book. I know for sure I’ll use it again as I find these unusual pieces that tell the story of where a lot of our political history happened. If you are going to spend $69.95 on a book, it better be something special. And this one is.” ­­ —  The Keynoter – an APIC publication

 

“Almost every page of this book is filled with photographs showing the relics made from pieces of the actual White House building….Mr. Smith has certainly done the whole country a tremendous service in documenting, cataloging and saving this part of America’s history for posterity.” — M. Jeannine Coup, editor The Political Bandwagon

 

“Your book arrived today. It is fantastic. Beautifully illustrated and deeply informative. Congratulations! I’m delighted to add your book to my library — and it will be a great aid in building my collection.” — Bob B.  – Lawrenceville, NJ  

 

“Let me say this is an amazing reference and so well done. Your tireless work and attention to detail along with fabulous pictures and documentation will be one that collectors generations from now will greatly benefit from.” — Dwayne C.  – Chantilly, VA 

 

“Your new book is stunning and a treasure trove for ANYONE who is interested in The White House. Sincerest congratulations on your amazing research and contributions to the study of the greatest home on earth!” — Russ C.  –  Marietta GA

 

“Wayne Smith’s wonderful book is the new authoritative work regarding the 1950 White House Renovation Souvenir program and much more. Covered also is the physical history of the White House from its planning to the 1948-1952 Truman renovation. Other highlights are the chapters on the 1902 and 1927 White House renovations. This coffee-table size book is profusely illustrated and a quality pressing. It would make a great gift for any lover of American History. The book is highly recommended. Congratulations to Mr. Smith on this epic work!” — The Ritters – MD    via Amazon Reviews