Stewart D. McLaurin
The White House has served as the residence of the president of the United States since 1800, when John and Abigail Adams first moved in. Today, while presidents and their families come and go, the seamless functioning of the Executive Mansion relies on a dedicated team of career staff.
These individuals, some of whom spend their entire careers in service to the White House, ensure that its operations carry on regardless of political transitions. However, this continuity has not always been present, as the structure of the household and its staff evolved significantly over time. Free and enslaved workers built the White House, and early household operations also relied on a mix of free and enslaved labor. Many early presidents brought enslaved individuals with them to the White House and often employed personal stewards to manage household operations.
Congress did not provide funds for the president’s household expenses. As a result, every new president was responsible for hiring and managing their own staff. Over time, some of these domestic roles transitioned into government positions, laying the foundation for the modern White House staff structure.
White House staff changes with racial, technological advancements
One notable figure in this transition was William Slade, an African American man who worked in the White House during President Abraham Lincoln’s administration and was later appointed steward by President Andrew Johnson. Slade’s role was significant, as it marked a shift toward African Americans holding positions of greater responsibility in the White House. His promotion was celebrated within the African American community as a milestone, even though his tenure as steward was brief due to his death in 1868. Another long-serving figure from this era was Jerry Smith, who worked as a laborer at the White House from the presidencies of Ulysses S. Grant to Theodore Roosevelt. Over three decades, Smith performed a variety of tasks and jobs, becoming a familiar presence within the household. Visitors and reporters often sought him out for his stories and recollections, highlighting how long-serving staff became integral to the legacy and institutional memory of the White House.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, White House staff positions and their respective duties began to formalize. Roles once filled by personal connections or temporary appointees became more consistent, with individuals staying on through multiple presidencies.
This shift coincided with technological advancements that brought new complexities to managing the residence.
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Ike Hoover, originally hired during President Benjamin Harrison’s administration as an electrician, exemplified this change. Tasked with installing the White House’s first electric lights, Hoover’s technical skills secured him a lasting place within the household. Over the years, he rose to become chief usher, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the White House with precision and adaptability. During this era, staff began to document their experiences, offering valuable insights into White House life.
White House staff structure mirrors broader US history
Lillian Rogers Parks, who served as a maid and seamstress from 1929 to 1960, captured the humanity of the White House in her memoir, “My Thirty Years Backstairs at the White House.” Parks not only chronicled her own experiences but also recounted those of her mother, Maggie Rogers, who served as a maid under earlier administrations. Their stories provide a poignant reminder of the personal connections that staff often formed with the first families. Another key figure from this period was Edmund Starling, who led presidential protection in the 1920s. As the head of security, Starling’s role underscored the growing importance of safeguarding the president and their family in an increasingly modern and public-facing White House. His work highlighted the evolving demands on career staff as the presidency adapted to new security challenges.
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The latter half of the 20th century marked the institutionalization of many White House staff roles, with career professionals becoming the backbone of the Executive Mansion.
Gary Walters, who joined the Uniformed Division of the Secret Service in 1970 served as chief usher from 1986 to 2007, embodied the professionalism and continuity that defines modern White House operations. Walters oversaw transitions between multiple administrations, managing everything from Inauguration Day logistics to the private needs of first families. His ability to balance tradition with the unique preferences of each family underscored the critical role of career staff in maintaining stability during periods of political change.
Running the famed White House kitchen, Cristeta Comerford, the first woman and first person of Asian descent to serve as White House executive chef, left an indelible mark on presidential dining. Appointed in 2005, Comerford’s tenure spanned multiple administrations, during which she crafted menus that reflected both the personal tastes of the first families and the broader goals of culinary diplomacy. Her innovation and dedication set a high standard for White House cuisine. Comerford just retired in August. Meanwhile, the White House grounds have flourished under the care of Dale Haney, who since 1972 has served as first a gardener and now superintendent. Known for his meticulous attention to the gardens and his unofficial role as caretaker of presidential pets, Haney has ensured that the grounds remain not only an extension of the presidency but also a place for first families to enjoy. His decades of service highlight the commitment and expertise that career staff bring to their roles.
In some ways, the White House and the evolution of the staff structure mirror the broader history of the United States. From its early reliance on free and enslaved labor to formalizing domestic roles into government positions, the White House has transformed into a place where dedication and expertise are paramount.
Career employees ‒ whether tending the gardens, preparing meals and state dinners, or ensuring the seamless operation of the residence ‒ are the unsung heroes who sustain the White House as both a home and a symbol of American democracy.
Figures like Cristeta Comerford, Dale Haney and Gary Walters exemplify the heights of professionalism that define the modern era.
Earlier figures such as William Slade and Jerry Smith remind us that while they may have held different titles under vastly different circumstances, they also contributed to this evolution and legacy.
Together, their stories form a continuum of service and excellence, ensuring that the White House remains a place of dignity and tradition for generations to come. In celebrating these individuals, we acknowledge the essential role of those who work behind the scenes. The White House is more than just the residence of the president ‒ it is a workplace, a home and a living monument to the nation’s history, sustained by the quiet dedication of those who serve it with loyalty and distinction.Stewart D. McLaurin is president of the White House Historical Association and director of The People’s House: A White House Experience.
Source: politics.einnews.com…
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