PBA Galleries

Block of wood from the White House reconstruction of 1949-1952, with official metal plaque stating the material was removed from the White House in 1950. 12.5 x18 cm (5x7"). 

Inscribed by Harry S, Truman in black ink: "Kind regards to Cloud Montaiso [?] from Harry Truman, 10-15-63."

The White House Reconstruction, also known as the Truman Reconstruction, was a comprehensive dismantling and rebuilding of the interior of the White House between 1949-1952. A century-and-a-half of wartime destruction and rebuilding, hurried renovations, additions of new services, technologies, an added Third Floor, and inadequate foundations brought the Executive Residence portion of the White House Complex to near-imminent collapse. In 1948 architectural and engineering investigations deemed it unsafe for occupancy and president Harry S. Truman, his family, and the entire residence staff were relocated across the street. For over three years the White House was gutted, expanded, and rebuilt. The scope, costs, and historical authenticity of the work were controversial, with the reconstruction being called both structurally essential, and a disaster