>>519565746 (OP)
>AMERICA IS DONE, FINITIO
>orange man bad...
After World War Two, the White House underwent a complete overhaul. When Harry S. Truman became President of the United States, he wrote to his wife, Bess, that it felt as though there were ghosts everywhere due to groans, pops, and other noises made by the House.
One of the most identifiable parts to the White House was also built during the Truman administration. Truman reportedly commented to Chief Usher Howell Crim that he would like more opportunities to take advantage of the view from the south side of the building. As a result, the idea of building a balcony atop the South Portio came to mind. Truman also wanted to find a way to entice his wife, Bess, to stay in Washington, DC, during the summer months.
Truman had asked Congress for funds to make “alterations” to the White House. His request for $1.6 million was met. When architect Lorenzo Winslow began working on it the renovation, he saw how frail the White House really was. Truman was criticized for saying he “needed” to add 15,000 square feet as well as make upgrades, but Truman was steadfast in his belief that the building needed more office space.
Additional changes to the White House included, a 375-seat auditorium… for official ceremonies, press conferences, radio and television broadcasts, private and public meetings, movies and social affairs… a stage which can be lowered out of sight on a hydraulic hoist, it will have two soundproofed radio booths and an elevated booth for photographers… a new $50,000 heating system; a presidential museum (for the knickknacks of ex-Presidents); a $100,000 landscaping job on the White House grounds; a semicircular staircase of marble and iron grillwork for the East Wing.
Truman and his family didn't live in the White House while the renovations were underway, but rather resided at Blair House between 1948 and 1952. By the time all of the work was done, the price tag was $5.7 million.