White House Diary (American Autobiography)

White House Diary, first published in 1948, is the entertaining account of Henrietta Nesbitt – “FDR's Housekeeper” – during the historical times of Franklin Roosevelt's long presidency. Nesbitt, a neighbor of the Roosevelts in Hyde Park, New York, went with the President to the White House and served an important role in the family and social life of the White House for 11 years. Nesbitt was responsible for thousands of meals during her tenure (including her struggles to comply with war-time rationing); at the same time, the President's mansion was in a state of disrepair, and Nesbitt oversaw the installation of a new kitchen, replacement of draperies and rugs, and continual battles against mice, moths, ants, and other pests. Nesbitt also provides insights into the character of the Roosevelts and of some of the many VIPs who visited the White House.