Summary
In this New York Times bestseller, the White House chief usher for nearly three decades offers a behind-the-scenes look at America's first families.
J. B. West, chief usher of the White House, directed the operations and maintenance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue--and coordinated its daily life--at the request of the president and his family. He directed state functions; planned parties, weddings and funerals, gardens and playgrounds, and extensive renovations; and, with a large staff, supervised every activity in the presidential home. For twenty-eight years, first as assistant to the chief usher, then as chief usher, he witnessed national crises and triumphs, and interacted daily with six consecutive presidents and first ladies, as well as their parents, children and grandchildren, and houseguests--including friends, relatives, and heads of state.
J. B. West, whom Jackie Kennedy called "one of the most extraordinary men I have ever met," provides an absorbing, one-of-a-kind history of life among the first ladies. Alive with anecdotes ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt's fascinating political strategies to Jackie Kennedy's tragic loss and the personal struggles of Pat Nixon, Upstairs at the White House is a rich account of a slice of American history that usually remains behind closed doors.
James Bernard ("J. B.") West was born in Afton, Iowa, on July 27, 1912. West began work in the White House as assistant to the chief usher in 1941. Prior to that, he had worked in the Veterans Administration. He was promoted to chief usher when Crim retired in 1957. With a staff of over 100, West managed many state dinners and other White House events, including those surrounding the funeral of John F. Kennedy and the wedding of Lynda Bird John. During the Nixon administration an investigation found that West allowed friends into the White House for after hours tours. This resulted in some thefts of White House mementos and chinaware. For that reason, West was considered a blackmail/security risk and dismissed in 1969.
His book, Upstairs at the White House, was first published in 1973. It was listed on the New York Times bestseller list in 2015.
West died on July 18, 1983, at the age of 70.
(Bowker Author Biography)
