'My 21 Years in the White House' by Alonzo Fields is a memoir that provides a unique insider perspective on the lives of American presidents and their families during the early to mid-20th century. Fields, as the Head Butler, shares anecdotes and details about the daily routines, events, and interactions that took place within the White House, offering readers a glimpse into the historical and personal moments he witnessed. The book is written in a straightforward manner, focusing on the experiences of a servant trusted with the responsibility of ensuring top-notch food preparation and service for the White House inhabitants and guests.
Fields' account not only sheds light on the behind-the-scenes workings of the White House but also delves into his personal journey and reflections on his unexpected career path. Through his recollections of notable events and encounters with prominent figures such as Presidents Roosevelt and Truman, Fields provides a nuanced portrayal of the challenges and rewards of his position, offering a blend of historical insights and personal growth narrative.
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From The Publisher:
My 21 Years in the White House, first published in 1960, is the fascinating account by Alonzo Fields of his service as head butler under 4 presidents: Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower. Fields (1900-1994) began his employment at the White House in 1931, and kept a journal of his meetings with the presidents and their families; he would also meet important people like Winston Churchill, Princess Elizabeth of England, Thomas Edison, John D. Rockefeller, presidential cabinet members, senators, representatives, and Supreme Court Justices. He would also witness presidential decision-making at critical times in American history - the attack on Pearl Harbor, the death of Franklin Roosevelt, the desegregation of the military, and the outbreak of hostilities in Korea. As Fields often told his staff, "...remember that we are helping to make history. We have a small part ... but they can't do much here without us. They've got to eat, you know." Included are sample menus prepared for visiting heads-of-state and foreign dignitaries.
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