Sold For $303
*Includes Buyers Premium
Stunning 7 x 6 swatch of handsomely red damask brocade fabric, left over from the renovation of the White House overseen by President Harry S. Truman. In very fine condition. Accompanied by a detailed 1985 letter of provenance on White House letterhead from White House maid and seamstress Lillian Rogers Parks, addressed to noted collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, in part: "On March 15, 1952, I was the first person to 'officially' walk through the newly reconstructed and decorated White House. President Harry S Truman and Mrs. Bess Truman had some pieces of wall fabrics, which were left over from the total White House restoration (1948-1952). I had worked for them for several years as a seamstress. They gave me this sample from the Red Parlor/Room. This was the 'new' fabric which replaced the red brocade fabric which was used during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and before. beautiful red damask brocade is approximately 7"x6" and shows a portion of an acantus leaf which was part of the overall design.
I must say that the Truman's were the most informal of any of the First Families I have known or heard my Mama, Maggie Rogers, talk about. Between my Mama and me, our careers at the White House spanned over 50 years and eight Presidents and First Ladies. The Truman's did nothing for show. They simply behaved naturally. People got to know the President, but did not really appreciate him until years later. Bess Truman was just shy around groups or those she did not know. But, she was warm and friendly and showed concern in a personal way. But, President Truman was not shy, even though he did wash his own socks and underwear the whole time he was President.
This beautiful red wall fabric, from the Truman Red Room, was a personal gift to me from President and Mrs. Truman. Because it is from the White House and from the major restoration, it is of historical importance, and it should be cared for and preserved."
