Beatrice Lang
The White House, built in 1792, has undergone many changes and upgrades over the years. One of the most notable was the introduction of electricity in 1891 during President Benjamin Harrison's administration. This upgrade was part of a project to wire the neighbouring State, War, and Navy Building (today's Eisenhower Executive Office Building). Despite this technological advancement, President Harrison and his wife, Caroline, refused to touch the light switches due to a fear of electric shock, leaving the task to White House staff. Since then, various administrations have continued to modernise the White House, with a focus on energy efficiency and environmental initiatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of electrification | 1891 |
| President at the time | Benjamin Harrison |
| Fear of electrocution | Yes |
| Person(s) operating the light switches | White House staff |
| Company that installed the generator | Edison Company |
| Year of first electric refrigerator | 1926 |
| Year of first air conditioning | 1933 |
| Year of solar panel installation | 1979 |
| Presidents who made contributions to a greener White House | Carter, Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama |
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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Harrison: the first electrified White House
The White House, built in 1792, was first electrified in 1891 during President Benjamin Harrison's administration. Electricity was installed in the White House as part of a project for wiring the neighbouring State, War, and Navy Building (today's Eisenhower Executive Office Building). The Edison Company installed a generator for both buildings, with wires strung across the lawn and into the White House.
President Benjamin Harrison and his wife, Caroline, were the first to live in an electrified White House. However, electricity was a novel concept at the time, and the couple refused to touch the light switches for fear of electric shock. Irwin "Ike" Hoover, an electrician who later became the White House Chief Usher, recalled that he had to turn on the lights in the halls and parlours in the evening, leaving them on until he returned the next morning to extinguish them.
The introduction of electricity to the White House marked a significant transformation, as subsequent presidents and the rest of North America became accustomed to the comforts of heating, cooling, and refrigeration. Over time, the White House has continued to undergo electrical updates and upgrades to meet the evolving needs and standards of each administration.
In 1902, during President Teddy Roosevelt's administration, the original wiring system was replaced in a restoration. At this time, electric-powered lights were being used more frequently, and older gas lights were removed. By 1926, during the presidency of Calvin Coolidge, the first electric refrigerator was installed in the White House. In 1933, air conditioning was installed in President Franklin Roosevelt's private quarters.
The White House has also been a testing ground for various technologies, including solar power. In 1979, solar panels were installed on the roof to heat water for the administration staff. These panels were later removed in 1986 during roof repairs but were reinstalled in 2003 by the George W. Bush administration.
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Lyndon B. Johnson: earned the nickname Light Bulb Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, earned the nickname "Light Bulb Johnson" or "Light-Bulb Lyndon" due to his habit of wandering the White House and turning off lights in rooms he thought were empty. This sometimes surprised people working in those rooms. Johnson was known for his obsession with saving electricity, which led him to stroll around the White House and switch off unnecessary lights.
Johnson became president in 1963, following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, with whom he had served as Vice President. Johnson's presidency spanned a critical period in US history, including the Cold War, the Space Race, and the Cold War Arms Race. He is known for his ambitious vision of building "A Great Society" for the American people, characterised by greater equality. Johnson's personality has been described as ambitious, stubborn, ruthless, forceful, competitive, and highly ambitious.
The nickname "Light Bulb Johnson" provides an interesting insight into how Johnson was viewed by the American public during his presidency. It is worth noting that Johnson's obsession with turning off lights was not due to his having many bright ideas, as one might associate with light bulbs, but rather his focus on electricity conservation. This earned him a reputation for being frugal with electricity usage, which was reflected in his nickname.
The story behind Lyndon B. Johnson's nickname "Light Bulb Johnson" highlights an aspect of his character and how it was perceived by those around him during his time in the White House. It also adds a layer of humour and humanity to the serious business of running a country, showing that even the most powerful leaders have their quirks and idiosyncrasies.
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Barack Obama: upgraded solar panels and climate change focus
The White House has undergone significant transformations in terms of energy and electricity since electricity was first installed in 1891 during President Benjamin Harrison's administration. Over the years, various administrations have focused on making the White House more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, played a significant role in upgrading the White House's solar panels and addressing climate change. Obama was the third president to install solar panels on the White House, after Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush.
In 2010, Obama agreed to put new solar panels on the White House roof, with the installation taking place while the Obamas were on vacation in 2013. The new solar panels were expected to generate more than double the amount of electricity used by the average home in Washington, with an estimated 20 to 50 panels installed. This initiative was part of Obama's commitment to addressing climate change, promoting clean energy, and ensuring a more stable environment for future generations.
Obama's administration also took other steps to bring renewable energy and energy efficiency to households across the country. In 2015, Obama announced $24 million in funding for 11 projects across seven states to develop innovative solar technologies that increase energy output and reduce costs. He also approved transmission lines and projects to bring online photovoltaic facilities, producing enough renewable energy to power over 145,000 homes. Additionally, Obama created an Interagency Task Force to Promote a Clean Energy Future for All Americans, aiming to increase access to solar energy and ensure that communities impacted by climate change benefit from clean energy initiatives.
Through these actions, Obama demonstrated his dedication to making the White House a symbol of America's commitment to a clean energy future and reducing the country's dependence on foreign oil.
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Bill Clinton: pushed for a greener White House
The White House, built in 1792, has only been electrified for a little over a century. Electricity was first installed in the White House in 1891 during President Benjamin Harrison's administration.
President Bill Clinton pushed for a greener White House. In 1993, Clinton delivered remarks on Earth Day, announcing that he would be signing two executive orders: E.O. 12845, which requires the Federal Government to purchase energy-efficient computers, and E.O. 12844, which instructs the government to increase the number of alternative-fuelled vehicles. Clinton wanted the government to lead by example when it came to adopting sustainable practices. He aimed to make the White House a model for other federal agencies, state and local governments, businesses, and families.
Clinton issued several Executive Orders addressing the government's energy and resource management. These Executive Orders required federal agencies to change their practices and policies to increase the use of green and recycled products, improve water conservation, reduce greenhouse gases, and reduce energy consumption. In 1999 alone, the Federal government reduced its annual energy bill by $800 million.
Clinton's administration also faced some of its biggest challenges from China and Congress in its climate policy efforts. China's role as one of the leading greenhouse gas emitters among developing countries was critical to the administration's efforts to build on the Kyoto Protocol. However, Congress demanded the adoption of measures that threatened to isolate the United States even further.
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The Truman Reconstruction: rebuilt electrical circuitry and wiring
The White House, built in 1792, has only been electrified for a little over a century. Electricity was first installed in the building in 1891 during President Benjamin Harrison's administration. However, President Harrison and his wife were afraid of electrocution and refused to touch the light switches.
By the time President Truman took office, the White House was in a state of disrepair. A series of haphazard renovations had removed or weakened load-bearing walls, making the building structurally unsound. In 1948, Truman was re-elected, and he and his family moved across the street to the Blair House while the White House underwent extensive renovations.
The Truman Reconstruction, as it came to be known, involved the complete removal of the interior of the White House, except for the third floor. The project included the excavation of new basement levels, the construction of new foundations, and the installation of new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. The electrical wiring and technology of the White House were upgraded, and the exterior stone walls were kept in place and repainted. The Trumans lobbied Congress to preserve the exterior of the White House while rebuilding the interior.
The reconstruction cost $5.4 million and was completed in approximately 22 months, by late 1951. The White House was transformed into a modern building with new electrical circuitry and wiring, among other upgrades.
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Frequently asked questions
The Edison Company installed a generator in the White House in 1891.
Benjamin Harrison was the first President to enjoy electricity in the White House.
No, President Benjamin Harrison and his wife, Caroline, refused to touch the light switches due to their fear of electrocution.
