A Brief History of the White House Kitchen

Strange Noises
During Harry Truman's tenure in the White House, the residence underwent a massive $5.8 million renovation. Truman, according to an account touted by his official presidential library, "began to notice strange creaking noises" shortly after moving in. Engineering evaluations revealed that the entire building needed substantial electrical and structural improvements. The Trumans moved out during the renovation, which included lowering the kitchen ceiling, as seen in this 1952 photograph.

• Presidential First Dogs