Why is the White House nearly? Because it is all Butt.
For four years (1908-12) that was considered a hilarious joke in official Washington society. Its reference was to Major Archibald Willingham Butt, military aide to Presidents Roosevelt and Taft. More than a decorative figure, Major Butt was also political counselor, social manager, playmate and secret chronicler about the White House. Shrewd enough to know the advantage of his confidential position and with a sharp eye on posterity, he wrote (sometimes from quotations jotted down on his immaculate cuffs) almost daily letters to...