A little something to think about on Presidents’ Day…
“Upstairs in the White House there is a long table. The FINGERPRINTS of all who touch it are part of its story…”
The table is the White House Treaty Table. It was commissioned in1869 by President Grant as a conference table for himself and his seven advisors who formed his cabinet. Each seat has its own drawer with a lock and key. In 1898 it was used for the signing of the peace treaty with Spain ending the Spanish-American War. Since then it has been known as the Treaty Table and another Cabinet Table was built when the president’s cabinet grew to nine advisors. Over the years it has been moved and used by presidents for various reasons. In 1929 President Coolidge signed the Pact of Paris peace treaty on that same table. In 1961 First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy had the table returned to its original place, and in its honor that room became known as the Treaty Room. As more and more treaties are signed on that table over the years, it collects more and more fingerprints of the men and women who work for peace in our country.
This is all information which I did not know before this week, before I read this picture book, written by my OLLI instructor, Connie Trounstine. I am proud to have an autographed copy of this book in my library. Connie is a wonderful person, author, and instructor, and I am very lucky to have met her. I encourage you to pick up your own copy of Fingerprints on the Table for yourself and for your children.
Happy Presidents’ Day!
Peace!
Juliana Lee 