Woodrow Wilson House: A President's Home
Woodrow Wilson House was designed by architect Waddy Wood in 1915 and purchased by Woodrow Wilson in 1921. The Woodrow Wilson House is in the popular Georgian Revival style prevalent of the time period. During their time there, Wilson added a billiard room, “stacks” for his library which held more than 8,000 books, and elevator and a one-story brick garage. He also made a public address on the house’s balcony in 1923.
In 1961, his wife Edith donated the house to National Trust for Historic Preservation. Inside, the house has been preserved to the time period of the 1920’s, with objects from the White House, family items, memorabilia and gifts from world leaders. Sound recordings, short films and clothing still hanging in the closet bring visitors back in time and give an intimate look at the Wilson way of life back then.
Most United States presidents return to their home state after their period in office is over, but Woodrow Wilson took up new residency not far from the White House instead, to live out the rest of his days. The 28th president served in office during World War I, was a peacemaker, and won the Nobel Peace Prize as well. He moved into his final home in the Kalorama section of town in 1921, and he and his wife remodeled it to suit their needs. Today, the house still receives thousands of visitors a year, and it has been preserved in the style that Wilson left it.
It’s a ghostly and irresistible home, particularly when viewing the pre-set dining table, the fully equipped kitchen and the bedroom with hospital corners prepared on the bed – it is as if the Wilsons’ souls still lurk about the home, listening to the music playing and the flapper dresses are swishing faintly. You can also escape the ghosts by heading outside into the garden, which is a great setting for private parties and weddings, possibly as the Wilsons imagined it.
HelloWashingtonDC Tip: There are a number of events that occur at the Woodrow Wilson house throughout the year. Events include lectures on historic events of his presidency, national holidays, book talks, speakers, an annual garden party and a costumed ball around Halloween. Check the calendar online for updates.
Posted on Jan 30, 2011 by Rin-rin Yu
