The White House

1. When the capital was moved to the city of Washington, Congress decided to build a special home for all future presidents. This house would belong to the nation, and it would serve as the home and the office for each President.

2. When you enter the White House, history comes alive to you. Throughout the big, public rooms, there are paintings, furniture, and other items that belonged to some of the famous Presidents of early years. One room, for example, is called the Lincoln Room. President Abraham Lincoln worked in this room and used the furniture that is still there.

3. But the White House is not a museum. It is a hard-working building; it is still the home of American Presidents and the place where they do most of their work.

4. Today it is much larger than it was when President John Adams moved in. It has more than 150 rooms! It has offices and a health clinic, a post office, a swimming pool, a barbershop, a kitchen and all other rooms needed by the President and the staff.

5. Every day the White House hums with activity. Heads of other nations, members of Congress come to the White House to talk to the President. From there the President speaks to the whole nation on radio and television. There is a special line to Russia that provides direct communication between the two most powerful nations in the world.

6. Part of the White House is open to the public. Visitors may tour the library and some of the dining rooms and reception rooms on the ground floor and the first floor. Private rooms on the second and third floors include family rooms, guest rooms, and recreation rooms.

7. The White House is more than the President’s home and workshop. Like the Capitol, it is a national symbol. Its white walls and setting remind people of the strength and beauty of the American nation.

Дата добавления: 2015-08-17