White House Memories 1970–2007: Recollections of the Longest-Serving Chief Usher

by Gary J. Walters

With this illustrated memoir, Gary J. Walters, the longest serving chief usher in White House history, shares for the first time the extraordinary history he witnessed during thirty-seven years of White House service. While thousands of people have worked in the White House, a much smaller number have continued in their roles for more than one presidency, and even fewer have, or will ever, serve seven presidents and their families. One of those few is Gary J. Walters. Walters began his service in 1970 as an Executive Protective Service officer and joined the Usher’s Office as an assistant usher in 1976. In 1986, he assumed the responsibilities of chief usher, a position he held until January 26, 2007. In these roles he was in a unique position to observe life as lived on a daily basis in the White House by presidents Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and their families. Walters relates the history he witnessed from a unique vantage point. He explains the roles of the White House Usher's Office and the Residence staff while describing first family routines and living spaces, official and informal entertaining, the care and maintenance of the house, the importance of exercise and sport, decorating for the holidays, and the many first pets who brought comfort to the presidents. With behind-the-scenes detail he offers memories of Watergate, the Bicentennial visit of Queen Elizabeth II, the first White House visit of the Pope, attempted presidential assassinations, surprise birthday parties, elevator conversations, Millenium celebrations, and more. Readers will learn the resources marshaled for the transition from one family to the next on Inauguration Day, the tensions as first families await outcomes on Election Day, and a nearly minute-by-minute account of what was going on at the White House on September 11, 2001. Heavily illustrated with more than 100 images.

424 pages, Hardcover

Published December 4, 2025

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important resource for future White House scholars and armchair historians alike. While the author comes across as professional and dedicated to his role as chief usher the astute reader will pick up on subtle biases. This is not meant as an outright criticism as he should be allowed to express his views. I won't comment on which administration(s) he was less favorable of as it will be more interesting for readers to discover for themselves.

[Derek Adelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary J. Walters’s memoir chronicles 37 years inside the White House, from the Nixon administration through George W. Bush, told from the perspective of the Chief Usher, the person responsible for running the Executive Residence as both a home and a workplace. Walters is not a policymaker or political adviser; his value lies in his continuity, discretion, and proximity to history.
Rather than focusing on ideology or elections, the book reveals how the presidency functions day to day, especially during moments of crisis and transition.
Walters explains the operational reality of the White House: Managing a permanent staff of butlers, cooks, housekeepers, florists, engineers, and curators. Preparing for state dinners, foreign dignitaries, and major public events. Handling presidential move-ins, move-outs, renovations, and emergency situations.
The residence emerges not as a museum, but as a working household under constant pressure, adapting to each new first family.
Walters explains the operational reality of the White House: Managing a permanent staff of butlers, cooks, housekeepers, florists, engineers, and curators. Preparing for state dinners, foreign dignitaries, and major public events. Handling presidential move-ins, move-outs, renovations, and emergency situations. The residence emerges not as a museum, but as a working household under constant pressure, adapting to each new first family.
Walters talks about his role on 9/11 by getting the South Grounds that had over 100 picnic tables on it for A congressional picnic dinner for that evening moved so that Marine One could land, knowing that the president would be headed back to Washington. He even helped the Trump transition team when he was asked in 2017 by someone he knew from previous administrations. He was shocked that nobody really had explained anything to them about the White House itself, and anything like that, and his wife even said when he retired that there wouldn’t be any more long, serving chief ushers, and then it would be more political position and basically with his help during the Trump transition that statement rang true.

[Barry Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written without juicy gossip, as expected for the dignity of the position. Walters first helps the reader understand the intricate logistics required to operate the White House, then exposes the reader to the hectic schedules and herculean efforts the staff invest to make our Chief Executive Office operate smoothly. As Walters covers his maturing into the position, he helps the reader to understand the importance of continuity and consistency in political transition, why the White House Staff must all all costs remain above the political fray and protect the privacy of the first family. His case is well made and his conclusion gives caution to protecting something that seems to so lightly tossed aside in Washington D. C., the ability to remain congenial, respectful, and collaborate in the operations of Democracy.

[Michelle Glogovac · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves learning about American history and appreciates a little tea when it’s spilled, White House Memories did not disappoint. Drawing on his experiences with seven different First Families, Gary Walters offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at life inside the White House.

Beyond the fascinating anecdotes, Walters reveals the emotional toll of the presidency—not just on the President, but on the entire First Family. I especially loved learning about how the White House is curated, the lasting influence of First Ladies and the causes they champion, and the way the residence becomes both a temporary home and a deeply personal space. Over time, the staff doesn’t just work for these families—they become part of them.

[Donald Paulsrud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book if you are interested in U.S. history. Gary Walters writes about the big moments in the White House and the mundane issues in the White House during his long tenure as the Chief Usher of the White House. He writes without a political leaning and the book is organized very well. There are some dry (boring) parts of the book, but overall it is a great history of his time in the White House.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible recollection from a firsthand witness to the most important moments in presidential history. A must read for amateur historians like me. Thank you Gary for your service.