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

[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.