White House Stone Carving

Book excerpt: "Americans tend to think of the White House as a symbol of the Presidency rather than an exceptional example of early American craftsmanship. Yet, when seen close-up, the building is both bold and delicate in a way that surprises and impresses most visitors--surprises because such delicate ornamentation is carved out of stone, and impresses because such craftsmanship adds a new dimension to our appreciation of the White House as a landmark building. While a number of stories can be told about building the President's House in the 1790s, this story is limited to what it took to carve a stone building, and the preservation of that work as part of the White House's 200th anniversary"--Page 1.