1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Every four years for the past two centuries, men have contended for the occupancy of a house in our nation's capital, Washington D.C.

The address of that house is 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and is the graceful, yet indestructible symbol of our nation - the White House, home of our Presidents.

The show featured today is a fascinating biography of the house itself, which was broadcast a week before the 1956 presidential election in which Eisenhower successfully defended his first term, winning a second four-year term with a 57% majority. 

This historical tour of the White House begins with its construction in 1792, the site of which was picked out personally by General Washington himself, although he was destined never to live there. 

The first occupant was in fact, the second President of the United States, John Adams, who moved into the house late in his single four year term. 

When he first passed through the entrance of the still unfinished building, he uttered a prayer which was ultimately carved over the fireplace in the state dining room by order of the one occupant of the house who has perhaps caused more debate than any other, Franklin D Roosevelt. (I suspect this summation will be challenged by our current candidates!)

"I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and on all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof."

It was a different Roosevelt, Theodore in this case, who first officially began to use the name The White House on his stationary, but the name had been unofficially used for many years before then, with differing stories as to its origin.

This was CBS Workshop's 40th program, and is considered to be one of its best. It is filled with fascinating trivia and dramatizations of key moments in the lives of the Presidents who have lived within its walls.

The program also serves as a stirring tribute to the symbolism of the structure and all it represents to America and the world.

With just a few days remaining until we ourselves choose the next occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the polls are indicating that this year's election is likely to be close. Let us pray that whatever the voting results in, we stay strong together as a country, and the newly elected President brings a strong future to our thriving and beautiful land.

Happy listening my friends,