Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies

J. B. West served in the White House for 28 years, beginning as an usher in 1941 and assuming the role of chief usher in 1957. His experiences in the White House allowed him to write this memoir, which was first published in 1973 and became a New York Times bestseller. In addition to working with the first ladies to manage the day-to-day operations of the White House, West also helped them with their various projects and requests. He observed the first families in their private residences and thus provides insight into their personalities and patterns of behavior. To support his depiction of the families, he offers several anecdotes and personal stories that demonstrate The Important Role of Behind-the-Scenes Workers at the White House. His work with the first ladies made him cognizant and appreciative of The Contribution of First Ladies to the Presidency, and he highlights those contributions throughout the work.

As chief usher, West oversaw the White House budget and staff. Stipulating that the White House budget was woefully inadequate, he explains how the White House drew upon the budgets of other departments and how the first ladies became frugal and imaginative in finding resources.