Gary Walters worked in the White House for 37 years. Here’s what the chief usher saw

Former White House Chief Usher Shares Behind-the-Scenes Stories in New Memoir

Gary Walters witnessed nearly four decades of American history from a unique vantage point: inside the White House, where he served as the longest-running chief usher in U.S. history. In his forthcoming memoir, “White House Memories 1970-2007: Recollections of the Longest-Serving Chief Usher,” Walters offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of America’s most famous residence.

“We served the presidency,” Walters explained during a discussion about his book, which will be released on December 5. His role transcended partisan politics, spanning administrations from both major parties.

As chief usher, Walters essentially functioned as the White House’s general manager, overseeing maintenance, construction, renovations, food service, and administrative operations. He managed a staff of nearly 100 employees, including butlers, housekeepers, cooks, florists, and maintenance personnel. His primary responsibility was ensuring the White House ran smoothly so presidents and first ladies could focus on their demanding roles.

“They’ve got enough on their plate to deal with,” Walters noted.

His White House career began in the Executive Protective Service, where he helped protect Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. In 1976, he joined the Usher’s Office as an assistant before being promoted to chief usher a decade later. He served in that capacity under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush until his retirement in 2007.

Among the most dramatic moments of his tenure was September 11, 2001. The White House had been preparing for the annual Congressional Picnic that day, with more than 160 tables set up on the South Lawn. After the terrorist attacks began, most staff were evacuated, but Walters and a small team remained.

Anticipating that President George W. Bush would want to return to the White House, Walters realized the tables would block Marine One’s landing area. He and the remaining staff began manually clearing the lawn, moving heavy tables to make room for the presidential helicopter.

“I just knew in my heart the president was going to talk to the American people after the attack,” Walters recalled. Bush later delivered a prime-time address from the Oval Office that evening.

As they worked, Walters heard erroneous reports about an explosion at the State Department and witnessed the smoke from the Pentagon attack. When informed of another hijacked plane still in the air, he believed the White House was its target.

“To this day I believe those brave Americans that caused that plane to go down in a field in Shanksville saved my life,” Walters said, calling 9/11 “the most frightening day, obviously, that I’d ever spent at the White House.”

Walters’ memoir also includes lighter moments. He recalls how he once repurposed teddy bears originally intended for Maureen Reagan’s hospital visits abroad. When President George H.W. Bush and his family stayed at the White House on Inauguration Day, Walters retrieved the stored bears and placed one on each grandchild’s bed, providing a thoughtful surprise for the bored youngsters.

Another anecdote involves a smoky mishap during a Reagan dinner party. As guests were arriving for an event in the private quarters, Walters discovered the Yellow Oval Room filling with smoke because a fireplace flue hadn’t been properly opened.

He quickly organized the staff to manage the crisis, opening the Truman Balcony door and even tossing burning logs over the railing after warning the security officer below. The team worked frantically during cocktails and dinner, using fans, air fresheners, and scented candles to clear the smoke without disrupting the event.

“The evening went along as if nothing had happened,” Walters recalled, demonstrating the behind-the-scenes efforts that make the presidency function smoothly.

Walters’ book offers a rare insider perspective on the residence that serves as both a family home and a symbol of American democracy, highlighting the dedicated professionals who maintain the institution regardless of which political party occupies it.