Word: scouten
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...occupant of the grandest working home in the U.S. "It has never been in better shape," says Chief Usher Gary Walters, whose staff of 93 chases the dust tracked in by a million and a half tourists a year. The thought is echoed by curator Rex Scouten, who presides over the 38,000 pieces of art, furniture and tableware in the White House collection...
...decade ago, the chief White House usher, Rex Scouten, who keeps the White House running, was confronted with the discouraging fact that new White House paint would peel in sheets only months after application. The Bureau of Standards and the Duron Paint Co. advised stripping off the accumulation, in some places 50 layers deep. Four years ago, the east wall was cleaned and yielded its story for Seale. Scorch marks from the fire set in 1814 by the British rascal General Robert Ross were still visible. Lumpy mounds turned out to be exquisite carvings, done by skilled immigrant stonecarvers...
...Scouten and his experts found a new paint that could be washed instead of replenished. But the paint job will not be finally finished until 2004 because the process is so complicated and expensive. (The U.S. dollar has proved less sturdy than the sandstone: it has already cost the Federal Government more money-$283,000-to repaint the grand old mansion than to build the place.) One other secret. The White House is not going to be pure white. Scouten wanted a paint that would dazzle the eye in the sun and yet glow with a mellow gold...
...seemed less awed by the transformation than Carter himself. With Rosalynn and nine-year-old Amy in tow, he strolled like a tourist up the driveway to his new home. "Where do I live?" he asked White House Chief Usher Rex Scouten. Scouten promptly led the family upstairs to the quarters that had only that morning been vacated by the Fords...
...chortling over the latest rumor, featuring Nancy the demon decorator (with a reprise of the axwoman theme). According to the story, Nancy, while touring her next home, was upset by the appearance of the Lincoln Bedroom. "That wall has to go," she announced. White House Chief Usher Rex Scouten explained that the room is historic and should not be touched, which only convinced Mrs. Reagan that Scouten too had to go. "I want him fired," rumors had her saying. Nancy denies the story. So does Scouten. But none of that discourages scandal lovers, who can hardly wait until the Reagans...