The sight of the wrecking ball taking down the East Wing last month brought back a flood of memories from my time working in the White House. From 1981 to 1983, I had the privilege of having an office in the East Wing as the deputy press secretary to First Lady Nancy Reagan. It was a dream come true, driving up to the iconic building every morning in my white Fiat Spyder convertible, and walking into the East Wing with a sense of excitement and pride.
My office in the East Wing was a small eight-foot-square box, but I had the freedom to decorate it to my liking. I painted the walls a sunny yellow, added high-gloss white trim, and brought in a Louis XVth-style table desk and a stunning 18th-century French chandelier that had belonged to Uncle Amos. The chandelier, with its ruby and crystal beads, added a touch of elegance and femininity to the space, reminiscent of Marie Antoinette’s era. When I left the White House to pursue other opportunities, I took the chandelier with me, and it now hangs in my library as a cherished memento.
My journey to the East Wing was made possible by David Gergen, a political genius who had advised multiple presidents from both parties. I met him at the American Enterprise Institute during President Carter’s administration, and when President Reagan was elected, Dave brought me to the White House. Working in the East Wing was always my dream, and I was grateful for the opportunity to write speeches and talking points for Mrs. Reagan, even though our relationship was more professional than personal.
Reflecting on my time in the East Wing, I am filled with nostalgia for the days spent in that historic building. The memories of my office, the chandelier, and the work I did for the first lady will always hold a special place in my heart. Though the physical structure may be gone, the legacy of the East Wing lives on in the stories and experiences of those who were fortunate enough to walk its halls.
