White House workers often become very close to presidential families. Eugene Allen served as maître d' for eight presidents from 1952 to 1986. In this video excerpt, recorded in October 2007, he recalls his friendship with President Jimmy Carter.

Read more: White House Workers: Traditions and Memories features “The Butler” Eugene Allen

In conversation with James Deutsch and Charles Weber
Edited by Alexander Jusdanis
Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage