Camp David
Camp David used to be known as Shangri-La. That is what FDR had named the camp.Beginning in 1938, a summer recreational camp in the Catoctin Recreation Demonstration Area (RDA) was developed for the use of Federal government workers and their families. Called Hi-Catoctin, it offered small cabins, a dining hall and a swimming pool.In summer even the White House, which had air conditioning, was so uncomfortable that the doctors were concerned for FDR's health. The President needed a retreat. Thus the search began for a location near D.C. where the President could relax away from the White House pressures and the D.C. summer heat. The RDA camp Hi-Catoctin was selected. The President's gain was the Federal employees' loss. Therein begins the story of Shangri-La/Camp David.President Eisenhower changed the name of Shangri -la to Camp David.The first time President Nixon visited he walked out to look at the Camp David sign which then said Camp Three. He wanted the old sign put back up and was promised it would be done by the next morning. Except that it could not be found. It was supposed to be, and had been, stored in the loft of the carpenter shop but someone had moved or taken it. Since it ws gone they had to make a new old lo
The Bushes requested help from designer Mark Hampton and the Clintons turned to Little Rock interior designer Kaki Hockersmith. Hickory, was at one time the mess hall, galley, barracks and boiler room. The entrance gate at one time was a log across the road and manned by a single sailor. This clearing was enlarged during the Eisenhower years and a hanger and skeet range added. All the small buildings were torn down when Cedar was built. The fire ruined the inside but didn't burn it down. And so the Chief builder worked all night to make the new sign. Walnut has a lounge with two bedrooms and a bath. The original courts were built of something like green floor sweeping compound. Over the years each President and First Lady have altered the furnishings at Camp David to suit their individual taste. Some of the rooms used for bunks have pool tables. President Truman brought his dog "Fellow" to Camp and left him. For Ronald and Nancy Reagan what began as a scheduled monthly visit to the compound quickly became almost weekly visits. Later a Marine security officer and a Public Works Officer would have an office here.
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