The Blog

Welcome to our blog—a place where stories, history, and community come together. Here, we share insights, updates, and discoveries that highlight the rich heritage and ongoing preservation efforts of Port Royal. From behind-the-scenes looks

at restoration projects to spotlights on local landmarks, artifacts, and events, each post is designed to inform, inspire,

and connect. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious visitor, or a dedicated supporter, our blog offers a

deeper look into the people, places, and moments that shape our community.

William Clinton White House China Collection (1993-2001)

Four different borders within the set, each a detail from the White House interior to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the White House (1793-1993). No Presidential Seal, just a gold embossed White House on the Service and main course plates (not in Port Royal collection).

George W. H. Bush White House China Collection (1989-1993)

Service plate for White House staff of George Bush administration. George and Barbara did not commission State china pattern.

Ronald Reagan White House China Collection (1981-1989)

Ordered in 1981, made by Lenox. Red pattern used for formal occasions and State dinners. Mrs. Reagan had fondness for that shade of red in contrast to the prominent white and gold decor throughout the White House. The width of the red band varies from piece to piece to compliment the scale of each course and the food that was served. The set was designed with a special dessert plate that mimicked the service plate so that there was a formal opening and close to the meal. Mrs

James Carter White House China Collection (1977-1981)

Emerald green band, known as “Carter green, “ a shade used on Carter’s campaign posters and buttons. Was ordered specifically to be used for State diners but arrived too late to be used. Displayed at the Carter Library.

Lyndon Johnson White House China Collection (1963-1969)

Designed by Ladybird and a Tiffany & Co. Produced by Castleton China. Flowers of the 50 states and DC - Ladybird was a devout environmentalist and wanted to showcase American flora on her china. She was also responsible for removing billboards from interstate highways and planting wildflowers along highways and interstates. Bought with donation from White House Historical Society in 1966, starting the pattern of the White House Historical Society paying for the presiden

Dwight Eisenhower White House China Collection (1945-1953)

Gold rimmed Service place to compliment Truman and other previous president’s patterns. Plate designed for Eisenhower’s First Birthday in the White House. Designed by Mamie with PA Dutch symbol of love and peace and representative of his Swiss-German ancestry.

Harry Truman White House China (1945-1953)

Standardized the Presidential Seal with an Executive Order. Eagle faces olive branch to symbolize the sentiment that the US strives toward peace but is ready at arms. Return to a simple but stately design. Green band, reportedly to match the freshly renovated and painted dining room in the restored White House.

Franklin D. Roosevelt White House China Collection (1933-1945)

Made in US (Lenox), but costly for post-Depression era. Personized touch includes the rose and feather of the Roosevelt Family crest. 48 stars against Navy blue. Lenox and Haviland also produced an ivory service set for exhibit at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Eagle’s beak is turned toward laurel.

Woodrow Wilson White House China Collection (1913-1921)

First state service made in US, Lenox. Note the Presidential Seal - Eagle faces arrows, as US was at war (The Great War). Gold pattern was used for the majority of the set for mix-and-match of former and future sets. Also used during Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover administrations.

Theodore Roosevelt White House China Collection (1901-1909)

Market-ready Wedgewood (British) pattern selected by Edith, with addition of the Seal. First using a contemporary Presidential Seal, in color Also used by and reordered by Taft. First Lady to decree that no more chipped or cracked White House China would be given away. Damaged pieces were reportedly crushed and thrown into the Potomac River. She did not want damaged pieces to represent the White House in private collections, to conserve the value and importance of it as a n

Benjamin Harrison White House China Collection (1889-1893)

Corn and goldenrod to represent their midwestern roots. Used and reordered by Theodore Roosevelt, as well as several succeeding administrations.

Rutherford B. Hayes White House China Collection (1877-1881)

Rutherford Hayes – “This is America” tour Painter Thomas Davis commissioned to create scenes representative of America at the time. Washington socialite Clover Adams dined at the White House, she observed that she could hardly eat soup peacefully if she had to watch a coyote leap at her from behind a pine tree. Ladybird commented to the collection’s donor that she couldn’t imagine eating from a plate only to reveal a hen pecking at a tomato with bugs on it. Lady Bird used a p

Ulysses S. Grant White House China Collection (1869-1877)

Very different seal - no arrows at all, just olive branch and laurel branch. Laurel symbolizes power and strength in battle. Olive branches symbolize peace. For the first time we are seeing 13 stars in a cloud. (13 stars = 13 colonies) on Presidential China. The symbolism harkens back to a Seal first used by the Continental Congress. Grant actually loved entertaining.

Abraham Lincoln White House China Collection (1861-1865)

Napoleonic Bald eagle, Haviland (France) with Solferino (Italian magenta) band, a very new (1859), popular new color of the period. Mary ordered 666 pieces for dining and toilet sets (with monogramed ML replacing the seal). Used by many succeeding 19th and 20th century administrations.

Franklin Pierce White House China Collection (1853-1857)

French Limoges, by Haviland. Rococo style pattern was displayed at the 1853 World Fair in NYC with a monogram P in shield for the President, but Pierce ordered pieces without P. Took much research by White House Historical Association to figure out who’s china it was.

Zachary Taylor White House China Collection (1849-1850)

Old Rough and Ready, also used Polk pattern and added glassware. Daughter did most of hostess duties.

James K. Polk White House China Collection (1845-1849)

Just motto and shield, French-made. Simple, elegant, attractive floral centers. Denotes a plain republican image and a focal shift to fashion and elegant entertaining on a national stage.

Andrew Jackson White House China Collection (1829-1837)

Used Napoleonic Golden eagle that matched Jackson’s East Room decorations. Appearance of motto Out of one, many, which first appears on the $5 coin in 1795. France manufacture. Used gilt bone porcelain for everyday service.

John Quincy Adams White House China Collection (1825-1829)

German-made, Meissen China. The set was brought with them to the White House. Neo-classical design with sea monster (cetus) and open eye motif, symbols of profound change and the power of knowledge. Also used Monroe pattern as state china.

James Monroe White House China Collection (1817–1825)

Napoleonic eagle and 5 seals around the border (strength, commerce, science, agriculture, arts). With the reconstruction of the White House (1817), he is making it clear to foreign dignitaries that the US can and will hold and protect our own as a nation. More national symbols being depicted on Presidential furnishings and tableware.