Rubenstein Center Scholarship
A History of Presidential Vacations & Retreats
An Interview with historian Lawrence L. Knutson
In this series of video clips, Historian Lawrence L. Knutson talks about presidential vacations and retreats. He offers anecdotes for presidents including Abraham Lincoln, Grover Cleveland, Lyndon B. Johnson, and William J. Clinton. Remarks are taken from his book Escaping the Gilded Cage: An Illustrated History of Presidential Vacations and Retreats.
Knutson is a journalist who retired in 2003 after a 37-year career with the Associated Press, where he covered Congress, the State Department, presidential campaigns, and presidents ranging from Lyndon B. Johnson to George W. Bush. He is currently working on an illustrated history of presidential vacations and retreats for the White House Historical Association.
President Truman pictured with members of the press (from left) Harry Walsh, Alfonso Muto, Charles Portz, M.H. Posey, and Harvey George in Key West c. 1950.
Historian Lawrence Knutson talks about Grover Cleveland's unusual vacations including his honeymoon and surgery at sea.
White House Historical Association
President and Mrs. Cleveland fishing at their Honeymoon cottage, Deer Park Maryland, with members of the press looking on. As illustrated in Life (New York, August 26, 1886).
Historian Lawrence Knutson talks about President George H.W. Bush's "perpetual motion" vacations.
White House Historical Association
The Bush family pictured at Walker's Point, the summer home of President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush, Kennebunkport, Maine.
Historian Lawrence Knutson talks about President Lyndon B. Johnson's favorite form of relaxation while on vacation
White House Historical Association
President Johnson in his amphicar with guests.
President Taft golfing at Chevy Chase, 1909.
The Plunger.
U.S. Naval Historical CenterHistorian Lawrence Knutson talks about President George H.W. Bush's "perpetual motion" vacations.
White House Historical AssociationHistorian Lawrence Knutson talks about sports and pastimes of the presidents while on vacation.
White House Historical AssociationHistorian Lawrence Knutson talks about the submarine rides Harry Truman and Theodore Roosevelt took.
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