Home, Sweet Presidential Home

Visiting the White House Is Dandy, but Other Presidents Lived Nearby

• By Alison McSherry
• Roll Call Staff
• Oct. 16, 2008, Midnight

On Jan. 1, 1801, John and Abigail Adams opened up the White House for a New Year’s Day reception. It wasn’t necessary to have an invitation, so Washingtonians lined up to shake the hand of the president and his wife and indulge in some refreshments.