Robert G. Kremer

Robert Gustave Kremer was born in Washington, D.C. on July 1, 1907.¹ Kremer worked as a gardener/laborer in the Office of Public Buildings and Parks. His grandfather, Robert Balluff, had served as a longtime gardener at the White House, later working as head of shrubs and trees– he likely played a role in Kremer’s career trajectory. Indeed, it was a family business, as Robert’s brother Vivian Kremer also worked for the office.² Both Robert and Vivian Kremer were documented on assignment at the White House from 1929 to 1932; it is possible that they worked there prior to that date, but documentation is scarce.³

Beyond the Hoover years, one source suggests he was there through at least 1940; his World War II draft card lists his place of employment as “Gov. Interior” under David E. Saunders, who oversaw parks in the capital region, including the White House greenhouses, located near the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on the National Mall. This suggests that he worked there, propagating plants for use at White House events. The greenhouse complex was demolished in 1942 to make way for a local highway expansion.⁴ Later in life, he worked for the Washington Gas Company, and in retirement moved to Irving, Texas. He died there on January 19, 1976, but was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia.⁵