John R. Dunn
Cite this Page
"John R. Dunn," White House Workers History Project, White House Historical Association, 2026, https://whha.whirlihost.com/Detail/workers/821.
- Position
- Grounds Laborer
- Years in President's House
- circa 1929 – 1932
- Legal Status
- Free Person
- Gender
- Male
- Presidency
- Herbert Hoover
- Biography
- John R. Dunn worked as a laborer for the Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks, and from at least 1929 through 1932, he was assigned to the White House Grounds under the supervision of head gardener Charles Henlock. (1) First Lady Lou Hoover’s 1931 staff Christmas list notes that he was “engaged in White House work” and the the 1932 staff Christmas list states that he was among “those who work at the White House on social functions.” (2) This suggests that he may have worked at the White House Propagating Gardens – an offsite garden on the National Mall that provided flowers and plants for White House dinners, receptions, and other events. (3) It is quite likely that Dunn worked for the White House beyond these years, but documentation about his life and career is limited.
- (1) Employees on Duty at the Executive Office, 1929, Lou Henry Hoover Papers, Subject Files, White House Christmas 1929, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library; White House Employees, 1932, Lou Henry Hoover Papers, Subject Files, White House Christmas 1932, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library.
(2) Xmas List 1931, Lou Henry Hoover Papers, Subject Files, White House Christmas 1931, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library; White House Employees, 1932, Lou Henry Hoover Papers, Subject Files, White House Christmas 1932, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library.
(3) “Hoover’s Madison Camp to Bloom,” Orange County Review (Virginia), March 16, 1932, pg. 1; “Washington’s Numerous Parks Putting on Their Summer Garb,” Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), May 13, 1921, pg. 17. - Birthplace
- Unclear from Context