White House Historical Association

Robert H. Norton

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"Robert H. Norton," White House Workers History Project, White House Historical Association, 2026, https://whha.whirlihost.com/Detail/workers/846.
Positions
Gardener
Florist
Years in President's House
circa 1929
Legal Status
Free Person
Gender
Male
Race/Ethnicity
White
Presidency
Herbert Hoover
Biography
Robert H. Norton was born in Washington, D.C. in 1864. (1) Norton spent most of his career working as a florist and gardener for the Office of Public Buildings and Parks. It was a family affair, as his son, Howard A. Norton, did the same. (2) In 1929, both Howard and Robert Norton were included on First Lady Lou Hoover’s annual staff Christmas list under the supervision of Head Gardener Charles Henlock. They may have worked on the White House Grounds or in the greenhouses near the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on the National Mall, which provided flowers and greenery for White House events. (3) It is likely that the Nortons were assigned to the White House prior to or beyond 1929, but information is limited. Robert H. Norton died on October 7, 1932, and was buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland. (4)
(1) “Robert H. Norton,” Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/92678739/robert-henry-norton; Robert H Norton in the 1930 United States Federal Census, Year: 1930; Census Place: Washington, District of Columbia; Page: 33A; Enumeration District: 0335; FHL microfilm: 2340037, Ancestry.com.
(2) Boyd’s District of Columbia Directory (R.L. Polk and Co., 1930), 1164; Howard A Norton in the 1910 United States Federal Census, Year: 1910; Census Place: Precinct 11, Washington, District of Columbia; Roll: T624_149; Page: 7a; Enumeration District: 0231; FHL microfilm: 1374162; Howard A Norton in the 1930 United States Federal Census, Year: 1930; Census Place: Washington, District of Columbia; Page: 33A; Enumeration District: 0335; FHL microfilm: 2340037, Ancestry.com.
(3) Employees on Duty at the Executive Office, 1929, Lou Henry Hoover Papers, Subject Files, White House Christmas 1929, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library.
(4) “Norton, Robert Henry,” Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), October 9, 1932, pg. 9; “Robert H. Norton,” Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/92678739/robert-henry-norton.
Birthplace
Washington, D.C., USA
Related Workers
Howard A. Norton
Gardens, Grounds, and Flower Shop, circa 1929
Charles Henlock
Gardens, Grounds, and Flower Shop, 1886 – 1931