Clarence E. Robinson
Cite this Page
"Clarence E. Robinson," White House Workers History Project, White House Historical Association, 2026, https://whha.whirlihost.com/Detail/workers/888.
- Positions
- Pantryman
- Houseman
- Butler
- Years in President's House
- 1931 – circa 1933
- Legal Status
- Free Person
- Gender
- Male
- Race/Ethnicity
- Black or African American
- Biography
- Clarence E. Robinson was born in Richmond, Virginia around 1880. (1) Prior to being hired at the White House, Robinson worked as a hotel bellhop, a messenger, and an undertaker. (2) In 1931, an unnamed friend secured a role for him at the Hoover White House; in the years that followed, he took on various service roles and was sometimes listed as a pantryman, houseman, and butler. (3) A 1933 newspaper interview wrote: “Robinson also serves as relief man on the door. Here he serves three days during the week. During his short time on the door Robinson has received several important dignitaries at the White House… he is a friendly gentleman, fond of his position, and is rated one of the most efficient butlers on staff.” (4)
The duration of Robinson’s service at the White House is unclear. White House staff records list him there in March 1933, but the 1934 D.C. city directory lists him as a houseman at the Bureau of Public Buildings and Park. This suggests that he may have left White House service or been transferred to a different agency. Further information about his life is scarce. (5) - (1) Robert Weaver, “Embalmer ‘Attends’ Pres. Roosevelt,” New Journal and Guide (Virginia), September 9, 1933, pg. 10; Clarence Robinson in the 1920 United States Federal Census, Year: 1920; Census Place: Washington, Washington, District of Columbia; Roll: T625_210; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 184, Ancestry.com.
(2) Ibid.
(3) White House Employees, 1932, Lou Henry Hoover Papers, Subject Files, White House Christmas 1932, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library; Xmas List 1931, Lou Henry Hoover Papers, Subject Files, White House Christmas 1931, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library; Boyd’s District of Columbia Directory Vol. LXXV (R.L. Polk and Co., 1933), 1331.
(4) Robert Weaver, “Embalmer ‘Attends’ Pres. Roosevelt,” New Journal and Guide (Virginia), September 9, 1933, pg. 10.
(5) "Negro Employees at the White House Executive Office, and White House Garage as of March 31, 1933," White House Office Personnel, 1933-1935; Records of the White House Office of Budget and Accounting, Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, New York; Boyd’s District of Columbia Directory Vol. LXXVI (R.L. Polk and Co., 1934), 1338. - Birthplace
- Richmond, Virginia, USA