21. Chester A. Arthur sold off the White House furnishings
When John Adams entered the White House he complained in a letter to Abigail about the lack of furniture and other furnishings in the building. Over the years every president had added to the building’s furnishings, many of which were stored in the White House basement when not in use in the residence or the president’s offices and studies. When Chester A. Arthur entered the White House following the death of Garfield, he reviewed the furnishings and ordered them sold to the highest bidder. Furniture, artwork, and other furnishings dating back to the Madison administration (those prior to that were burned) were hauled off and sold.
