Witherells Fall Estates Auction
The venerable white house aide, Colonel William H. Crook (1839 -1915), was a noted collector of Presidential and White House memorabilia. His service at the White House began when President Lincoln summoned him from active duty in the army to serve as his personal bodyguard. Colonel Crook was not working the evening of the assassination and he noted in his book, “Memories of the White House”, that it was the first and only time Lincoln neglected to say goodnight. Instead Lincoln said, “Good-bye, Crook”.
The White House mementos Col. Crook saved, salvaged and recorded underscore his admiration for the men he served. He knew his place in history was significant and the archive he amassed is a national treasure. Among the highlights is the Lincoln Chamber stick in the Presidential china pattern that relates to other examples in the white house collection and is believed to be used by President Lincoln in the Lincoln Bedroom. The prototype plate used to design the Harrison china, a painting of the white house attributed to Mrs. Benjamin Harrison and a presentation water pitcher from Mrs. McKinley. This one of a kind collection has descended uninterrupted through the Crook family until the present time.
