When Eisenhower was President, the average American’s standard of living was at an all time high.  The Depression was over.  World War II production had given Americans an adequate income and wartime saving programs had helped the nation and its citizens to accumulate new wealth. 

The G. I. Bill promised veterans new opportunities for a college education and help in purchasing a new home.  New jobs were created to meet the pent-up demand for consumer goods.  By the 1950s the baby boom was underway. Families with children were flocking to the suburbs as thousands of new houses were constructed.

The Eisenhowers’ dream of home ownership came late in life.  Having lived in just about every type of home “except an igloo,” they purchased their first home in 1950.    Like most homes, the Eisenhowers’ home reflected the style and values of its residents. The house also sported all the latest in modern conveniences from the Crosley Shelvador refrigerator with chilled water dispenser on the door, to the dishwasher and plate warmer in the pantry, to the President’s Edison Voicewriter dictation machine on the office desk. All insured that the Eisenhowers had more time at ease.