Camp David Office
Though the Years
The original Camp David the brainchild of Franklin D. Roosevelt was
cobbled together from several two bedroom cabins built by the Civilian
Conservation Corps. He called it his "Shangri-La" after the
mythical Himalayan hideaway novelist James Hilton wrote about in The
Lost Horizon. Throughout nine presidencies, Shangri-Li quickly expanded
into a cozy, secluded complex including cabins, a main lodge, and sports
facilities a far cry from its rustic beginnings. President Eisenhower
redubbed the retreat "Camp David" in honor of 'his grandson.
Each President has made varying recreational use of Camp David. FDR
liked to spend time there working on his stamp collection and playing
poker with his secretary Grace Tully and other friends. The Eisenhower
loved it, spending almost every weekend there. Ike convalesced at Camp
David following his heart attack. While there President Bush enjoyed
tennis, horseshoe pitching, swimming and volleyball.
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