Objects of Reflection

What does Oval Office décor say about its occupant? George W. Bush likes to talk about how his rug's sunbeams say "optimistic person." Here's a look at past Presidents' favored objects and the messages they sent.

JOHN F. KENNEDY'S Appalachian oak rocking chair from North Carolina was recommended by his doctor to ease J.F.K.'s chronic lower-back pain. But it eventually signified contemplation in the White House.

Image mattered to LYNDON JOHNSON, whose three Oval Office TV sets let him monitor the three major networks at once--and revealed his obsession with how the news media viewed him and his Administration.

Jelly beans weren't just candy to RONALD REAGAN, who kept jars in the Oval Office and on Air Force One. "You can tell a lot about a fella's character by whether he picks out all of one color or just grabs a handful," he said. Sadly, he didn't elaborate.

His desktop sign THE BUCK STOPS HERE--custom-ordered by a friend who saw a similar one at an Oklahoma reformatory--came to symbolize HARRY S TRUMAN'S resolute leadership. The back read, "I'm from Missouri," his home state.