111th Congress, 2nd Session
The naming of the House Office Buildings
May 21, 1962
On this date, the House Office Buildings were named to honor three famous Speakers of the House: Joseph Cannon of Illinois, Nicholas Longworth of Ohio, and Sam Rayburn of Texas. Prior to the designation, the Cannon Building (opened in 1908) was known as the Old House Office Building while the Longworth Building (opened in 1933) was known as the New House Office Building. President and former House Member John F. Kennedy signed the measure into law on May 22 and laid the cornerstone for the third such building, the Rayburn House Office Building, on May 24; the Rayburn Building opened for occupation in 1965. Before the construction of the House Office Buildings, Members worked at their desks on the House Floor or in their boarding houses.
Related Highlight Subjects
Cite this Highlight
Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=50, (December 08, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
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An old postcard depicts the view up New Jersey Avenue, which runs between the Longworth Building (on the left) and the Cannon Building.
Collection of U.S. House of Representatives
Teaching Tip
Wielding the Gavel
Ask students to locate three stories pertaining to Speakers of the House. Have students select and conduct research on one of the Speakers using historical highlights and the Biographical Directory bibliography.
