My choir and I are preparing a concert slated for June 11, 2005 in Miami, and we will perform a large medley of train songs. I included "John Henry" in the medley arrangement, and my singers immediately wanted to know what this "whitehouse" stuff was about.

One conjecture was that perhaps a locomotive "roundhouse" was the more accurate thought. I decided to check Mudcat to see if anyone else ever wondered about John Henry's "whitehouse," and lo, here it all is!

I'll read the fascinating notes from this thread to my choir folk in our next rehearsal on "Trains." The mystery may not be solved, but it will raise a smile or two among my curious singers. Thanks to all who contributed.

Michael Roy
Michaelroy99@Yahoo.com