Camelot Items a Bit Too Pricey for White House

WASHINGTON — The White House went shopping at the Camelot auction but found itself nearly shut out by stupendously high prices.

Backed by donated money, not tax dollars, White House bidders had their eyes on particular items associated with President Kennedy, his widow, and the history of the White House itself.

By Friday afternoon, the White House collection was richer by just one item, an original drawing of an 1860 reception in the Blue Room, near the end of the administration of President James Buchanan. The price tag: $14,000.