While doing research for his latest book, Night of the Realtors, Vancouver novelist David Jenneson discovered that the U.S. Government has no deed recording the property ownership for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Jenneson writes that any valid transfer should have been signed and recorded in the early 1790’s when George Washington himself ordered the purchase of the parcel from David Burnes, the farmer whom Washington personally referred to as the “obstinate Mr. Burnes.”
An inquiry to the U.S. archives found that nobody could track down a deed for the White House. So the Canadian novelist swooped in and acquired the only deed known in existence, and is now offering the rights to the deed at auction on ebay. The winning bid will acquire grant of right and title to the famous property, plus a signed copy of Mr. Jenneson’s book — about a Canadian realtor who sells the White House.

Jenneson originally placed the deed up for auction on eBay last week. He says that after talking with Bush Administration officials about the deed and auction, the auction was suddenly removed from eBay.

It is now up for auction on eBid at:

http://ca.four.ebid.tv/perl/auction.cgi/1125327885-28162-0

Posted: 09|1|05 at 8:58 am. Filed under: US News.