in 1815 the madisons acquired from luis sorio, the french minister, a dozen chairs and sofa for $250. perhaps they were familiar with the furniture since soreiro has occupied two of the most fashionable homes. the octagon house featured here still stands. it's where the madisons temporarily took up residence. thairs first residence from 1814 to 1815. their second residence was in a temporary structure known as the seven building on pennsylvania avenue which has now since been destroyed. here the madisons acquired a great deal of furniture from a georgetown cabinet maker, william worthington jr. perhaps they learned their lesson from outsourcing. possibly secondhand also, but locally made nonetheless. one secretary desk, one large dining table and one large family bed stead came from the worthington workshop. they also patronized the merchant and silversmith charles burnett buying fireplace equipment, class ware and plated flat ware. the madisons never lived at 1600 pennsylvania avenue again. president madison did begin its reconstruction before leaving office. in 1815 reconstruction o