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(AP) - The owner of Rainbow Play Systems of
Brookings says at first, he thought someone was playing a practical
joke when the White House called his business late last year.

      But he knew it was for real when the voice on the other end
identified himself as Rear Admiral Stephen Rochon, who is director
of the executive residence and chief usher at the White House.

      When all was said and done, Rainbow Play Systems had sold a
swing set to the incoming president and his wife.

      The swing set was erected on the White House lawn this week for
the president's two daughters.

      Foster says Rochon traveled to Brookings early last month to
check out the company's products. 


Foster says Rochon climbed on the
swings and the slides to test their safety and durability. That's
when he placed the order.

The structure has
four swings, including a tire swing, a slide, a fort, a climbing
wall and climbing ropes. There's also a picnic table with brass
plates etched with the names of all 44 presidents.


      The Obamas paid for the swing set.

Gallery

The owner of Rainbow Play Systems of Brookings, S.D. thought a caller who said he was from the White House was playing a practical joke. It was for real, and a Rainbow set is now installed on the White House grounds for the president's two daughters.

White House swing set comes from South Dakota company

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