Full Answer
Who has the most Christmas trees in the White House?
The Eisenhowers held the record for the most Christmas trees in the White House — 26 — for years, a number which has been eclipsed many times in the last few decades. Just before Christmas in 1958, President Eisenhower got his family together in front of the Christmas trees outside for a portrait.
How many lights are on the White House for Christmas?
Over 78,750 holiday lights decorate the trees, garlands, wreaths, and displays in the White House. Twenty-five classic wreaths adorn the north and south facades of the White House. It takes over 100 dedicated volunteers working a full week to decorate the inside and outside of the White House.
How many trees are there in the National Christmas tree?
The walkway surrounding the National Christmas Tree features 56 state and territory trees decorated with ornaments designed by students that are unique to each tree. The National Christmas Tree lights turn on around sunset each evening and turn off promptly at 10:00 pm Sunday-Thursday and 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.
When did the Christmas Tree Farm refill tall order for White House?
" Christmas tree farm refills tall order for White House ", Washington Post, October 21, 2009, accessed November 2, 2009. Pickens, Jennifer B. Christmas at the White House, ( Google Books link ), Fife & Drum Press, 2009, ( ISBN 0615287646 ).
Does the White House use real Christmas trees?
Instead of getting a new tree each year, a fir tree planted on the White House Ellipse is redecorated each year. In addition, the National Tree is decorated with energy efficient LED lights. 1909, A 'Blue' Christmas: President William H.
What president did not allow a Christmas tree in the White House?
President Theodore RooseveltPresident Theodore Roosevelt, an avowed conservationist forbid Christmas trees at the White House, but his children surprised the president by hiding a tree in a sewing room closet.
How old is the White House Christmas tree?
The tradition of a placing a decorated tree in the White House began in 1889 on Christmas morning during the Presidency of Benjamin Harrison.
Which president had the most Christmas trees in the White House?
President EisenhowerThe 26 trees decorated throughout the White House during the Eisenhower administration held a record until 1997. President Eisenhower poses for a Christmas portrait with his family outside the White House.
What state sells the most Christmas trees?
In preparation for future Christmas seasons, some 350 million trees are now growing, likely many in North Carolina, the state that produces the most Christmas trees....Powered by.PluginsBlock | ActiveGoogle AnalyticsGoogle AnalyticsView Policy8 more rows•Dec 11, 2021
What state produces the most Christmas trees each year?
OregonA Summary Of the Biggest Christmas Tree Producers: Since it takes an average of 7 years for a tree to grow, close to 350 million Christmas trees are currently growing in the US on over 300,000 acres. Oregon harvests the most trees and has the highest revenue from tree sales.
Who pays for the Christmas tree at the White House?
Frequently, the tree's height is reported as 18 feet (5.5 m) or 18.5 feet (5.6 m) tall. The Blue Room tree is donated each year by the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). The NCTA has donated the tree since 1966; it is chosen through a contest among members of the trade group.
How much does the national Christmas tree cost?
According to TMZ, federal documents show the National Park Service spent $139K to locate and transport this year's National Christmas Tree. This is around $30K less than 2019's Christmas tree, which cost upwards of $160K. Due to the pandemic, last year's tree ceremony was a completely virtual event.
Where do the White House Christmas trees come from?
Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has held a national competition for the official White House Blue Room tree. To qualify, growers must win their state or regional competitions. Being named National Grand Champion is a major achievement.
Which president bought the first Christmas tree?
On December 24, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge touches a button and lights up the first national Christmas tree to grace the White House grounds.
Who cut down the first Christmas tree?
Martin LutherAccording to one legend, late one evening, Martin Luther was walking home through the woods and noticed how beautifully the stars shone through the trees. He wanted to share the beauty with his wife, so he cut down a fir tree and took it home.
Why did they hang Christmas trees from the ceiling?
First, they allow more ornaments to be seen at eye level than on a traditional tree. They're also a space-saver: For shops or hotels worried about floor space, hanging the tree high enough means they won't be taking up unnecessary room.
When were Christmas trees banned in the White House?
Years without a tree It is verifiable that there was no Christmas tree in the White House in 1902, 1904, 1907, and 1922. The lack of a tree in 1902 was due to the fact that President Theodore Roosevelt had not ordered one by December 23. Additionally, other presidents never displayed a tree in the White House.
Did the White House ban Christmas trees?
One popular myth suggests that Theodore Roosevelt "banned" Christmas trees at the White House, but there is little evidence to support this beyond the Roosevelts not putting up a tree.
Who was the first president to put a Christmas tree in the White House and what room?
The first known Christmas tree in the White House was placed upstairs in the Second Floor Oval Room (then used as a family parlor and library) in 1889 during the Benjamin Harrison administration. It was decorated with candles for the Harrison grandchildren.
Did Franklin Pierce have a Christmas tree in the White House?
Christmas trees in the White House would not appear until the mid-19th century when 14th president Franklin Pierce decorated an evergreen on the White House lawn in 1853. President Benjamin Harrison stepped up the tradition when he brought a tree inside the White House in 1889 and had it lit with candles.
Decorating the Tree
In 1954, a company called Hargrove, Inc., owned by Earl Hargrove, began decorating the National Christmas Tree. That year, there was a 60-foot-tall tree and the National Park Service erected several stories of staging to help them decorate it. At the time, however, stringed Christmas tree lights didn’t exist.
Lighting the Tree
In the 1970’s and 1980’s, children began to help the President light the Christmas tree. In 1983, President Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan recruited the help of seven-year-old Amy Bentham.
Making Trees Energy Efficient
2007 was the first year the White House lit the National Christmas Tree with LED Christmas lights, making the tree more energy efficient. The 2008 National Christmas Tree was 50 percent more energy efficient than the previous year. In 2015, the White House honored the National Park Service’s Centennial in 2016 with specially themed Christmas Tree.
Blue Room Tree
Every year since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) has presented the White House with its official Christmas Tree for display in the Blue Room. The NCTA holds a contest in which growers, industry experts, and consumers vote to choose the grower that will provide the White House with a Christmas Tree.
When was the first Christmas tree in the White House?
The first known Christmas tree in the White House was placed upstairs in the Second Floor Oval Room (then used as a family parlor and library) in 1889 during the Benjamin Harrison administration. It was decorated with candles for the Harrison grandchildren.
Where is the Neapolitan crèche?
Since 1967, an eighteenth-century Neapolitan crèche has been on display in the East Room of the White House. It was donated by Charles and Jane Engelhard of Far Hills, New Jersey.
Who was the president who recalled the Christmas tradition?
Maitre d’ and butler Alonzo Fields recalled President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s cherished Christmas family tradition in his memoir, My 21 Years in the White House (1960): “They always braved the hazards of fire by having a Christmas tree lighted with candles in the East Hall. The family tradition included reading of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol by the president. The gathering of the family with the President and Mrs. Roosevelt, the president’s mother, the children and grandchildren made a comely family group of four generations.”
When were electric lights first used?
Documentation suggests the first electric lights on a family tree were used in 1894 during the presidency of Grover Cleveland.
What was the Treasury Caroling event?
The 1916 Treasury caroling event, although it did not include a tree, brought a Christmas celebration to the President's "neighborhood," and attracted the presence of the Wilsons. The celebration, held under the auspices of the DC Playgrounds Department, established an institutional link between the 1916 and 1923 events.
What was the first community Christmas celebration?
December 24, 1913 saw the first community Christmas celebration in Washington, DC. The Christmas tree and related pageantry occurred on the East Plaza of the US Capitol on Christmas Eve. It was meant as a celebration for all of Washington, rich and poor, young and old, although a special emphasis was placed on the children. 1 The forty-five minute program, replete with angel figures in white robes, nativity tableaux, carols, and Boy Scouts waving American flags, was modeled largely on community celebrations in other cities. The "Tree of Light" in Madison Square Park, New York City, first lit in 1912, was mentioned specifically as a model for the "community Christmas" at the Capitol. 2 The US Marine Band and a chorus of 1,000 local singers entertained the crowd. So that no one would be left "wanting at the end of the program after the last carol ha [d] been sung, and the tree ha [d] been darkened," a patriotic spirit was encouraged by singing the "Star Spangled Banner" with the US Marine Band accompaniment. 3 A placard reading "Peace on Earth. Good Will to Men." was lit electronically and raised above the doors to the Capitol. 4 No programs were printed for the event.
When was the Christmas tree lit at the Capitol?
These early events at the Capitol should not be confused with the current practice of erecting and lighting a Christmas tree on the West Lawn. That tradition began in 1963, when Speaker of the House John W. McCormack suggested to J. George Stewart, Architect of the Capitol, that a Christmas tree be placed on the Capitol grounds. A tree was purchased from a Pennsylvania nursery and planted on the West Lawn. From 1964 through1967 that tree was decorated and lit. Wind storms and root damage killed the tree, and it was removed in 1968 and another planted. This tree served as the Christmas tree through 1969, when the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service began providing trees in 1970 from national and state forests across the country. 25
What band performed in 1913?
The U. S. Marine Band performed in 1913 and then again in 1923, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts were involved in both ceremonies. Also, beginning in 1925 the lighting of the National (Community) Christmas Tree ended with the "Star Spangled Banner," an important part of the 1913 event.
How many people attended the Christmas shopping event in 1914?
The event was a great success, attracting over 20,000 spectators out finishing their Christmas shopping. 6 President Wilson, it was reported in December 1914, was "greatly impressed with last year's festivals," and "anxious that a community Christmas celebration be held.".
When was the Christmas tree erected in DC?
Histories of the US Capitol Christmas Tree indicate that a Christmas tree was erected on the East Plaza in 1919, although there appears to be no primary documentation of this event.
Where was the 1916 Christmas tree?
The 1916 caroling event at the Treasury Building was repeated in 1917. The crowds were so large, they reportedly spilled over into Sherman Plaza, south of the Treasury and southeast of the White House. Sherman Plaza was the site for the 1924 through 1933 National (Community) Christmas Tree.
When was the Christmas tree on the ellipse lit?
The tradition of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse began with President Calvin Coolidge over 90 years ago when he lit a 48 foot Balsam Fir from Vermont decorated with 2,500 electric bulbs in red, white, and green on Christmas Eve 1923. Today, the tree lighting remains a beloved holiday event in Washington, DC. Learn more about the history of the National Christmas Tree.
How many state and territory trees are there in the National Christmas Tree?
The walkway surrounding the National Christmas Tree features more than 50 state and territory trees decorated with ornaments designed by students that are unique to each tree.
When is Pathway of Peace open?
The Pathway of Peace site is free to visit and open to the public in early December through January 1, 2022. Hours are 10:00 am-10:00 pm Sunday-Thursday, and 10:00 am-11:00 pm Friday and Saturday.
Will the National Park Service have a live audience at the 2020 Christmas tree lighting?
Due to COVID-19-related public health concerns, the National Park Service and National Park Foundation will not host a live audience at the 2020 National Christmas Tree Lighting. Starting on December 3rd, you can watch the 2020 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony online.
Is there a Christmas tree music program in 2020?
Due to COVID-19-related public health concerns, the National Park Service and National Park Foundation will not host 2020 National Christmas Tree music program this year. Please check back next fall for more information about 2021.
What was the theme of Rosalynn Carter's 1977 Blue Room Tree?from whitehousehistory.org
6 of 20. First Lady Rosalynn Carter explored a variety of holiday themes during her time at the White House. Her 1977 Blue Room tree featured paint ed milkweed pods, nut pods, foil, and eggshell ornaments made by members of the National Association for Retarded Citizens.
How many ornaments were on the Christmas tree in 2007?from whitehousehistory.org
During the 2007 "Holiday in the National Parks," artists decorated 347 ornaments representing national parks, memorials, seashores, historic sites, and monuments across the country.
Why is the American flower tree in the entrance hall?from whitehousehistory.org
In 1962, the tree was displayed in the Entrance Hall because of renovation work. In 1969, First Lady Patricia Nixon chose the Entrance Hall for the American Flowers Tree, which was decorated with velvet and satin balls made by disabled workers in Florida and featuring each state’s official flower.
What is the White House decorated with?from whitehouse.gov1.info
Every December, the White House is filled with holiday decorations: Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, colorful lights, gingerbread houses, and more.
What is the yellow oval room?from whitehousehistory.org
This is a silver gelatin print of the Yellow Oval Room decorated for Christmas taken by Frank Boteler, ca. 1896. The Yellow Oval Room was used as a library/sitting room during the Cleveland Administration. This is one of the earliest known images of a White House Christmas tree, it is also one of the first photographs of an electrically illuminated Christmas tree. The small, but spectacularly decorated tree is surrounded by children's toys.
What was the first lady's blue room tree made of?from whitehousehistory.org
First Lady Nancy Reagan’s official 1981 Blue Room tree featured animal ornaments made of tin, fabric, and wood. The Museum of American Folk Art in New York provided many of the wooden ornaments for the tree. In 1982, First Lady Nancy Reagan arranged for groups of teenagers involved in Second Genesis, a drug treatment program in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, to make foil paper cones and metallic snowflakes for the tree.
What is the theme of the Blue Room?from whitehousehistory.org
In 2019, the theme was “The Spirit of America, ” and the Blue Room tree was outfitted with handmade flower ornaments representing every state and territory. Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association. Show Me More. Show Me More.
When was the first Christmas tree put in the White House?
The first Christmas tree was brought into the White House in 1889 during Benjamin Harrison's administration, but First Lady Lou Henry Hoover was the first to decorate an "official" Christmas tree in the Blue Room in 1929. Ever since, each of the first ladies have carried on the tradition. Here, a look at the White House Christmas decorations ...
Who was the Santa in the 1985 Christmas show?
For her "old-fashioned turn-of-the-century Christmas" decor theme in 1985, Nancy had Larry Hagman, from the TV show Dallas, dress up as Santa for the press tour of the White House. Getty Images. 30 of 59.
Who decorated the blue room?
Rosalynn Carter decorated the Blue Room's Christmas tree with a colorful array of ornaments and white twinkling lights. For her second Christmas in the White House, Rosalynn decorated a 20-foot Christmas tree with gold ornaments and surrounded the bottom with antique toys and a miniature house.
Who was the first lady to decorate the White House?
21 of 59. 1974. Shortly after becoming the First Lady of the United States, Betty Ford took charge of the White House Christmas decorations in 1974. In 1974, she decorated the main tree in the Blue Room with large ribbons and a mix of traditional ornaments.
Who decorated the White House Christmas tree?
First Lady Pat Nixon decorated the White House Christmas tree in 1970 with tinsel and glass ornaments. President Nixon posed for a family portrait in front of a tinsel-decorated Christmas tree in the Blue Room with his wife, two daughters, and their husbands.
Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1965?
1965. Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Harold Wilson, and his wife Mary Wilson, visited the White House just before Christmas in 1965. Here, Lady Bird Johnson and her husband show them the White House Christmas tree, which was decorated with popcorn strands and an eclectic mix of ornaments. Getty Images.
Who started the tradition of picking the theme for the White House Christmas tree?
12 of 59. 1961. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy started the tradition of picking themes for the White House Christmas decorations each year. In 1961, she decorated the official tree with ornaments depicting characters from the "Nutcracker Suite" ballet.
Christmas trees in short supply?
COVID-19-induced supply-chain problems have delayed some shipments of artificial Christmas trees. What does the 2021 holiday season look like for purveyors of fresh-cut holiday evergreens? This is the N&O’s special report.
On the way to Washington
Before it went to the White House, the 2021 National Christmas Tree was loaded into a tractor-trailer owned by the N.C. Department of Agriculture, which had wrapped the trailer in a giant billboard for N.C. Christmas trees.
