The White House and President's Park ⓘ

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Library of Congress (National Photo Company Collection, Prints & Photographs), LC-F81-28049.

In November 1923, First Lady Grace Coolidge gave permission for the District of Columbia Public Schools to erect a Christmas tree on the Ellipse south of the White House. The organizers named the tree the "National Christmas Tree."

That Christmas Eve, at 5 pm, President Calvin Coolidge walked from the White House to the Ellipse and "pushed the button" to light the cut 48-foot Balsam fir, as 3,000 enthusiastic spectators looked on. The tree, donated by Middlebury College, was from the President's native state of Vermont.

From 1924 to 1953, live trees were lit on Christmas Eve in various locations around and on the White House Grounds. In 1954 the ceremony returned to the Ellipse and expanded its focus. Local civic and business groups created the Christmas Pageant of Peace . Smaller live trees representing the 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia, formed a Pathway of Peace .

On December 17, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower lit the cut tree donated by the people of Michigan. Cut trees continued to be used until 1973.

Today, the National Christmas Tree stands as a daily reminder of the holiday spirit and of the tradition each President has participated in since 1923.

1923 marked the first year of a "national" Christmas tree in Washington, D.C. [Washington Post, December 23, 1923.] The program for this event identified the tree as the "National Christmas Tree," a title changed to "National Community Christmas Tree" by the following year. [PS-PP, "Christmas Pageant of Peace Binders," program, National Christmas Tree, 1923; NARA, RG-42, Entry 102, Box 20, File "335.2 -- (Christmas) Celebrations," program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1924.] The ceremony on the Ellipse was consciously endowed with national significance and elevated by presidential involvement. However, this was also a "community Christmas tree," marked by its sense of citywide participation and service to the District of Columbia. [NARA, RG-42, Entry 102, Box 20, File 335.2, Program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1924; Evening Star, December 17, 1923.]

Although it is difficult to definitively reconstruct the order of communications and entreaties that led to the eventual sponsorship of the December 24 event, the players, both local and national, clearly emerge in extant communications. The Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools, under the leadership of Lucre Walker Hardy, and the Society for Electrical Development in New York City, with participation from Thomas Ors, FM Feigner, and William Goodwin, were both very interested in establishing a national Christmas tree on the White House grounds and having the President light the tree.

Lucretia Walker Hardy, acting director of the D.C. Community Center Department, likely made the initial proposal to create a national Christmas celebration when she contacted Basic Slemp, Secretary to President Coolidge on November 30, 1923. In that letter, Hardy asked for an endorsement of her plan to have a Christmas tree on the White House grounds. She wrote, "It seems that the use of the White House grounds for this Christmas tree will give the sentiment and the exercises a national character." [NARA, RG-130, Entry 28, Box 3, letter from Hardy to Slemp, November 30, 1923.] Hardy continued to urge for the tree on that location, and once that plan had been approved, worked with the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds superintendent Colonel C.O. Sherrill to see that the plans were executed.

In her first letter to Slemp, Hardy alluded to arrangements she was making to provide a "large and thoroughly representative" tree for the occasion. By December 4, she identifies that tree as a gift from Middlebury College. [NARA, RG-130, Entry 28, Box 3, letter from Hardy to Slemp, December 4, 1923.] The tree was, in fact, donated by Paul D. Moody, president of Middlebury College in Vermont, Coolidge's home state, possibly due to a suggestion by Hardy. By December 7, having been approached with the idea that the college might donate a tree to be used as the national tree in Washington, Moody contacted Senator Frank L. Greene of Vermont to request his assistance in securing the President's acceptance of such a tree. Greene wrote to Slemp at once.

At the same time, Thomas Ormsbee of the Society for Electrical Development in New York City was also contacting Greene, although it is unclear whether he did so before or after Moody. [Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Papers of Frank L. Greene, Box 64, letter from Greene to Moody, December 7, 1923.] Ormsbee was also interested in the President's lighting a national Christmas tree, as the Society for Electrical Development was eager for a public, national, and presidential display of the wonders of electricity.

On December 8, 1923 Senator Greene met with Slemp in Washington to offer the President the tree and urge his acceptance. [Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Papers of Frank L. Greene, Box 64, diaries, December 8 and 24, 1923.] The offer was accepted, and on December 11, Greene reported back to Ormsbee and Moody of their success. C. C. Wells of the Society for Electrical Development attended the felling of the tree in Vermont. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "Middlebury Sends Tree to Coolidge," unnamed and undated newspaper article, ca. 1923.]

Others at the Society for Electrical Development in New York City were also involved, most notably operating vice-president F. M. Feiker. Feiker has been credited as being central to the effort, although little correspondence involving Feiker, and no communication between Feiker and Slemp, has been uncovered. [Menendez, p. 40; In his history of Christmas at the White House, Albert Menendez cites an unpublished letter from F. M. Feiker to his daughter dates March 8, 1932. The letter provides Feiker's own account of his involvement in the early years of the National Community Christmas Tree. However, I have located neither the cited letter nor any other corroborating evidence for Feiker's role. (see pp. 40-41)] Feiker may have had Washington connections, perhaps serving under Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover. [Menendez, p. 40] Feiker and Hardy may have been in communication before the event and after, as their respective organizations were jointly responsible for the charges incurred by the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds. [NARA, RG-42, Entry 102, Box 20, File "335.2 -- (Christmas) Celebrations," letter from Feiker to Sisson, January 5, 1925.]

When Hardy met with Slemp in late November, she requested that the tree be within the White House grounds. Slemp took this request to the President's wife, Grace Collidge, Mrs. Coolidge had already committed to a caroling event on the White House north lawn, and did not want more than one Christmas ceremony on the White House grounds. Mrs. Coolidge suggested the Ellipse as an alternate location. Committeed to holding the ceremony on the White House grounds, a site more logistically feasible and one that would give the celebration "a national significance that it would not have otherwise," Hardy re-emphasized the significance of the White House grounds. [NARA, RG-130, Entry 28, Box 3, letter from Hardy to Slemp, December 4, 1923.] When it was clear that she would not receive permission to erect the tree within the gates, Hardy relented and accepted the Ellipse location. The first national Christmas tree was thus placed in the center of the "White Lot" (the Ellipse). [NARA, RG-42, Entry 102, Box 20, File 335.2 ((Christmas) Celebrations), letter from Sherrill to Greene, December 17, 1923.]

Attending the lighting of the tree on December 24 were Lucretia Walker Hardy, and Senator Greene, accompanied by William Goodwin, another operating vice-president of the Society for Electrical Development. After the event, Feiker thanked Senator Greene on behalf of himself, William Goodwin, and the Society for Electrical Development.

Feiker continued to serve on the committee for the National Community Christmas Tree, and the Society for Electrical Development continued its joint sponsorship of the event. The Community Center Department and other departments of the D.C. Public Schools were the primary sponsors of the National Community Christmas Tree for decades to come.

President and Participants: At 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first "National Christmas Tree." [The program identified the tree as the "National Christmas Tree," a title changed to "National Community Christmas Tree" in 1924. [NPS-WPP, "Christmas Pageant of Peace Binders," program, National Christmas Tree, 1923; NARA, RG-42, Entry 102, Box 20, File "335.2 -- (Christmas) Celebrations," program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1924.] Standing at the foot of the tree, the President touched a button that lit the tree electrically. [Washington Post, December 25, 1923.]

The Tree: Cut, 48-foot balsam fir *from Vermont [Middlebury Register, December 14, 1923.] Paul D. Moody, President of Middlebury College in Vermont, Coolidge's home state, donated the tree. [Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Calvin Coolidge Papers, case 512, reel 134, letter from Slemp to Moody, December 18, 1923.]

2,500 electric bulbs in red, white and green, donated by the Electric League of Washington, illuminated the tree. [Washington Post, December 25, 1923.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The Epiphany Church choir led caroling, accompanied by an U.S. Marine Band quartette. At 7:00 p.m., the full U.S. Marine Band performed a one-hour concert.

Miscellaneous: At 9:00 p.m., in a separate event supported by Mrs. Coolidge and under the auspices of the First Congregational Church, hundreds gathered to sing carols to the Coolidges. The verses had been published in the Evening Star to be brought to the caroling. After the group sing, a 72-voice vested choir performed on the North Portico. [Washington Post, December 24, 1923.]

At midnight, Washington's African American community, under the auspices of the Colored Community Centers, D.C. Public Schools," held a forty-minute ceremony at the community tree on the Ellipse. [NPS-WPP, "Christmas Pageant of Peace Binders," program, National Christmas Tree, 1923; NARA, RG-42, Entry 102, Box 20, File "335.2 -- (Christmas) Celebrations," Memo from C.O. Sherrill, December 22, 1923; Evening Star, December 23, 1923.]

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, DC Public Schools (Lucretia Walker Hardy and Marie Moore Forrest); Office of Public Buildings and Grounds (Colonel C.O. Sherrill); Electric League of Washington (T. Lincoln Townsend); the Society for Electrical Development; and Potomac Electric Power Company.

* Reports about the height of this tree vary. The Middlebury Register (December 14, 1923), a local Vermont paper, reported the height as forty-eight feet. The Washington Daily News (December 17, 1923) reported thirty-five feet. The Washington Post and Washington Herald both reported sixty feet. From photographs of this event the tree appears closest to the local Middlebury Register account of forty-eight feet.

In 1924, after one year at the center of the Ellipse, the National Community Christmas Tree ceremony was moved to Sherman Plaza, south of the Treasury Building, and close to the east entrance of the White House. This was the first year with a living Christmas tree, likely a response to a national movement led by the American Forestry Association, to encourage the use of living trees for community Christmas trees. 1 Not surprisingly, the American Forestry Association donated the Norway spruce planted at Sherman Plaza. The Association had not been involved in the ceremony with a cut tree the year before.

The pressures to introduce a living tree were likely the cause of the relocation of the event. As the Ellipse was used throughout the year for other purposes, planting a permanent, living tree there would likely have been considered inappropriate. (This reasoning was in fact provided in 1954 to argue against the use of a living tree when the ceremony moved back to the Ellipse.) 2

G.H. Collingwood, of the American Forestry Association, speaking at the lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree years later, suggested the following reason for choosing Sherman Plaza as the new location: "Sherman Plaza is small, but this very fact had much to do with keeping the ceremony, spiritual in character, from reaching carnival proportions." 3

The Office of Public Buildings and Grounds, assigned the specific, permanent location for the tree in Sherman Plaza.

The National Community Christmas Tree, and the accompanying celebration, remained at this location until the move to Lafayette Park in 1934.

2 NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," memo, January 25, 1957.

3 NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-15, "Grounds South," printed statement by G.H. Collingwood, ca. 1939-1940.

President and Participants: President Coolidge, accompanied by Mrs. Coolidge, lit the National Community Christmas Tree in a short ceremony just before 8:00 p.m., and briefly addressed the crowd to accept a new living tree. The President said, "I accept this tree and I will now light it." The Coolidges returned to the White House at 8:15 p.m. 1 Mrs. Cecil Norton Sisson of the Community Center Department, DC Public Schools, who had organized the event, received the Coolidges and presented them to the members of the Christmas tree committee.

The Tree: Living, 35-foot Norway spruce from New York. The first living tree, donated by the American Forestry Association, came from a tree nursery in Amawalk, New York. Ovid Butler, executive secretary of American Forestry Association, presented the tree to the President. 2

The 1924 program noted the importance of using a living tree to "nationalize the beautiful custom of using growing evergreens for such community Christmas celebrations." 3 An article by the American Forestry Association lauded the "Nation's Living Christmas Tree" as an example for the nation of living trees and their care. 4

The tree was accepted by President Coolidge "and lighted with an electric switch, the only year a switch was used: at other times a button was used to light the tree." 5 Despite this claim, the specifics of the power source for lighting the tree and the area are not wholly clear. Potomac Electric Power Company supplied electricity brought in from Treasury Place to a manhole near the tree. 6

The tree was wired and decorated with 1,200 red, amber and green incandescent lights by the Society for Electrical Development and the Electric League of Washington. 7

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: Community singing was accompanied by the US Marine Band, followed by a band concert.

A reviewing stand north of the tree had folding chairs for guests and armchairs for the presidential party. 8

Miscellaneous: After the tree lighting, the Coolidges returned to the White House at 9:00 p.m. to again receive the choir of the First Congregational Church, as they had in 1923. They listened from inside the open door on the North Portico. One of the carols was written by Reverend Jason Noble Pierce, minister of the church, and was dedicated to Mrs. Coolidge. 9

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, DC Public Schools (Cecil Norton Sisson and Sibyl Baker); Electric League of Washington (T. Lincoln Townsend); American Forestry Association (O.M. Butler); the Society for Electrical Development (F.M. Feiker); Office of Public Buildings and Grounds (Major US Grant, III, Colonel C.O. Sherrill); and Municipal Playgrounds Department, DC Public Schools (Susie Root Rhodes).

1 Evening Star , December 25, 1924; Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Irwin Hood Hoover Papers, Reel 5, and December 24, 1924.

2 NARA, RG-42, Entry 102, Box 20, File "335.2 -- (Christmas) Celebrations," program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1924.

3 NARA, RG-42, Entry 102, Box 20, File "335.2 -- (Christmas) Celebrations," program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1924.

5 NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".

6 NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".

7 NARA, RG-42, Entry 102, Box 20, File "335.2 -- (Christmas) Celebrations," letter from Feiker to Sisson, January 5, 1925; NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".

8 NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".

President and Participants: President Coolidge lit the "Living Community Christmas Tree" at 6:00 p.m. The Coolidges returned to the White House at 6:15 p.m. 1 The tree was lit earlier at the request of Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr. of New York and vice-president of the National Committee for Community Christmas Trees, to accommodate children. 2

Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Mellon and Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover attended.

The Tree: Living, 35-foot Norway spruce from New York (1924). The tree was lit with red, amber and green lights by the Electric League of Washington. 3

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: As the President pressed the button to light the tree, an "aerial bomb" was set off to notify other communities that the tree had been lit. 4

The U.S. Marine Band performed. For the first time, the ceremony concluded with the "Star Spangled Banner." 6

The initial program included a broadcasting from the New York Community Christmas Tree, Madison Square Park, to Sherman Plaza at 6:10 p.m .7 There is no indication that this occurred. 8

Miscellaneous: As in 1923 and 1924, after the ceremony, the First Congregational Church chorus sang at the North Portico of the White House where the Coolidges listened at the doorway. 9

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools (Mrs. Cecil Norton Broy, Lucretia Walker Hardy); the Society for Electrical Development; Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks, formerly the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds (Major US Grant, III); Electric League of Washington (T. Lincoln Townsend); DC Board of Education; and National Committee for Community Christmas Trees.

1 Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Irwin Hood Hoover Papers, Reel 5, December 24, 1925.

2 Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Calvin Coolidge Papers, case 512, reel 135, letter from Fish to Sanders, October 26, 1925; NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".

3 Evening Star , December 13, 1925; NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1925.

4 NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1925.

6 DC Public Library, Washingtonian Division, DC Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1925.

7 [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," Tentative Program," undated.]

8 NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1925.

9 NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".

President and Participants: President Coolidge lit the tree at 6:00 p.m. Although requested to by the Christmas tree committee, the President did not deliver an address. Senator Arthur Capper of Kansas and a member of the national committee presided over the tree lighting.

The Tree: Living, 35-foot Norway spruce from New York (1924). The Electric League of Washington decorated the tree with red, green, yellow, and white lights. 1

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: As President and Mrs. Coolidge were descending from the bandstand, two Girl Scouts approached Mrs. Coolidge with flowers. Mrs. Coolidge asked the President to return to the stage while she received them. 2

The ceremony opened with an overture by the US Marine Band. Carols followed the lighting of the tree. The ceremony concluded with the "Star Spangled Banner." 3 The lyrics and music for the carols were published in the Evening Star to be clipped out and brought to the event.

A flare was lit from the Ellipse at the moment of the tree lighting. This was the signal for Boy Scouts, stationed throughout the city, to trumpet a message that the tree had been lit.

Miscellaneous: As had occurred for three years, at 9:00 p.m. a vested choir from the First Congregational Church walked to the North Portico of the White House where they sang carols for the first family. The last carol was "Bells of Christmas," composed and written by Reverend Jason Noble Pierce for Grace Coolidge. This is likely the same carol dedicated to her in 1924. 5

On April 28, 1926, President Coolidge designated the General Grant Tree, third largest of sequoias, as the "Nation's Christmas Tree." The tree is located in Kings Canyon National Park, formerly known as General Grant National Park. Since 1925, the Sanger, California Chamber of Commerce has sponsored an annual celebration at the tree, today known as the "Trek to the Tree" held on the second Sunday of December. By 1998, the tree measured 268 feet tall and over 107 feet around, its age is estimated to be between 1,800 to 2,000 years old. 6

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, DC Public Schools; Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks (Albert Clyde-Burton); Municipal Playgrounds Department, DC Public Schools; and Electric League of Washington.

A national committee was formed in addition to the executive committee. It included Senator Capper, and representatives of the DC Board of Education, National Society for Electrical Development, and the American Forestry Association.

3 [Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Calvin Coolidge Papers, case 512, reel 135, "Timed Program for the Christmas Eve Celebration at the National Community Christmas Tree".]

4 [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".]

5 [Evening Star, December 24, 1926; Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Irwin Hood Hoover Papers, reel 5, White House Carol Service leaflet, December 24, 1926.]

6 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, "General Sherman and General Grant -- Giant Sequoias," undated park flyer; Frank Clark, "The Largest Giant Sequoias," undated park (?) handout with data by Wendell Flint, revised to June 22, 1998 by Nate Stephenson; Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, "The 30 Largest Giant Sequoias," site bulletin. The General Sherman (Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park) was named by James Wolverton for General W. T. Sherman. (See 1931 and 1956 for additional information.)

President and Participants: President Coolidge lit the tree at 6:00 p.m. Despite urging by the committee, the President gave only a brief address, returning to the White House at 6:15 p.m. [Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Irwin Hood Hoover Papers, reel 6, December 24, 1927.]

The Tree: Living, 35-foot Norway spruce from New York (1924). A bronze marker was placed at the base, marking the living tree as the National Community Christmas Tree. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".]

The Electric League of Washington experimented with illumination, placing floodlights at the base of the tree and improved on decoration "with new equipment and 500 new bulbs." [Evening Star, December 18, 1927; DC Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, DC Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: As in 1926, a signal flare on the Ellipse illuminated the sky at the moment of the tree lighting signaling Boy Scouts to sound bugle calls throughout the city. Chimes and bells heralded the moment of lighting as well. [Evening Star, December 18, 1927.]

The U.S. Marine Band performed before the Coolidges arrived followed by carols by the Glee Club of the Interstate Commerce Commission. The ceremony concluded with more carols and the "Star Spangled Banner." [Evening Star, December 23, 1927.]

After the ceremony two Girl Scouts ascended the platform and presented Grace Coolidge with a basket of Christmas greens. [Washington Post, December 25, 1927.]

Miscellaneous: In lieu of an address, the President wrote a Christmas message to the American people released to newspapers on Christmas Morning. [Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Calvin Coolidge Papers, case 512, reel 135, December 25, 1927.]

From 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. the Coolidges attended carols on the North Portico and in the East Room, of the White House and received carolers and the band in the State Dining Room. [Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Irwin Hood Hoover Papers, reel 6, December 24, 1927.]

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, DC Public Schools (Sibyl Baker, Lucretia Walker Hardy); Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks (Lieutenant Colonel US Grant, III, Albert Clyde-Burton); Municipal Playgrounds Department, DC Public Schools (Susie Root Rhodes); Electric League of Washington (T. Lincoln Townsend); and American Forestry Association (Ovid Butler). The National Community Christmas Tree committee printed letterhead.

President and Participants: President Coolidge lit the tree at approximately 8:00 p.m., returning to the later lighting time of 1924. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".] He gave a brief address: "In token of the good-will and happiness of the holiday season and as an expression of the best wishes of the people of the United States toward a Community Christmas Tree, in behalf of the city of Washington, I not turn on the current which will illuminate this tree." [New York Times, December 25, 1928.] The Coolidges drove to the event from the White House and returned home at 8:15. [Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Irwin Hood Hoover Papers, reel 6, December 24, 1928.]

The Tree: Living, 35-foot Norway spruce from New York (1924). The first living tree, planted in 1924, was found to be damaged due to the process of trimming and the repeated stress caused by the heat and weight of the lights. Plans were discussed to plant two new trees to use in alternating years, although a preference for keeping the Christmas tree at the same site, due to the good vantage point and the tree's proximity to the White House, suggested the desirability of planting a new tree on the same site in 1929. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".]

Floodlights were used to illuminate the tree. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The ceremony was similar to the previous year, with a US Marine Band concert at 7:30 p.m. A signal flare was lit and Boy Scout buglers signaled the moment of the lighting of the tree. The ceremony concluded with brief caroling and the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner."

A Boy Scout and a Girl Scout, the niece of D.C. Commissioner Tolifero, presented a Christmas card signed by seventeen organizations to Grace Coolidge. [Evening Star, December 24, 1928.]

Miscellaneous: As in previous years, at 9:00 p.m. there were carols on the North Portico. Refreshments followed for eighty guests in the State Dining Room. [Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Irwin Hood Hoover Papers, reel 6, December 24, 1928.]

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools (Sibyl Baker, Lucretia Walker Hardy); Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks (Lieutenant Colonel US Grant, III); Municipal Playgrounds Department, D.C. Public Schools (Susie Root Rhodes); Electric League of Washington (T. Lincoln Townsend); and American Forestry Association (Ovid Butler).

President and Participants: The President and Mrs. Hoover walked to Sherman Plaza for the lighting of the tree. The President lit the tree shortly after 6:00 p.m., and delivered an address. The President expressed his happiness at wishing those gathered at Sherman Plaza and those listening over nationwide broadcast a merry Christmas. The Hoovers returned to the White House at 6:15. [Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Irwin Hood Hoover Papers, reel 6, December 24, 1929.]

Secretary of the Interior Ray Lyman Wilbur introduced the President and gave an address before the lighting of the tree. Secretary Wilbur spoke about the strain on American forests and the wisdom of planting living community Christmas trees. ["Honor Living Christmas Trees," American Forests and Forest Life, February, 1930.]

The President's lighting of the tree was taken as a signal for the illumination of community trees at residences and other decorated locations across the city. During the week before Christmas the Washington Post and the Electric League of Washington announced a community-wide contest, awarding a prize to the best-illuminated tree on Christmas Eve. Participants lit their trees with the National Community Christmas Tree. [Washington Post, December 17, 1929, Evening Star, December 15, 1929.]

The Tree: Living, Norway spruce from New York (1929). The original living tree planted in Sherman Plaza in 1924, damaged by the heat and weight of lights and the stress of trimming, was replaced on May 29, 1929, with a new tree of the same variety. The American Forestry Association again donated a spruce from Amawalk Nursery in Amawalk, New York. [Evening Star, May 18 and 29, 1929.] The tree was planted under the authority of the Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks.

A new system of lighting helped to not overburden the tree. This included using scaffolding rather than ladders, lighter trim, bulbs of smaller kilowatt power, and safeguards around the tree to prevent trampling of its roots. [American Forests and Forest Life, July 1939 and January 1930.]

For the first time the tree was decorated with ornaments in addition to lights. [American Forests and Forest Life, February, 1930 (photographic documentation).]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: For the first time as an official part of the program, a local Boy Scout and Girl Scout presented the Christmas greetings of the people of Washington to the President . This event evolved from informal participation by Scouts (see 1926, 1927, and 1928).

NBC radio presented a coast-to-coast broadcast of the tree lighting ceremony. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934"; program, The National Community Christmas Tree, 1929.]

Miscellaneous: While the Hoovers were hosting a dinner after the ceremony, a fire was discovered in the basement of the West Wing. The President's office was damaged, but most of the important documents and furnishings were saved. Other West Wing rooms received water and smoke damage. [Seeley, Season's Greetings from the White House, pp. 22-23.]

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, DC Public Schools (Sibyl Baker, Lucretia Walker Hardy); Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks (Lieutenant Colonel US Grant, III); Municipal Playgrounds Department, DC Department of Schools (Susie Root Rhodes); Electric League of Washington; and American Forestry Association (Ovid Butler).

In addition to the executive, national, and lighting committees, a committee on Christmas carol singing was established.

President and Participants: President Hoover addressed the crowd and lit the tree shortly after 6:00 p.m. Before the lighting of the tree and the address by the President, Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Grant, III, director of the Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks and chairman of the Committee on the National Community Christmas Tree, delivered an address. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1930; D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, undated notes.]

The Hoovers returned to the White House at 6:20 p.m. [Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Irwin Hood Hoover Papers, Reel 7, December 24, 1930.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: For the listening pleasure of the audience, a buzzer was activated when the President pressed the button to signal the lighting of the tree. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, notes, November 30, 1957.]

A local Boy Scout and Girl Scout presented Christmas greetings of the people of Washington to the President and Mrs. Hoover.

A signal flare was lit from the Ellipse illuminating the sky at the moment of the tree lighting. The flare signaled Boy Scouts, stationed with bugles throughout the city, to sound a call that the National Community Christmas Tree had been lit. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1930.]

The ceremony concluded with the "Star Spangled Banner." [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1930.]

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools (Sibyl Baker, Lucretia Walker Hardy); Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks (Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Grant, III); Playgrounds Department, D.C. Public Schools (Susie Root Rhodes); Electric League of Washington; and American Forestry Association (Ovid Butler).

President and Participants: President Hoover, accompanied by Mrs. Hoover and their children and grandchildren, lit the National Community Christmas Tree at approximately 5:00 p.m. Before pressing the button the President said, "This is the season and this the occasion when the whole nation unites in good cheer and good wishes." [American Forests, February 1932.] Vice President Charles Curtis, chairman of the national committee, introduced the President. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934"; American Forests, February 1932.]

The Tree: Living, 25-foot blue spruce from Washington, D.C. (1931). Damaged again by the strain and heat of yearly trimming and lighting, the tree was replaced again in the spring of 1931. The new tree was replanted from the nursery of the Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".] There is no textual primary documentation for the new tree. However, photographs from 1930 and 1931 suggest that a new tree was planted. [American Forests and Forest Life, January, 1930, and American Forests, February 1932.]

A new electric configuration incorporated an electric current from Potomac Electric Power Company instead of a battery-operated configuration. It is unclear whether a battery-operated system had been in effect previously (see 1924). It is fairly certain that there was no connection between the button and the electricity used to light the tree, a situation that continued at least into the 1980s. The button set off a buzzer, which signaled for the tree to be lit by a designated person. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, notes, November 30, 1957; Washington Post, December 16, 1989.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: As the President lit the tree, a floating star illuminated the sky and church bells rang throughout the city announcing the lighting of the tree. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".]

The U.S. Marine Band presented a concert from 4:30 until 5:00 p.m., followed by carols by the Government Printing Office chorus, and greetings by a local Boy Scout and Girl Scout [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".]

Miscellaneous: President Hoover's address to the Nation's Christmas Tree Association was read at the General Grant Tree, a giant sequoia in General Grant National Park. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 25, 1931.] (See 1926 and 1956 for additional information.)

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools (Elizabeth Peeples); and Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks.

President and Participants: Vice President Charles Curtis stood in for President Hoover who was vacationing in the South. The Vice President lit the tree at a few minutes after 5:00 p.m. and gave a Christmas greeting broadcast by radio to the nation. Senator Arthur Capper of Kansas and chairman of the national committee, introduced the Vice President and briefly addressed the crowd. [Evening Star, December 24, 1932.]

The Tree: Living, 25-foot Norway spruce from Washington, D.C. (1931). Due to damage done to this tree (the second Norway spruce) since 1929, there was discussion early in 1932 of possibly planting two new trees. This in fact did not occur until removal of the ceremony to Lafayette Park in 1934.

The tree was decorated with electric lights and close to three hundred ornaments. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: This was the first year of a "Singing Tree," a tradition which continued for decades. Loudspeakers concealed in the tree were connected to a Victrola, stationed in a nearby police booth, which played carols. This configuration created the effect of carols emerging from the tree. Park Police oversaw changing of records from 6:00 until 10:00 p.m. from Christmas Eve through New Year's. The "Singing Tree" was immediately popular. Attendance at the tree over the week was estimated at 3,000 visitors. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 9, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," January 3, 1933.]

Area students sang carols and the U.S. Marine Band performed both before and after the tree lighting. A Girl Scout bugler blew "Attention" and a Boy Scout sounded the "Roll Call" to begin the tree-lighting ceremony. A Boy Scout and Girl Scout presented the greetings to the President and Mrs. Hoover, though they were not in attendance. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1932.]

Miscellaneous: President Hoover's address to the Nation's Christmas Tree Association was read at the "Nation's Christmas Tree" in General Grant National Park on December 25. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 25, 1932.] (See also1926 and 1956 for additional information.)

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools; Municipal Playgrounds Department, D.C. Public Schools; Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks; American Forestry Association; and Washington, D.C. Chamber of Commerce. A representative of the Washington Board of Trade served on the executive committee. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1932.] This is an early year for participation by the Board of Trade, which took a leading role in the creation of the Christmas Pageant of Peace in 1954.

President and Participants: President Roosevelt, accompanied by Mrs. Roosevelt and four generations of the Roosevelt family, attended the lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree. The President and his party arrived at approximately 5:00 p.m., at which point the President delivered a Christmas address and lit the tree.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: Boy Scouts stationed at the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Capitol, and various other points around the city announced the lighting of tree with bugle calls. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".]

Better quality programs were printed for the event beginning in 1933. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, notes, November 30, 1957.]

A local Boy Scout and Girl Scout presented the Christmas greetings of the people of Washington to the President and Mrs. Roosevelt.

Miscellaneous: Due to the redesign of Sherman Plaza, more work than usual was required to set up for the lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree. All the trees except for the Christmas tree had been removed in the re-landscaping plan. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," "National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1934".]

Organization/Committees: Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes designated Arno B. Cammerer of National Capital Parks, National Park Service, to assist Elizabeth Peeples of Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools with preparations for the event. Preparations for the event were managed largely by C. Marshall Finnan, Frank Gartside, and Albert Clyde-Burton of National Capital Parks. (The Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks was abolished and most responsibilities transferred to the National Park Service.) [NPS-WESF, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," letter from Peeples to Ickes, January 2, 1934.] This cooperative effort signals the beginning of a stronger federal presence in the event.

At the close of 1933 it became clear that, due to landscaping changes in Sherman Plaza which called only for willow oaks and thus precluded the use of any evergreens, the National Community Christmas Tree would have to move for the 1934 ceremony. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," memo, October 26, 1934; Evening Star, October 24, 1934; NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-25, "Lafayette Park," "Report of Chairman of Committee on Grounds, Stands and Arrangements, National Community Christmas Tree - 1939".] Before that decision was made, however, two Koster blue spruces had been purchased for planting in the same location in Sherman Plaza to replace the "decrepit trees heretofore used as National [Community] Christmas Trees." [NARA, RG-66, Project Files, Box 91, "Lafayette Park, Christmas Trees," letter from Finnan to Cammerer, January 19, 1934.] Two trees were purchased so that alternate trees could be used in alternate years to reduce damage caused by trimming and lighting. [NARA, RG-66, Box 91, "Lafayette Park -- Christmas Trees," "Specification for the Supplying and Transplanting of Two Kosters Blue Spruce to Sherman Plaza, Washington, D.C.," December 9, 1933.] This practice of alternating trees to serve as the Christmas tree continued until 1953.

With the forced relocation, a new location had to be chosen. There was support at the Division of Planning and Design of National Capital Parks, National Park Service, for the trees to be planted in Lafayette Park on either side of the Sixteenth Street Mall, south of the Jackson Statue . The office preferred the park for its relative proximity to the White House, and for its visibility from many approaches, including the White House. From a design perspective the location was preferable as it would take into consideration new designs for the park and maintain a balance in the design. Also, horticulturally the location was ideal as it was far enough away from the heat of the street and from the roots and nearby shade of other trees. [NARA, RG-66, Project Files, Box 91, "Lafayette Park, Christmas Trees," letter from Finnan to Cammerer, January 19, 1934.]

C. Marshall Finnan, superintendent of National Capital Parks, National Park Service requested permission from the Commission of Fine Arts to relocate the trees to Lafayette Park. The Commission approved neither the type of tree nor the suggested location. The Commission desired that green fir trees, approximately twenty feet tall, be planted eighteen feet east and west of the Jackson Statue . [NARA, RG-66, Project Files, Box 91, "Lafayette Park, Christmas Trees," letter to Cammerer, March 13, 1934.] Elizabeth Peeples, representing the Committee for the Location of the National Community Christmas Tree, found the Commission's proposal unacceptable due to limited visibility of the tree on the east side of the statue, and the impossibility of erecting stands large enough in that location. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," letter to Finnan, April 6, 1934.]

In trying to please the Commission, Arno B. Cammerer, director of National Capital Parks, National Park Service suggested placing a large cut tree in the center of the Ellipse, where a large ceremony could be staged, and the tree then removed. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," memo to Finnan, November 6, 1934.] This was an idea that appealed to the Commission. Finnan insisted on the use of living trees so as not to offend the National Community Christmas Trees Council, and on keeping the trees "within site of the White House since the ceremony is closely associated with the President." [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," memos to Cammerer, March 5, 1934, October 26, 1934.] However, the "threat of the removal of the National Community Christmas Tree to the Capitol Grounds" was defeated by National Capital Parks, National Park Service. [Evening Star, October 24, 1934.] The final decision satisfied those in the National Park Service who had expressed the fear that moving the tree too far from the White House "may be some justification for its further removal to the Capitol Plaza." [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-75, "Sherman Plaza," letter from Clyde-Burton to Finnan, November 7, 1934.]

The result was the planting of North Carolinian firs eighteen to twenty-three feet east and west of the Jackson Statue .

President and Participants: President Roosevelt arrived with Mrs. Roosevelt and four generations of Roosevelts in tow, having been driven into Lafayette Park from H Street, directly up to the rear of the speaker's platform. The President lit the tree at 6:00 p.m. and addressed the crowd. Standing by the statue of Andrew Jackson, the President, in his Christmas greeting, spoke of Jackson's patriotic character, "unstained and unafraid." President Roosevelt spoke of what all Americans might learn from the former President about "the union of hearts and minds of people devoted with unity to the welfare of the country." [Washington Post, December 25, 1934.]

The Tree: Living, 23-foot fir from North Carolina (living. 1934). The tree west of the Jackson Statue was used because of its visibility from the President's rooms in the White House. The tree was decorated with red and green bulbs. In addition to the bulbs, there were also more than 250 tree ornaments, chiefly red, green, and silver balls. [Evening Star, December 23, 1934.]

The tree lighting went awry when, after the President pressed the button, there was an awkward lapse of about five seconds when the tree did not light. President Roosevelt looked about in confusion until the lights flashed on. [Washington Daily News, December 25, 1934.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The ceremony, including President Roosevelt's address, was broadcast to the nation by Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), National Broadcasting Company (NBC), and American Broadcasting Company (ABC) radio broadcast. [Evening Star, December 23, 1934.]

A local Boy Scout and Girl Scout presented Christmas greetings from the people of Washington to the President and Mrs. Roosevelt.

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; Electric Institute of Washington; and American Automobile Association.

President and Participants: Joined by his mother, sons, daughters-in-law and Mrs. Roosevelt, the President delivered a Christmas message and then lit the tree at 5:09 p.m. [Evening Star, December 24, 1935.] The President pointed to the statues of German, Polish, and French Revolutionary War heroes in Lafayette Park as types of diversity found among the American people, saying that the spirit of Christmas knows no race or creed. [Evening Star, December 25, 1935.] Introductory remarks were made by First Assistant Secretary of the Interior, Theodore A. Walters. [Evening Star, December 24, 1935.]

The Tree: Living, 23-foot fir from North Carolina (1934). The tree east of the Jackson Statue was used. [New York Times, December 25, 1935; National Park Service, Harper Ferry Center, File 3.3-4, National Community Christmas Tree, 1925 (photo documentation).] The pressing of the button to light the tree set chimes ringing throughout the nation via radio broadcast. [Evening Star, December 24, 1935.]

New star-shaped lights were used to decorate the tree. Some were stolen over the course of the week. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, notes, November 30, 1957.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The Automobile Association of America sent 1,500 invitations to Washingtonians inviting them to the tree-lighting ceremony. [Evening Star, December 24, 1935.]

The U.S. Marine Band opened the ceremonies at 4:30 p.m. with a concert prior to the arrival of the President. [Evening Star, December 24, 1935.]

Following the President's address, the crowd sang carols led by the Franciscan Friars of Washington, D.C. and the Lincoln Cathedral Choir of Lincoln, Nebraska. [Evening Star, December 24, 1935.]

A local Boy Scout and Girl Scout presented Christmas greetings from the people of Washington to the President and Mrs. Roosevelt. [Evening Star, December 24, 1935.]

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools; American Forestry Association; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; and Municipal Playgrounds Department, D.C. Public Schools.

President and Participants: President Roosevelt gave a Christmas message and lit the tree shortly after 5:00 p.m.

The Tree: Living, 23-foot fir from North Carolina (1934). The tree east of the Jackson Statue was used. It was decorated with red, white, and blue ornaments. [Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Theodor Horydczak Collection, National Christmas Tree -- 1936 (photo documentation).]

In either 1936 or 1937 the switchbox now used to light the tree was introduced. Until this time a hand-held button shown in the 1923 picture of President Coolidge was likely still in use, as indicated by a picture of President Roosevelt using a similar button in 1935. An undated photograph that likely dates to 1937 shows the switchbox.[Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs; "The President presses button lighting the Nation's tree,"; "President Coolidge lighting the Community Christmas tree on the Ellipse, December 24, 1923, Evening Star, December 25, 1935; NPS - WESF, "Abbie Rowe/Events Photographs," "National Community Christmas Tree, President F.D. Roosevelt," ca. 1937 (photo documentation).]

After theft of ornaments the previous year, an eight-sided fence was installed to protect the tree from vandals. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, notes, November 30, 1957.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The U.S. Marine Band opened the ceremonies with a concert prior to the arrival of the President.

Following the President's address, the singing of carols took place led by the University of Maryland Glee Clubs.

A committee on broadcasting was added to the national, executive, lighting and carol singing committees. The committee included representatives of the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company, the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC).

President and Participants: President Roosevelt greeted the nation and lit the National Community Christmas Tree at a few minutes after 5:00 p.m. Mrs. Roosevelt, having been called to her daughter, Mrs. John Boettinger, in Seattle, Washington, did not attend. [Washington Post, December 24, 1937.] Three broadcasting stations carried the President's message.

The Tree: Living, 23-foot fir from North Carolina (1934). The tree west of the Jackson Statue was used. [Washington Post, December 24, 1937.]

Chimes rang instead of a buzzer as the President turned the switch to signal the lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree. [Washington Post, December 24, 1937.] This element was likely added with the radio audience in mind.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: As a part of the National Community Christmas Tree program, the Women's Council of the Washington Federation of Churches erected over 200 Christmas trees in the inhabited alleys of Washington. They distributed toys and gifts in the alley dwellings on Christmas Eve, and provided a program of Christmas carols and stories immediately after the ceremony in Lafayette Park. [Washington Post, December 24, 1937.]

A 1939 report claimed, "a switch box with a silver plate engraved with the names of all who have lighted the tree since 1923 together with the dates, [was] furnished by the Electric Institute of Washington." [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-15, "Grounds South," "Report of Chairman of Committee on Grounds, Stands and Arrangements, National Community Christmas Tree - 1939".] This likely occurred earlier than 1939, as President Roosevelt is shown with the box in 1937. [NPS - WESF, "Abbie Rowe/Events Photographs," "National Community Christmas Tree, President F.D. Roosevelt," ca. 1937 (photo documentation).]

A concert by the U.S. Marine Band began the program, followed by the arrival of the President and his party, the lighting of the tree, and the singing of carols by the Schola Cantorum. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1937.]

A local Boy Scout and Girl Scout presented Christmas greetings to the President and Mrs. James Roosevelt. In the absence of the First Lady, the President's daughter-in-law received the flowers from the Girl Scout. [Evening Star, December 25, 1937.]

New platforms were erected for the additional press because of increased interest due to the popularity of the Roosevelts. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, notes, November 30, 1957.]

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools; American Forestry Association; and National Capital Parks, National Park Service. A committee on alley Christmas trees (see above) was added to the national, executive, lighting, carol singing, and broadcasting committees.

President and Participants: The President presented Christmas greetings to the crowd, and then lit the National Community Christmas Tree at a few minutes after 5:00 p.m. In his address, the President expressed his hope for peace: "At this time let us hope that the boon of peace which we in this country and in the whole Western Hemisphere enjoy under the providence of God may likewise be vouchsafed to all nations and all peoples. We desire peace. We shall work for peace. We covet neither the lands nor the possessions of any other nation or people." [NPS -WPP, "Christmas Pageant of Peace Binders," unidentified and undated newspaper article, ca. December 1938.]

The Tree: Living, 23-foot fir from North Carolina (1934). The east tree was used. [American Forests, December 1965 (photographic documentation).]

The Electric Institute of Washington donated a new type of lighting, Mercury Vapor Floodlights, to illuminate the tree. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, notes, November 30, 1957.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The Women's Council of the Washington Federation of Churches sponsored community Christmas trees in the inhabited alleys. The alley trees were lit as the President lit the National Community Christmas Tree at about 5:00 p.m. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1938.]

A concert by the U.S. Marine Band began the program, followed by the arrival of the President and his party, the lighting of the tree, and the singing of carols by the Schola Cantorum of National Capital Parks, National Park Service. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1938.]

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools; American Forestry Association; and National Capital Parks, National Park Service.

A 1939 report on the National Christmas Community Tree stated that the relocation of the tree from Lafayette Park to the Grounds South of the Executive Mansion (Ellipse) occurred on account of the landscaping in Lafayette Park. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-15, "Grounds South," "Report of Chairman of Committee on Grounds, Stands and Arrangements, National Community Christmas Tree - 1939".] One newspaper account suggested that the U.S. Secret Service required the move to a more open space with fewer trees and bushes for security purposes. [Washington Times-Herald, December 24, 1939.]

Most other accounts from the period indicate that with the increased popularity that President Roosevelt brought to the celebration at the National Christmas Community Tree, the ceremony was moved to the Ellipse to accommodate the growing crowds. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-15, "Grounds South," printed statement by G.H. Collingwood, ca. 1939-1940; Washington Post, December 24, 1939.] A Washington Post article called the Ellipse "far more spacious." [Washington Post, December 9, 1939.]

Another explanation suggested regarding the choice of location was the advantageous visibility of the Ellipse from many approaches. [Evening Star, December 9, 1939.]

Two trees were used as the National Community Christmas Tree, one in 1939 and one in 1940. Each was transplanted at the end of the Christmas season. Both were cedars of approximately 30 feet in height transplanted from the Mount Vernon Highway in Virginia (George Washington Memorial Parkway). Each was placed just south of the center of the Ellipse [Washington Post, December 9, 1939], "on the center line of C Street on the north and south axis of the White House." [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-15, "Grounds South," "Report of Chairman of Committee on Grounds, Stands and Arrangements, National Community Christmas Tree - 1939".]

In the new location cars, except those with special stickers, were banned along the Ellipse.

The National Community Christmas Tree celebration remained in this location for only two years.

President and Participants: President Roosevelt, joined by his wife and four generations of Roosevelts, delivered a Christmas address and, holding the switchbox, lit the tree at 5:11 p.m. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-15, "Grounds South," "Report of Chairman of Committee on Grounds, Stands and Arrangements, National Community Christmas Tree - 1939".] The President decried war, invoked the beatitudes of Christ, and called on "belligerent nations to read the Sermon on the Mount." He spoke of 1939 as filled "with dread of evil things to come" and ending with "the horror of another war adding its toll of anguish to a world already bowed under the burden of suffering laid upon it by man's inhumanity to man." [Washington Post, December 25, 1939.]

Representative Jennings Randolph of West Virginia introduced the President. [Washington Post, December 24, 1939.]

The Tree: Living, 36-foot red cedar from Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Virginia (1939). The Electric Institute of Washington decorated with red and green lights and twinkling stars. Mercury floodlights illuminated the tree. The tree was replanted after New Year's. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-25, "Lafayette Park," "Report of Chairman of Committee on Grounds, Stands and Arrangements, National Community Christmas Tree -- 1939".] (Location of the replanted red cedar is unknown.)

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: In a departure from a seven-year tradition, the tree was not a ""Singing Tree"." [Washington Post, December 9, 1939.]

A switchbox with a silver plate engraved with the names of all who had lighted the tree may have been furnished by the Electric Institute of Washington, but it is more likely that this occurred earlier (see 1937). [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-15, "Grounds South," "Report of Chairman of Committee on Grounds, Stands and Arrangements, National Community Christmas Tree - 1939".]

The U.S. Marine Band performed at 4:30 p.m., followed by the singing of carols by the Federal Playhouse Chorus of the Agriculture Branch of the National Federation of Federal Employees.

The Women's Council of the Washington Federation of Churches again sponsored community Christmas trees in the alleys, which Eleanor Roosevelt toured. [Washington Post, December 24, 1939.]

Outstanding Weather Conditions: cloudy and cold, 30o [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-15, "Grounds South," "Report of Chairman of Committee on Grounds, Stands and Arrangements, National Community Christmas Tree - 1939".]

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools; Municipal Playgrounds Department, D.C. Public Schools; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; and American Forestry Association.

President and Participants: President Roosevelt lit the tree shortly after 5:00 p.m. Speaking while war raged in Europe, the President said that happiness can only be possible during wartime "if by happiness we mean that we have done with doubts, that we have set our hearts against fear, that we still believe in the golden rule of all mankind, that we intend to live more purely in the spirit of Christ, and that by our works, as well as our words, we will strive forth in faith and in hope and in love." The President also asked that the holiday be made merry for the children. [Evening Star, December 25, 1940.]

The Tree: Living, 32-foot red cedar from Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Virginia (1940). This was a companion tree to that used in 1939. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-15, "Grounds South," "Report, National Community Christmas Tree -- 1940".] Similar to the previous year, the tree was decorated with 700 lights and 150 twinkling stars. [Evening Star, December 25, 1940.]

The Electric Institute, along with cooperation of Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools and National Capital Parks, National Park Service, decorated the tree.

After New Year's Day the tree was replanted. (The location of the replanted red cedar is unknown.)

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: A concert by the U.S. Marine Band began the program at 4:30 p.m., followed by the arrival of the President and his party, greetings to the President by a local Boy Scout and Girl Scout, and the lighting of the tree. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-15, "Grounds South," "Report, National Community Christmas Tree -- 1940".]

Carols were led by the George Washington University Glee Club. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, program, 1940.]

No stands were erected for spectators other than those prepared for the 130 invited guests. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-15, "Grounds South," "Report, National Community Christmas Tree -- 1940".]

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools; Municipal Playgrounds Department, D.C. Public Schools; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; and American Forestry Association. The executive committee also included representatives from the Washington Board of Trade.

History | 1941 | 1942 | 1943 | 1944 | 1945 | 1946 | 1947 | 1948 | 1949 | 1950 | 1951 | 1952 | 1953

This was the first time that the lighting of the National Christmas Community Tree occurred within the White House grounds. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," "National Community Christmas Tree - 1941".] The move from the Ellipse to the south lawn of the White House was the direct result of President Roosevelt's idea that the "proper place for the tree is right next to the fence at the south end of the White House grounds." [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," memo from Roosevelt to Colonel Starling, May 21, 1941.] The President did not like the 1939 and 1940 location on the Ellipse, and at the lighting of the tree in 1940, he invited the public to "Come into my yard" the following year, thus making for a more "homey" celebration. [Evening Star, December 25, 1940.] According to the President's directions, "the crowd would come in from through the East Gate and the West Gate but would be roped off from the White House.... The Chairman, the two clergymen and I will speak from the South Portico and I will press the button from there." [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," memo from Roosevelt to Starling, May 21, 1941.] The public was admitted to the grounds until the 1950 celebration. During the Truman and first year of the Eisenhower administrations the President spoke from the stands on the south lawn.

Two live, 25-foot Oriental spruces to be used in alternate years were moved from another location within the White House grounds and were planted within the iron fence south of the fountain in the grounds, each about twenty-five feet off the White House-Jefferson Memorial Axis. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," memo from Gillen to Starling, June 19, 1941.]

The trees were planted 100 feet from the south fence [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," "National Community Christmas Tree 1941.], about 1,000 feet from the South Portico. [Washington Post, December 24, 1941.]

Stands for invited guests were erected 200 feet south of the South Portico, facing different directions in different years. These stands were for seating invited guests and members of the chorus. The remainder of the public stood along a cable barricade to the east, west, and south of the stands. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," "National Community Christmas Tree 1941.]

All traffic was suspended in the Ellipse while the southeast and southwest gates of the White House grounds were open. [Washington Post, December 24, 1941.]

The National Community Christmas Tree ceremony remained at this location until the move to the Ellipse in 1954 with the creation of the Christmas Pageant of Peace. The east tree is still extant (1998).

President and Participants: From the South Portico of the White House, President Roosevelt addressed the crowd and lit the tree shortly after 5:00 p.m. As the lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree in 1941 occurred only weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was in Washington to discuss wartime strategy with the President. The Prime Minister attended the event and after the President's greeting, gave another Christmas address. District of Columbia Commissioner Guy Mason presided at the ceremony and gave introductory remarks. [Washington Post, December 21, 1941.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce (1941). President Roosevelt lit the east tree of the two spruces that had been moved from elsewhere on the White House grounds and placed 100 feet from the south fence of the grounds. [Evening Star, December 25, 1941; NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," "National Community Christmas Tree -- 1941".]

The tree was decorated in red, white and blue by the Electric Institute of America, assisted by Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools and National Capital Parks, National Park Service. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," "National Community Christmas Tree -- 1941".]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The White House grounds were not open to the public until 4:30 p.m. for security reasons. In order to enter the grounds, the public was required to "check all packages with soldiers outside the Executive Mansion grounds" and pass through an "electric searcher." [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," "National Community Christmas Tree -- 1941"; Washington Post, December 24 and 25, 1941.]

A local Boy Scout and Girl Scout delivered the greetings of the people of Washington, and Christmas carols were led by choristers from eight different churches.

As part of the program, the Women's Council of the Washington Federation of Churches erected over 200 Christmas trees in the inhabited alleys of Washington.

The Washington Post distributed thousands of leaflets containing the words to the carols to be sung at the lighting of the tree. [Washington Post, December 24, 1941.]

Organization/Committees: Community Center Department, D.C. Public Schools; Municipal Playgrounds Department, D.C. Public Schools; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; American Forestry Association; and Greater National Capital Committee of the Washington Board of Trade. For the first time, the Washington Board of Trade was listed as one of the main sponsors of the event.

President and Participants: President Roosevelt addressed the crowd from the South Portico of the White House shortly after 4:00 p.m. Although the tree was not lit in the interests of security, the President did turn the switch (see below). Colonel Charles Kutz, District of Columbia Commissioner, introduced the President. [Evening Star, December 24, 1942.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce tree (1941). The west tree was used. [Washington Times, December 25, 1942.] Due to security concerns, the tree was not lit. Because of wartime restrictions, no new ornaments were purchased for the National Community Christmas Tree. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," letter from Bartlett to Kelly, December 14, 1942; Evening Star, December 13, 1942.] However, ornaments (excluding lights) from previous years were reused. In addition, Washington school children donated old ornaments, a program that provided a new way for children to participate in the celebration. [Evening Star, December 13, 1942.] American-made, large, ball-type ornaments were preferred by those in charge of decoration. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: While no lights were used in the interests of security, under the suggestion of the Electric Institute of Washington, for the sake of providing continuity in the use of the engraved switchbox, the President used the switchbox symbolically. The only result of his turning the switch was the sounding of the chimes heard by those present and the radio audience. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," letter from Bartlett to Kelly, December 12, 1942; Evening Star, December 25, 1942.]

The ceremony was held at its earliest time, beginning at 3:30 p.m. with the U.S. Marine Band concert.

As a part of the National Community Christmas Tree program, the Women's Council of the Washington Federation of Churches erected over 200 Christmas trees in the inhabited alleys of Washington.

No reserved parking was made available. Dignitaries were encouraged to arrive by foot or other transportation. [Evening Star, December 13, 1942.]

Organization/Committees: D.C. Recreation Board; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; and American Forestry Association. The lighting committee was changed to the trimming committee.

President and Participants: President Roosevelt broadcast a Christmas message to the Armed Forces from his home in Hyde Park, New York.

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce (1941). The west tree was used. As in 1942, the tree was not lit for security reasons during wartime.

By decision of the executive committee, Washington school children again contributed decoration for the tree. Ornaments were collected through the schools by D.C. Recreation Department. Each of the roughly 1,500 ornaments collected honored a relative or friend serving in the Armed Forces. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," letter from Gartside, December 31, 1943; Evening Star, December 19, 1943; Evening Star, December 22, 1943.] The decorations were removed from the tree earlier than usual, on December 29.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The ceremony occurred even earlier than in 1942, beginning at 2:15 p.m. The southeast and southwest gates at the White House were open to the public at 1:45 p.m. The grounds were to be cleared by 4:00 p.m. Cameras were barred from the grounds. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," "Timed Program, National Community Christmas Tree - 1943"; Evening Star, December 19, 1943; Evening Star, December 23, 1943.]

A chorus from the U. S. Navy School of Music and a chorus of WAVES, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, sung Christmas carols. [Evening Star, December 19, 1943.]

Miscellaneous: In early December, District of Columbia Commissioners suggested that the community Christmas tree celebration be canceled due to war restrictions. [Evening Star, December 6, 1943.] They cited lighting restrictions and the scarcity of decorations, and said that such a celebration would be "inconsistent with requests to commercial establishments and others to conserve electricity and would add to overcrowding of streetcars and streets." [Washington Post, December 7, 1943.] One newspaper reported prematurely that the White House had announced the cancellation of the event to conserve transportation and energy. [Evening Star, December 9, 1943.] Mrs. Roosevelt is thought to have insisted on the event occurring.[D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, year-by-year notes, undated.]

Outstanding Weather Conditions: Sub-freezing weather [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," memo for file, January 1, 1944.]

Organization/Committees: D.C. Recreation Board; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; and American Forestry Association.

President and Participants: President Roosevelt delivered his Christmas message from Hyde Park, New York. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," January 17, 1945.]. The message was also transmitted by short wave radio to Americans fighting overseas. The President assured both civilians and soldiers that "the tide of battle has turned slowly but inexorably against those who sought to destroy civilization." [Washington Post, December 25, 1944.] Guy Mason, District of Columbia Commissioner and National Community Christmas Tree Committee chairman, presided over the event.

Standing on the White House South Portico were fifty wounded veterans from Walter Reed Hospital and ten Red Cross workers, honored guests at the Christmas tree lighting. [NPS -WPP, "Christmas Pageant of Peace Binders," unidentified and undated newspaper article, ca. December 1944.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce (1941). The east tree was used, but remained dark due to wartime restrictions in place since 1942. It was decorated by 1,800 ornaments contributed by schoolchildren and dedicated to servicemen. [NPS-WESF, Box 19, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," December 13, 1944.]

The Electric Institute, with cooperation from D.C. Recreation Department and National Capital Parks Office, National Park Service, decorated the tree.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: Music was provided by the U.S. Marine Band. A chorus of WAVES, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, and seamen from the U.S. Navy School of Music sang carols.

Boy and Girl Scouts and Campfire Girls took part in the ceremony. [NPS-WESF, Box 19, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," December 13, 1944.]

Miscellaneous: Questions arose in early December among the White House and National Capital Parks, National Park Service staff about the advisability of lighting the tree or holding a ceremony during wartime. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," December 6, 1944; NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," December 12, 1944; NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 1o, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," "N.C.P. staff meeting minutes, December 6, 1944.]

President and Participants: President Truman lit the tree, which had not been lit since 1941, at 5:15 p.m. and delivered a Christmas message. Standing on the bandstand on the south lawn, he said, "This is the Christmas that a war-weary world has prayed for through long and awful years. With peace come joy and gladness. The gloom of the war years fades as once more we light the National Community Christmas Tree." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 24, 1945.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce (1941). New lights and ornaments were donated by the Electric Institute of Washington. The Electric Institute, along with cooperation of D.C. Recreation Department and National Capital Parks, National Park Service decorated the tree.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree was considered the signal for lighting thousands of trees in communities across the country.

The public was admitted by the south gates at 3:30, and the U.S. Marine Band performed between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. before the arrival of the President. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," "Recreation Board Press Release," December 10, 1945.]

As a part of the National Community Christmas Tree program, the Women's Council of the Washington Federation of Churches erected over 200 Christmas trees in the inhabited alleys of Washington. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1945.]

Miscellaneous: Complaints about the echo from the loudspeakers bouncing off the White House and returning to the audience and the inconvenience of the President having to push his way through the crowds spurred the committee to rearrange the bandstand the following year. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," NCP staff meeting minutes, January 2, 1946.]

Organization/Committees: Greater National Capital Committee of Washington Board of Trade; D.C. Recreation Department; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; American Forestry Association; and the Electric Institute of Washington. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," Recreation Board Press Release, December 10, 1945.]

President and Participants: President Truman lit the tree at 5:15 p.m. and gave a radio Christmas greeting. Again standing on the bandstand on the south lawn, he asked that the American people "strive with undaunted faith and courage to achieve in the present some measure of that unity with which the Nation's sons and the sons of our allies went forth to win the war." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 24, 1946] Chief Justice Bolitha J. Laws of the District of Columbia, chairman of the national committee, presided. The vice-chairman was Guy Mason, District of Columbia Commissioner. [Evening Star, December 25, 1946.]

In a prominent position near the President was a special platform for a group of convalescent veterans from Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospitals, with an accompanying motorcycle escort and ramp access for the veterans. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," Memo, December 17, 1946.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce (1941). The east tree was decorated and illuminated as the Christmas tree. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," letter from Sibyl Baker, December 10, 1946] The Electric Institute, along with the cooperation of D.C. Recreation Department and National Capital Parks, National Park Service, decorated the tree.

Since the trees planted in 1941 had become damaged by use, there was a suggestion that artificial trees be substituted for the live Oriental spruces planted in 1941. The American Forestry Association opposed the plan.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: This was the first year that the ceremony was televised. However, the telecast was not widespread. In addition to the existing committees for the National Community Christmas Tree, a television and broadcasting committee was formed. [Evening Star, December 25, 1946.] Large decorative candles were placed on the side of the bandstand. [Evening Star, December 25, 1946.]

A local Eagle Scout and Girl Scout delivered greetings from the people of Washington. [Evening Star, December 25, 1946.]

Organization/Committees: D.C. Recreation Department (Sibyl Baker); National Capital Parks, National Park Service (Edward Kelly); American Forestry Association; Electric Institute of Washington; and Greater National Committee of the Washington Board of Trade. [Evening Star, December 25, 1946] A radio and television broadcasting committee was formed, joining the executive committee, the national committee, and the lighting committee.

President and Participants: President Truman delivered a Christmas greeting to the nation and lit the National Community Christmas Tree shortly at 5:15 p.m. The President spoke about those in Europe who found themselves homeless at Christmas and asked that American extend aid "to our less fortunate brothers." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 24, 1947.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce tree (1941). The west tree was decorated and lit. [Washington Post, December 25, 1947.]

The Electric Institute, along with the cooperation of D.C. Recreation Department and National Capital Parks, National Park Service, decorated the tree.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The ceremony was televised by the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) and De Monte Television Co. [Evening Star, December 10, 1947.]

A concert of carols by the U.S. Marine Band from 4:30 until 5:00 p.m. preceded the arrival of the President and Mrs. Truman.

A Girl Scout and an Eagle Scout delivered the greetings of the people of Washington to the President and the First Lady.

The singing of carols, led by the Central High School Glee Club of Washington, D.C., followed the President's address and the lighting of the tree. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1947.]

Organization/Committees: D.C. Recreation Department; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; American Forestry Association; Electric Institute of Washington; and Greater National Capital Committee of the Washington Board of Trade.

President and Participants: With President Truman at his home in Independence, Missouri, a rebroadcast of an audio address taped earlier was delivered to those gathered on the south lawn at 5:15 p.m. President Truman signaled for the lighting of the tree by remote control. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 24, 1948.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce (1941). The Electric Institute, with cooperation of D.C. Recreation Department and National Capital Parks, National Park Service, decorated the east tree. [Washington Post, December 25, 1925.] The tree was decorated with red and green lights and featured a white light as every third light in order that it would televise well. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," executive committee meeting notes, January 9, 1949.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The ceremony was based on successful traditional programs of previous years, with the only change being the use of more white lights which were chosen for how well they would televise. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," executive committee meeting notes, January 9, 1949.]

"Mammoth Christmas ornaments," good for daytime viewing, were made especially for the decoration of the National Community Christmas Tree site. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," executive committee meeting notes, January 9, 1949.]

Although the President and Mrs. Truman were absent, greetings of the people of Washington to the President and the First Lady were delivered by a boy and a girl named outstanding by recipients of the Recreation Department 1948 Youth Award.

Miscellaneous: The television broadcast was further expanded in 1948. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, year-by-year notes, undated.] Decisions about decorations were made with the television audience in mind.

President and Participants: President Truman delivered greetings by radio and television and lit the tree by remote control from his home in Independence, Missouri at 5:15 p.m. [Evening Star, December 25, 1949.] In Washington, the switch was thrown by Billie Hills, the son of W.G. Hills, managing director of the Electric Institute of Washington. [Evening Star, December 25, 1949.] Likely having in mind his bill to let another 134,000 displaced persons into the country, the President spoke of the fate of the homeless in Europe and pleaded for the acceptance of the United States as a haven for war refugees. "We must not forget that there are thousands and thousands of families homeless, hopeless, destitute, and torn with despair on this Christmas Eve. For them as for the Holy Family on the first Christmas, there is no room in the inn." [Evening Star, December 25, 1949; Public Papers of the Presidents, December 24, 1948.]

Secretary of the Interior Oscar Chapman presided over the event. He suggested that American children donate toys to needy European children at Christmas time. [Evening Star, December 25, 1949.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce (1941). The east tree was used. [Washington Post, December 25, 1949 (photographic documentation).]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: A group of thirty patients from the Kabat-Kiser Institute and others from veterans' hospitals were scheduled to be guests at the event of the tree lighting. It is unclear as to whether they attended. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," December 16, 1949.]

Ten men dressed in Santa Claus costumes, representing the Committee for Amnesty, War Resisters League, Peacemakers, and the Central Committee of Conscientious Objectors, picketed the White House seeking amnesty for conscientious objectors. [Washington Post, December 25, 1949.]

Organization/Committees: D.C. Recreation Board; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; American Forestry Association; Electric Institute of Washington; and Greater National Capital Committee of the Washington Board of Trade.

President and Participants: At approximately 5:15 p.m. President Truman lit the National Community Christmas Tree from Independence, Missouri, for the third year in a row. In his pre-recorded address the President called "for a peace which is the fruit of righteousness." Thinking of the war in Asia, President Truman asked that the nation think of the "thousands of our boys…on the cold and dreary battlefields of Korea." The President said, "We are all joined in the fight against the tyranny of communism. Communism is godless. Democracy is the harvest of faith -- faith in one's self, faith in one's neighbors, faith in God." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 24, 1950.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce (1941). The west tree was used. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, notes on 1950 program; Evening Star, December 25, 1950.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: Beginning in 1950, the public was not admitted to the White House grounds due to the renovations of the White House. [Evening Star, December 25, 1950.] The audience for the lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree was kept outside the fence that surrounds the south lawn of the White House. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, undated notes.] A newspaper reported, "The public will not be admitted to the grounds, but the guest stand and bandstand and choristers will be visible from roped-off enclosures immediately outside the fence." [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, unidentified and undated newspaper article, ca. 1950.]

Although the President and Mrs. Truman were absent, Christmas greetings from the people of Washington were presented to the President and Mrs. Truman by a local Eagle Scout and Girl Scout.

Organization/Committees: National Capital Parks, National Park Service; D.C. Recreation Board, with approval from the White House [NARA, RG- 351, Entry 21, Box 72, letter from White House to DC Board of Recreation, November 14, 1950]; Greater National Capital Committee of the Board of Trade; American Forestry Association; Electric Institute of Washington; and National Capital Sesquicentennial Commission.

President and Participants: Pressing a telegraph key, President Truman lit the National Community Christmas Tree at 5:15 p.m. from his home in Independence, Missouri for the fourth year in a row. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 24, 1951.] President Truman expressed his sadness about the suffering and the sacrifice of the American soldiers fighting in Korea. The President spoke of the need to avoid the kind of total world war that was the reality ten years earlier in 1941, and to achieve a real peace - "a peace that shall be a positive reality and not an empty hope; a just and lasting peace." [Evening Star, December 25, 1951; Public Papers of the Presidents, December 24, 1951.]

John A. Remon, chairman of the National Capital Park Planning Commission, made introductory remarks. [Evening Star, December 25, 1951.]

President Truman's fourth year in a row in Missouri prompted a fear by the committee for the National Community Christmas Tree "that the custom of having the President light the tree has about disappeared." Wary of the negative effect on attendance caused by the repeated absence of the President, Sibyl Baker, chairman of the executive committee, expressed the need to "rehabilitate" the National Community Christmas Tree. [Washington Post, January 9, 1952.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce (1941). The east tree was decorated with 900 lights and 1,200 ornaments. [Evening Star, December 25, 1951.]

Although the President and Mrs. Truman were absent, Christmas greetings from the people of Washington were presented to the President and Mrs. Truman by a local Eagle Scout and Camp Fire Girl. [Evening Star, December 25, 1951.]

Organization/Committees: D.C. Recreation Board, with approval from the White House [NARA, RG- 351, Entry 21, Box 72, letter from White House to DC Board of Recreation, October 30, 1951]; Electric Institute of Washington; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; Greater National Capital Committee of the Washington Board of Trade; and American Forestry Association.

President and Participants: President Truman addressed the crowd at the lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree, and lit the tree in person on the south lawn for the first time since 1947. As in 1950 and 1951, the President spoke of the men and women fighting in Korea, saying, "Tonight, our hearts turn first of all to our brave men and women in Korea…." The President made a plea for world peace and prayed for the nation's enemies. About the war, the President said, "Our efforts to establish law and order in the world are not directed against any nation or any people. We seek only a universal peace, where all nations shall be free and all peoples shall enjoy their inalienable human rights." [Evening Star, December 25, 1952; Public Papers of the Presidents, December 24, 1952.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce (1941). The east tree was decorated with 900 green and red hand-dipped bulbs, and 1,400 ornaments. [Evening Star, December 25, 1952; Abbie Rowe, National Park Service photographer, #1827-N, National Archives and Records Administration (photographic documentation).]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: A letter from the Sodality Union of Washington, D.C. to Edward J. Kelly, chairman of the national committee, suggested that a nativity scene be incorporated into the yearly display at the National Community Christmas Tree. Kelly responded that the suggestion would be considered for 1953, and inquired into whether the Sodality Union might be able to provide the nativity scene. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," letter from McGuire to Kelly, December 13, 1952.]

The bandstand was erected facing the Ellipse, as in 1950 and 1951, to decrease the echo bouncing off the White House. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," memo, December 9, 1952.]

Organization/Committees: D.C. Recreation Board, with permission from the White House [NARA, RG- 351, Entry 21, Box 72, letters, November 8 and 13, 1952 from White House to D.C. Board of Recreation.]; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; American Forestry Association; and Greater National Capital Committee of the Washington Board of Trade.

President and Participants: President Eisenhower lit the National Community Christmas Tree for the first time at roughly 5:00 p.m. In his Christmas address the President gave thanks for the peaceful season, the "first peaceful one since 1949." [Evening Star, December 25, 1953.] The President spoke of the hopefulness of the season, "even though the world still stands divided into two antagonistic parts." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 24, 1953.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce (1941). The tree was decorated with 1,500 red and green 10-watt bulbs and was illuminated by mercury vapor floodlights. [Evening Star, December 25, 1953.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The radio broadcast and the telecast of this program was the most comprehensive in the history of the event. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, notes on 1953 program.] The lighting of the tree was watched on television "by millions," and the President's address was broadcast through the Voice of America in thirty-four languages. [Evening Star, December 25, 1953.]

The National Press Club and the U.S. Marine Band gave a concert prior to the arrival of the President.

Greetings to the President and Mrs. Truman from the people of Washington were extended by a local Camp Fire Girl and Boy Scout.

The Sodality Union wrote to the executive committee again, expressing their conviction that the inclusion of a nativity scene would be met with widespread approval. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," August 15, 1953.]

Organization/Committees: D.C. Recreation Department; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; American Forestry Association; and Greater National Capital Committee of the Washington Board of Trade.

The committee on radio and television included representatives from the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), DuMont Television Network, Mutilate Broadcasting System, National Broadcasting Company (NBC), and local radio stations.

President and Participants: Vice President Johnson stood in for President Kennedy when the President was called away to be with his ailing father in Palm Beach, Florida. Mrs. Johnson attended the ceremony with her husband. The Vice President lit the tree at roughly 5:00 p.m. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, unidentified, December 21, 1961.] The Vice President spoke of the nation's dedication to Christ's quest for peace. "In the last analysis," the Vice President said, "our strength does not reside in material things. Our wealth and our arms, our great cities and out mighty buildings, will avail us not if we lack spiritual strength to subdue mere objects to the higher purposes of humanity." [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, unidentified newspaper article, December 21, 1961.]

Edward Carr, president of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, held the switch box for the Vice President to light the tree.

Walter N. Tobringer, president of the D.C. Board of Commissioners, spoke at the ceremony. [NARA, RG-351, Entry 21, Box 72, File 1-073, "Relative Miscellanea -- 'Pageants of Peace,'" letter, December 15, 1961.]

The Tree: Cut, 75-foot Douglas fir from Washington state. The tree was donated by Weyerhaeuser Company's Clemons Tree Farm in Washington. The farm was dedicated in 1941 as the first tree farm in America to manage forestlands to provide wood, water, wildlife and recreation. [NPS -WPP, "Christmas Pageant of Peace Binders," "Fact Sheet, 1961 National Community Christmas Tree".]

The tree was lit from an electronic console that transformed musical notes into impulses that changed the color and degree of brightness of the lights. Thus, when the air filled with song the lights began to flicker. [Washington Post, December 21, 1961.] It was decorated with 3,000 lights. [Washington Post, December 21, 1961.]

A church in Massachusetts crafted part of the 1961 tree into an altar. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 16, File 1115-27, "Christmas Pageant of Peace, 1/2/62-12/22/62," letter, February 21, 1962.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The 1961 turning of the switch lit another tree in Skokie, Illinois. The Skokie-Washington tie-in was the first of its kind, and used the same remote control technique that President Eisenhower used previously to light the Washington tree from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The tie-in was arranged when Illinois Congresswoman Marguerite Stitt Church referred her constituents to the Washington Board of Trade. Technical provisions were made by the American Telephone & Telegraph Company. [Washington Post, December 21, 1961.]

President and Participants: President Kennedy presented Christmas greetings and lit the tree at 5:15 p.m. his only year presiding at the Christmas Pageant of Peace. The President expressed his hope for peace, "after a year when the peace has been sorely tried." "This has been a year of peril," the President said, "when the threat to peace was faced." The President also paid tribute to Americans serving abroad. [Washington Post, December 18, 1962.] Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall served as master of ceremonies. D.C. Commissioner Walter Tobringer gave an address. [Evening Star, December 18, 1962.]

As he was leaving, the President veered from his path to shake hands with the public, causing fear among U.S. Park Police that the crowds would mob the President. [Washington Post, December 18, 1962.]

The tree was conventional, lacking the "dancing lights" of 1961. It was decorated with 5,000 multicolored lights and 4,000 ornaments. [Washington Post, December 18, 1962.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The Pathway of Peace was lit with fifty-three small trees, representing the states and territories. The trees were decorated with alternating blue and green lights. [NPS - WESF, RG-79, Box 16, File 1115-27, "Christmas Pageant of Peace," "Requirements for the Christmas Pageant of Peace," December 4, 1962.]

Music on opening night was provided by the U.S. Marine Band and the Tuskeegee Institute Choir from Alabama. [Evening Star, December 18, 1962.]

The Pageant included eight reindeer from the National Zoo, a life-size nativity scene, and a Yule log. [Evening Star, December 18, 1962.]

Miscellaneous: National Capital Parks, National Park Service began to receive letters regarding the constitutionality of the crèche at the Christmas Pageant of Peace. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 16, File 1115-27, "Christmas Pageant of Peace, 1/2/62-12/22/62," letter, February 21, 1962.]

President and Participants: President Eisenhower, accompanied by Mrs. Eisenhower, delivered a Christmas message before lighting the National Community Christmas Tree at 5:25 p.m. The President expressed his hope for a lasting peace, but noted the oppression and cruel suffering still inflicted on helpless people in some parts of the world. "Even at this happy season, we dare not forget crimes against justice, denial of mercy, violation of human dignity.... Neither dare we forget out blessings." The President spoke of the U.S. dedication to peace, but also of intolerance of evil. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 17, 1954.] Secretary of the Interior Douglas McKay and Edward J. Kelly and Edward Carr of the Christmas Pageant of Peace committee attended. Kelly held the switchbox. Also attending were Vice President Nixon, Mrs. Nixon, and daughters Tricia and Julie. [Evening Star, December 18, 1954.]

The Tree: Cut, 67-foot balsam fir from Michigan. The tree was decorated with 2,100 lights in red, blue and gold. [Washington Post, December 18, 1954.] Hargrove Decorating was hired to decorate the tree.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The "Voice of America" carried the message throughout the world in thirty-eight languages. [Evening Star, December 18, 1954.]

As the President lit the tree, barracks in the Armed Forces overseas, and cities and towns across the country were invited to arrange similar lightings. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," White House Press Conference, November 4, 1954.]

Pageant elements included a life-size nativity scene for the first time, exhibition booths, and a stage for nightly entertainment including tableaux, concerts, and religious services. Reindeer arrived in a sleigh driven by "Santa Claus" on December 17. [Washington Post, December 16-17, 1954.]

The D.C. government granted permission to the committee to display a Christmas message in a municipal location. [NARA, RG-351, Entry 21, Box 72, memo, from Veteran's Service Center to Board of Commissioners, December 13, 1954.]

Organization/Committees: D.C. Recreation Board; American Forestry Association; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; Greater National Capital Committee of the Washington Board of Trade; Electric Institute of Washington; Washington Federation of Churches; and Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.

President and Participants: President Eisenhower lit the tree using a gold telegraph key from his home in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In his address to the nation, the President stressed the universal desire for peace, and suggested that every American strive to do his best to bring about better understanding in the world. [Washington Post, December 19, 1955.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: A double row of smaller trees representing states, embassies, and U.S. territories formed the Pathway of Peace.

Other Pageant elements included a children's corner with a reindeer pen, a life-size nativity scene, exhibition booths, and a stage.

"Voice of America" broadcast the program in thirty-eight languages. [Washington Post, December 19, 1955.]

Miscellaneous: After the successful three-week Pageant in 1954, the Washington Board of Trade decided to organize the Christmas Pageant of Peace again. In October, a non-profit organization, Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc., was formed with Edward Carr as president. [Washington Post, October 2, 1955.] In November, Edward Kelly of National Capital Parks, National Park Service appointed the Christmas Pageant of Peace committee. [Washington Post, November 23, 1955.]

President and Participants: President Eisenhower delivered a Christmas message and lit the National Community Christmas Tree at 5:15 p.m. The President spoke about Americans who, "inspired by the story of Christmas," spread abundance, freedom, and honor to those less fortunate. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 20, 1956.] Edward Carr, president and general chairman of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, officiated at the lighting of the tree.

The Tree: Cut, 67-foot Engelmann spruce from New Mexico. This tree was the largest tree up to that year. [Washington Post, December 2, 1956.] The tree was decorated with 5,000 lights, 4,000 decorations, and 1,000 sparkling ornaments. Hargrove Decorating decorated the tree.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: Other communities across the country timed their community tree lightings to correspond with the national tree. Airliners, ships at sea, cities, towns, and embassies planned to lease Western Union wires with a direct tie-in with the tree on the Ellipse. [NPS-WPP, "Christmas Pageant of Peace Binders, unidentified newspaper article, December 19, 1956; Washington Post, December 21, 1956.]

A double row of 50 smaller trees representing the forty-eight states, embassies, and legations formed the Pathway of Peace. [Evening Star, December 9, 1956.]

"Voice of America" broadcast the program in thirty-eight languages. [Washington Post, December 21, 1956.]

A local Boy Scout and Girl Scout brought greetings from the people of Washington to the President and Mrs. Eisenhower. [Washington Post, December 21, 1956.]

Miscellaneous: On March 29, 1956, President Eisenhower proclaimed the General Grant Tree, designated in 1926 as the "Nation's Christmas Tree" by President Coolidge, as a National Shrine. The tree is a living memorial to the men and women of the United States who have given their lives in service to their country. Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz was the President's personal representative at the official dedication on Veterans Day, November 11. Each year during the annual Christmas ceremony, park rangers place a large wreath at the base of the tree. [NPS Homepage - www.nps.gov/seki/xmastree.htm, June 23, 1998.] (See also 1926 and 1931 for additional information.)

President and Participants: President Eisenhower delivered a Christmas message and lit the National Community Christmas Tree at 5:15 p.m. The President warned that "sweat and toil...courage, patience, self-sacrifice" would be needed to achieve and sustain world peace. He also affirmed the U.S. dedication to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He said, "In dedication to peace, in our determination and readiness collectively to sustain that peace, we are firmly joined with our NATO partners -- as indeed we are with other friendly nations around the world." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 23, 1957.] Secretary of the Interior Fred E. Seaton delivered remarks, and Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, District of Columbia Commissioner Robert E. McLaughlin, and Christmas Pageant of Peace president Edward Carr also took part in the ceremony. Vice President and Mrs. Nixon attended the ceremony as well. [Washington Post, December 24, 1957.]

The Tree: Cut, 60-foot white spruce from Minnesota. The tree was trimmed by Hargrove Decorating with 500 multi-colored plastic balls, 9,000 9-watt electric bulbs, 200 clusters of glitter ornaments, approximately 350 plastic snowflakes, and a five-foot plastic star at the top. [Washington Post, December 18, 1957.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: In many of the larger cities across the country, mayors timed their community tree lighting to correspond with the national tree. [Washington Post, December 21, 1957.]

The children's corner included a mechanical Santa with a sleigh, puppet shows and story-telling hour.

Other Pageant elements included a life-size nativity scene, a Yule log pit, a reindeer pen with eight live reindeer, exhibition booths, and a stage for nightly performances over the course of the Pageant.

The climax of the Pageant was a festival at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium featuring folk dancing performances organized by embassies.

President and Participants: The President and Mrs. Eisenhower attended the tree-lighting ceremony. The President lit the National Community Christmas Tree and delivered a Christmas message at 5:00 p.m. The President spoke of a "new anticipation of a better, a more peaceful world," and declared that "the people of the United States and their Government do not want war. They want to work steadfastly to make 'Peace on Earth. Good Will Toward Men' a reality for all humankind." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 23, 1958.]

The President said that he hoped that the ceremony had greater significance than the lighting of the tree. "I pray that all darkness, which at times has encompassed the world, may be illuminated by the light of understanding and cooperation of all the nations that earnestly seek peace in the year ahead." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 23, 1958.] The President's speech was televised nationally and broadcast by the "Voice of America". [Evening Star, December 24, 1958; Public Papers of the Presidents, December 23, 1958.]

Conrad L. Wirth, director of the National Park Service, held the switchbox. [Evening Star, December 24, 1958.] Vice President and Mrs. Nixon attended the event.

The Tree: Cut, 74-foot Englemann Spruce from Montana . The tree was set aglow with 7,000 lights. [Evening Star, December 24, 1958.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: 10 live reindeer, a gift to the President and the American people from the governor and citizens of Alaska, were introduced into the Pageant. After the festivities, the reindeer were brought to the National Zoo where they were housed until the following year. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," News Release/ Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau, November 25, 1958; Evening Star, December 24, 1958; Washington Post and Times Herald, December 24, 1958.]

The U.S. Marine Band led off the program, which also included the Potomac English Handbell Ringers. [Evening Star, December 24, 1958.]

A scroll bearing a Christmas message and signed by the governors of the forty-nine states adorned the Pathway of Peace.

The printed program was expanded to twelve pages to include the schedule of performances over the course of the pageant. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 12, "Christmas Tree -- 1959, program, National Community Christmas Tree, 1958.]

President and Participants: Accompanied by Mrs. Eisenhower, President Eisenhower turned the switch to light the National Community Christmas Tree at about 5:15 p.m. In his message President Eisenhower said, "differing peoples and systems can exist in this world" without "inevitable conflict." Just returned from a trip to Africa, Asia, and Europe, the President spoke about trying to "improve the climate in which diplomacy might work more successfully." "The assurance of peace in freedom is the key to betterment of peoples everywhere," he said. "In a just peace, friendship between all peoples will flourish." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 23, 1959.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: For the first time, Pageant decorators spread a green dye on the ground to give the Ellipse a fresh look.

Two groups of singers sat on the podium with the President -- the Santa Barbara (California) Youth for Christ Chorale, and the American choral group, Little Singers of Paris. [Washington Post, December 24, 1959.]

A Greek Orthodox vespers service closed the first night of the Christmas Pageant of Peace. [Washington Post, December 24, 1959.]

The reindeer from the 1958 program were reintroduced to the Pageant from the National Zoo.

Other Pageant elements included a life-size nativity scene, a Yule log pit, and a stage for nightly performances over the course of the Pageant.

Foreign embassies joined the celebration after an absence in 1958. [Washington Post, December 24, 1959.]

President and Participants: President Eisenhower lit the National Community Christmas Tree at 5:20 p.m. In his address the President made a call for improving the country and removing imperfections through achieving the end of prejudice. He said, "When, through bitter prejudice and because of differences in skin pigmentation, individuals can not enjoy equality of political and economic opportunity, we see another of these imperfections," "a blot on the brightness of America's image." [Evening Star, December 24, 1960; Public Papers of the Presidents, December 23, 1960.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The U.S. Marine Band performed at the beginning of the program. Also performing were the Cathedral Bell Ringers of St. Philip, Atlanta, Georgia. [Evening Star, December 23, 1960.]

At the children's corner was a "Mitten Tree," sponsored by the Protestant Churches of the Washington area, where needy children could receive warm clothing for the winter.

Outstanding Weather Conditions: freezing weather (21o) with an inch of snow on the ground [Evening Star, December 24, 1960.]

President and Participants: President Johnson lit the National Community Christmas Tree at 6:30 p.m. Originally slated for December 18, the ceremony was delayed four days to await the end of the thirty-day mourning period after the assassination of President Kennedy. President Johnson said, "Today we come to the end of a season of great national sorrow, and to the beginning of the season of great, eternal joy. We mourn our great President, John F. Kennedy, but he would have us go on. While our spirits cannot be light, our hearts need not be heavy." He said that he hoped that the nation would "not lose the closeness and the sense of sharing and the spirit of mercy and compassion, which these last few days have brought to us all." [Washington Post, December 23, 1963; Public Papers of the Presidents, December 22, 1963.]

Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall opened the service by saying that this was a Christmas that combined sadness and joy. [Washington Post, December 23, 1963.]

The Tree: Cut, 71-foot Norway (red) spruce from West Virginia. The tree was decorated with 8,000 lights.

General Electric Company began a decades-long tradition of providing a lighting design and decorations for the tree. [NPS-WHL, RG-79, Box SE-006, "A82 President's Park - 1985 Christmas Pageant of Peace, GE Newsletter.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: Between 1959 and 1962 Pageant decorators had used a green dye to make the Ellipse look fresh. In 1963 they did not use the dye as the ground was covered with snow. [Washington Post, December 21, 1963.]

80 smaller tress were lit and arranged on the Ellipse in the shape of a "Cross of Peace." ["The Presidents and their Christmas Trees," American Forests December, 1965; Washington Daily News, December 23, 1963.]

The eight reindeer from the National Zoo were exhibited in a pen on the Ellipse. [Washington Post, December 21, 1963.]

Outstanding Weather Conditions: Unusually cold, with snow [Washington Post, December 23, 1963.]

Miscellaneous: The U.S. Post Office issued a stamp commemorating forty years of the National Christmas Tree. The artist for the stamp was Lily Spandorf.

Few if any program remain from this event. The original programs, bearing the name of President Kennedy, were likely destroyed following his death. [Conversation, July 30, 1998, C.L. Arlbebide and Laura Schiavo.]

President and Participants: President Johnson, accompanied by his family, lit the tree and gave a Christmas greeting at 6:57 p.m. The President spoke about the moment as one of great hope and an age of peace, saying, "these are the most hopeful times since Christ was born in Bethlehem. ... By his inventions, man has made war unthinkable, now and forevermore." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 18, 1964.] Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall and D.C. Commissioner Tobringer spoke before the President's address. Vice President-elect Hubert H. Humphrey was in attendance.

The Tree: Cut, 72-foot Adirondack white spruce from New York. The tree, decorated with 7,500 lights and 5,000 ornaments, was topped with a cross instead of the traditional star. [Washington Post, December 11, 1964.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The Pageant was similar to the 1963 celebration, with reindeer, a Yule log, and a life-size nativity scene.

Miscellaneous: Following the lighting of the tree there was a lunar eclipse. [Evening Star, December 19, 1963.]

President and Participants: President Johnson lit the tree and delivered a Christmas greeting at 5:20 p.m. The President spoke about the brave American men in combat in Vietnam, and their striving for peace. "We know that peace is not merely the absence of war. It is that climate in which man may be liberated form the hopelessness that imprisons his spirit." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 17, 1965.] In attendance on stage were British Prime Minister Harold Wilson and Vice President Hubert Humphrey. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 17, 1965.]

The Tree: Cut, 70-foot blue spruce from White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation, Arizona. This was the first tree presented by an Indian tribe for use as the National Community Christmas Tree. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 21, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace, January 1, 1966, Part 1," letter, January 19, 1966.] On November 15, the day the tree was cut in Arizona, the White Mountain Apache Tribe held a ceremony with Apache dancers. [NPS-ESF, RG-79, Box 18, "A 8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace," US Department of the Interior Press Release, October 17, 1965.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The American Mining Congress of Zanesville, Ohio, began working with the National Park Service to provide state and territorial trees for the Pathway of Peace. This partnership continued until 1971. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 29, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace 1/1/72, letter from the American Mining Congress, June 7, 1972.] The mining company contributed fifty-three small trees in 1965, for the fifty states and three territories.

The Pageant was similar to the 1964 celebration, with reindeer, a Yule log, and a life-size nativity scene.

Miscellaneous: The National Park Service began to receive letters regarding the importance of conservation and the inadvisability of cutting down a tree for use as the National Community Christmas Tree every year. These letters urged the National Park Service to introduce a live tree to the Christmas Pageant of Peace. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 18, File 1115-27, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace," letter, December 14, 1965.]

President and Participants: President Johnson lit the tree and delivered a Christmas greeting at approximately 5:20 p.m. The President was accompanied by Mrs. Johnson and their daughter, Lynda. Vice President Humphrey and Mrs. Humphrey, Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall, and president of the D.C. Board of Commissioners Walter Tobringer also attended. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 15, 1966.] In his address, the President said that peace in Vietnam is "some time ahead," but that "the tide of the battle has turned." The President also spoke about the 20 million African Americans who "still yearn for the rights and dignity that the rest of us take for granted," and "half the world's people" abroad who "struggle daily against hunger, disease, and poverty." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 15, 1966.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: Seated a few seats away from the President were four astronauts, U.S. Navy Commander James A. Lovell, Jr., U.S. Air Force Major Thomas Stafford, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Frank Borman, and U.S. Navy Captain Walter M. Schirra. [Evening Star, December 16, 1966.]

Before the ceremony the President had appeared unannounced at a White House reception given by Lady Bird Johnson for local Vietnam veterans. [Evening Star, December 16, 1966.]

Fifty-three 12-foot trees from the American Mining Congress and the Pittsburgh and Midway Coal Mining Company of Kansas City, Missouri were arranged in an arc, instead of lining a pathway to the National Community Christmas Tree. [Washington Board of Trade News, December, 1966.]

Ceremony elements included the Yule log, a reindeer pen, and a nativity scene. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 21, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace 1/1/66," memo, November 28, 1966.]

A local Boy Scout and Girl Scout delivered a Christmas message to the President and Mrs. Johnson from the people of Washington. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 21, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace 1/1/66," memo, letters, December 12, 1966.]

President and Participants: President Johnson delivered a Christmas greeting and lit the tree at roughly 5:56 p.m. In his address he spoke about scientific breakthroughs, the tragedy of war, and hope for peace. He remembered those fighting abroad and the 500,000 Americans celebrating Christmas without a beloved son or husband. [Washington Post, December 15, 1967.] Washington, D.C. Mayor Walter Washington, Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall, and Governor Philip H. Hoof of Vermont, whose state had donated the tree, sat on the podium with the President. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 15, 1967.]

As the President arrived at the ceremony, his white mongrel dog Yuki, with a red cap and a white beard, bounced along behind him. [Evening Star, December 16, 1967.]

The Tree: Cut, 70-foot balsam fir from Vermont. The tree was decorated with 4,000 red, white, and blue lights, and 250 gold balls. [Washington Post, December 15, 1967.]

The tree topper, designed by A.L. Hart of General Electric, was a four-foot spire with stars at its base.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The Festival Singers of Toronto, Canada performed, marking the first time that choral group from a foreign nation had participated in the opening ceremonies. [Washington Post, December 15, 1967.]

Fifty-three state and territory trees lined the Pathway of Peace. [Evening Star, December 16, 1967.]

President and Participants: After delivering a Christmas message, President Johnson lit the tree at 5:48 p.m. for the sixth and final time. In his address, he prayed for peace and reconciliation abroad, and tranquillity at home. The President was accompanied by his daughter Luci Nugent and his grandson Lyn Nugent. [Evening Star, December 17, 1968.] Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall; Edward Carr, president of the Christmas Pageant of Peace; John M. Dalton, chairman of the Christmas Pageant of Peace; Senator Frank E. Moss of Utah, whose state donated the tree; and Washington, D.C. Mayor Walter Washington, all sat on the stage. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 16, 1968.]

The Tree: Cut, 74-foot Engelmann spruce from Utah. The tree was decorated with 4,000 blue and green lights.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: At the same time that the President lit the National Community Christmas Tree, a tree was lit in the Alaskan village of Hooper Bay on the Bering Sea coast. This Alaskan village was the first to be electrified under grants made to the Alaskan Village Electric Cooperative for the purpose of bringing electric power to isolated villages of Alaska. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 21, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace 1/1/66," memo, December 16, 1968.]

The state trees along the Pathway of Peace were again donated by the American Mining Congress.

Miscellaneous: The first legal challenge to the appropriateness of the display of the nativity scene in connection with the Christmas Pageant of Peace was introduced by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The ACLU invoked the "establishment clause" of the First Amendment. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 21, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace, 1/1/66, Part 1," letter, August 5, 1968.] In response, National Park Service argued that the crèche and the tree were not strictly religious, but were "symbols of the national holiday." [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 21, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace, 1/1/66, Part 1," Follow-up Slip, August 23, 1968.] Nevertheless, National Park Service made new arrangements for the crèche whereby National Park Service would cease to be involved in its storage, maintenance, repair, or construction. Those responsibilities would be assumed by the private Christmas Pageant of Peace committee. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 21, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace, 1/1/66, Part 1," letter, September 10, 1968.]

President and Participants: President Nixon, joined by Mrs. Nixon and daughter Tricia, lit the National Community Christmas Tree at 5:50 p.m. Speaking above the jests of approximately 200 anti-war protesters in the crowd, the President discussed a new decade of peace. [Washington Post, December 17, 1969.] The President spoke of the United States as the richest and strongest nation in the world, while expressing hope for peace at a time of war. Secretary of the Interior Walter J. Hickel; Representative Carleton King of New York, whose state had donated the tree; and Washington, D.C. Mayor Walter Washington also attended the event.

The Tree: Cut, 75-foot Norway spruce from Glens Falls, New York. 9,000 small red and white lights illuminated the tree, decorated with white balls and silver and gold ornaments.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The ceremony was carried internationally via satellite. [Evening Star, December 17, 1969.]

Miscellaneous: At about 5 o'clock, before the arrival of the President, U.S. Park Police arrested eight adults and one seventeen-year-old on charges of disorderly conduct. Among them were two ministers. [Washington Post, December 17, 1969.]

As the President spoke, fifty demonstrators from the D.C. Moratorium Committee and the New Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam shouted, "Stop the War." Some protestors unfurled Viet Cong flags. [Evening Star, December 17, 1969.]

The National Park Service received many letters advising the planting of a living tree for reasons of conservation and environmentalism. [NPS-WHL, RG-79, Box 27, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace, 1/1/69-12/31/70," telegram, October 30, 1969.]

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), joined by the American Jewish Congress, sued the Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc. contending that the nativity scene amounted to government sponsorship of religion. The ACLU represented two priests, a rabbi, and a member of the American Ethical Society. They requested an injunction to prohibit the construction of the nativity scene until a decision in the matter had come down. This request was rejected by the U.S. State Court of Appeals, ruling that construction could not be blocked while the case was being decided. The suit was then dismissed on the grounds that no one is harmed by the nativity scene, nor obligated to look at it, and that the nativity scene was intended not as a religious symbol "but as a reminder of our spiritual heritage," its purpose "wholly secular." Although the ACLU appealed that decision, the crèche remained on the Ellipse in 1969. [NPS-WHL, Box 27, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace 1/1/69, closed 12/31/70," unidentified newspaper article, December 13, 1969; Washington Post, December 13, 1969.]

President and Participants: President Nixon attended the Christmas Pageant of Peace with Mrs. Nixon and daughters Tricia Nixon and Julie Eisenhower. The President delivered a Christmas message saying that the nation could look forward to the end of the war. Then, saying "He's the smallest child here," the President selected five-year-old Andre Proctor of Washington, D.C. from the audience to help him light the tree at 5:42 p.m. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 27, "A8227, Christmas Pageant of Peace 1/1/71," letter, January 20, 1971; Public Papers of the Presidents, December 16, 1970.] Unlike the previous year, there was no heckling from the crowd. [Washington Post, December 17, 1970.] The President said, regarding the war in Vietnam, "We can look forward with assurance to the end of that war." [Washington Post, December 17, 1970.]

The Tree: Cut, 78-foot spruce from South Dakota. The tree underwent many difficulties on its trip from the Black Hills of South Dakota. On the way to Washington the train carrying the tree derailed twice in Nebraska. On the weekend before the event, the tree toppled in the gusting winds and required new branches to fill it out. A few days after the opening ceremony, the electrical sockets that had been coated with fireproofing liquid spray caused the bulbs on the lower half of the tree to explode. [NPS -WPP, "Christmas Pageant of Peace Binders," Washington Daily News, December 19, 1970.]

The tree was decorated with 5,000 blue and green bulbs, and 750-900 yellow bulbs. The tree topper was a tear-dropped-shaped wire sculpture with a bulb encased within it. [Washington Daily News, December 6, 1970.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: Lights illuminating the federal buildings between Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues were turned on as part of a program to turn Washington into a "City of Light." [Evening Star, December 17, 1970.]

Miscellaneous: A hearing was ordered to determine if there was substance to the suit brought in 1969 by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) concerning the constitutionality of a nativity scene sponsored by the National Park Service.

Organization/Committees: Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Park Service.

President and Participants: Vice President Agnew stood in for President Nixon who was in Key Biscayne, Florida. The Vice President lit the tree with the help of seven-year-old Gary Morris who was in the crowd. [Washington Post, December 17, 1971.] The Vice President reminded those watching and listening about the many families whose sons were prisoners of war. Speaking of those soldiers and their families, Vice President Agnew said, "This is the eighth Christmas -- the longest period of any war in our nation's history -- that some of us have observed without their loved ones." [Washington Post, December 17, 1971.]

The Tree: Cut, 63-foot Fraser fir from North Carolina. The tree was decorated with red and white lights. The tree-topper resembled a snowflake.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: A special tree in recognition of the prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action in Southeast Asia stood in front of the National Community ChristmasTree. [Washington Post, December 17, 1971.] This brought the total number of trees on the Pathway of Peace to fifty-seven.

Miscellaneous: The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Allen v. Morton held that the National Park Service's participation in the construction of a nativity was constitutional and did not violate the "establishment clause" of the Constitution. The ruling judge deemed the event secular. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box - 29, "A8227 -- Pageant of Peace," memo, October 5, 1973; NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 27, "Christmas Pageant of Peace 1/1/71," letter, March 29, 1971.] In making his decision the judge considered Edward Carr's earlier statement considering the origins of the event: "I must say that the main emphasis was to promote more business for Washington." Similarly, Edward Kirby had said: "The purpose of this...of course, is to increase the volume of business and employment in the metropolitan area and to enhance the reputation of Washington as a tourist and convention center." [Evening Star, November 4, 1971.] The decision was appealed. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box -29, "A8227 -- Pageant of Peace 1/1/73," memo, October 5, 1973.]

Anti-war demonstrators, including members of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, disrupted the lighting of the tree by shouting "Peace now! Peace now!" No arrests were made.

After years of trying to receive a permit, "Women Strike for Peace" was granted permission to display outside the central circular area exclusively reserved for the Christmas Pageant of Peace on the Ellipse. They did not have enough time to organize a display and therefore did not display. [Washington Post, December 17, 1971.]

President and Participants: Vice President Agnew lit the National Christmas tree with Secretary of the Interior Rogers Morton. They were aided by young Eric Watt of Camp Spring, Maryland. [NSP-WESF, RG-79, Box 29, "A8227 Pageant of Peace 1/1/73 Pt. 2," letter, October 17, 1973.]

The tree was decorated with 9,000 transparent green bulbs, 1,000 clear twinkling bulbs, and 250 five inch globe lamps. [Washington Post, November 29, 1972.]

Floodlights supplied by the U.S. Army kept the tree illuminated twenty-four hours a day except on bright, sunny days. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 31, "Pageant of Peace 1972," memo, November 20, 1972.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: On December 28, a national day of mourning on the day of President Truman's death, all scheduled pageant performances were canceled. The tree remained lit for security reasons. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 31, "A8227 Pageant of Peace SE -72-72," December 27, 1972.]

Because the American Mining Congress had rescinded its offer to supply state trees from former mining lands earlier in the year, the state of Pennsylvania began to supply the trees. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 31, "A8227 Pageant of Peace SE-72-72," letter, July 19, 1973.]

Miscellaneous: The Christmas Pageant of Peace committee began an effort to expand the Pageant beyond the Washington, D.C. area and make it a more nationally focused event. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1983, File 2," undated note.]*

President and Participants: President Nixon lit the National Christmas Tree with the help of a Boy Scout and Girl Scout and delivered Christmas greetings.

The Tree: Living, 42-foot Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1973). Having used cut trees from around the country since 1954, the Christmas Pageant of Peace reintroduced a living tree into the ceremony. The National Arborist Association donated the tree.

The decision to use a live tree was the result of hundreds of letters from individuals and environmental groups around the country requesting that conservation concerns be addressed and the use of cut trees cease. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 29, "A8227 Xmas Pageant of Peace 11/73, Pt. 3," letters, December, 1972 - December, 1973, letter from NCP, October 17, 1973; NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 29, "A8227 Pageant of Peace 1/1/73, Pt. 2," letter from "Provide for the People," September 19, 1973; NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 29, "A8227 Pageant of Peace 1/1/73, Pt. 2," letter from National Parks & Conservation Association, September 6, 1973; NPS-WPP, RG-79, Box 31, "A8227 -- Pageant of Peace, SE- 72-72," letters.]

General Electric achieved an overall 81.9% reduction in energy consumption compared to the energy used for the 1972 tree. In order to conserve energy, the tree was decorated primarily with non-energy-using decorations such as garlands and balls. Floodlights at the base of the tree provided light and accented the ornaments. The shift in decorating and lighting was motivated by national concerns for energy consumption and in order to protect the new, living tree. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 29, "A8227, Xmas Pageant of Peace 11/73-12/31/74, Pt. 3," Department of the Interior News Release, November 26, 1973.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: Fifty-six live trees representing the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the territories and possessions lined the Pathway of Peace.

Miscellaneous: A U.S. Court of Appeals decision in the case of Allen v. Morton reversed the 1971 decision by the District Court and discontinued the National Park Service's sponsorship of a nativity scene. A three-judge panel ruled the crèche "objectionable to non-Christians." The Department of the Interior appealed and public outcry followed. In response, the National Park Service issued a permit to the American Christian Heritage Association, a private group, to erect its own crèche outside the central area occupied by the Christmas Pageant of Peace. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 30, "A82 -- Pageant of Peace 1974, 1/1/74, Pt. 4," letter, December 17, 1974.]

This was the first year a cherry picker was used to top the tree. Previously the tree had been topped from the regular scaffolding used to decorate the rest of the tree. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, Washington Star Collection, National Christmas Tree -- 1972, 1973 (photographic documentation).]

President and Participants: President Ford lit the National Christmas Tree at 5:55 p.m. and delivered Christmas greetings. President Ford said that, as a former National Park Service ranger of years ago, he had long been concerned with conservation. He expressed pleasure at the present of a living tree. As a President concerned with saving energy, he continued, he was pleased with the considerable reduction in the amount of energy consumed by the recent tree lightings. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 17, 1974.]

Secretary of the Interior Rogers Morton; Washington, D.C. Mayor Walter Washington, and Edwin K. Hoffman, vice-chairman of the 1974 Christmas Pageant of Peace honorary committee, all sat on the stage.

The Tree: Living, 42-foot Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1973). A plaque commemorating the "first living tree" was placed at the site of the tree by John W. Dixon, president of Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc. [NPS-WHL, Box AM-027, "K14 Information Request," Christmas Tree (1974-1986), File 3," memo, August 6, 1974.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: Public outcry followed the cancellation of the nativity scene.

The Christian Service Corps, a private organization, presented a live dramatization of the nativity on the Washington Monument grounds. [Evening Star, December 18, 1975; NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1974," letters, December 5, 1974, November 20, 1974.]

Pageant elements included a reindeer pen, an arts and crafts area, and a Yule log fire pit.

Tree Topping: A press release announced the first official tree-topping event on December 3. The topping was done by Earl C. Hargrove, Jr., a member of the decorating team, dressed as Santa. The tradition of a member of the President's or Vice President's family topping the tree did not occur until Amy Carter topped the tree in 1978. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 31, "A8227 Pageant of Peace - SE-72-72," "GE Lighting Schedule," November 25, 1974.]

Miscellaneous: The Commission of Fine Arts voiced concerns about the aesthetics of the Pageant structures on the Ellipse and damage to the grounds. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "Pageant of Peace -1975," letters, September 9, 1974, December 17, 1974.]

President and Participants: President Ford lit the National Christmas Tree at 5:50 p.m. He said, "As we enter American's third century, let us make sure we carry with us out our abiding faith in the ultimate triumph of peace on earth and the living example of good will to all men and women." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 18, 1975.] John Dixon, president of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc., and Ambassador Guilermo Sevilla-Sacasa of Nicaragua, dean of the Washington Diplomatic Corps, attended the event. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 18, 1975.]

The Tree: Living, 42-foot Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1973). The tree was decorated in red, white and blue in celebration of the American Bicentennial and topped with a Liberty Bell ornament. [Evening Star, December 2, 1975; NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1975," GE Lighting Fact Sheet.] Thirteen smaller trees, symbolizing the thirteen colonies, encircled the large tree. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1975," GE Lighting Fact Sheet.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The second annual live dramatization of the nativity scene was held on the grounds of the Washington Monument. [Evening Star, December 18, 1975.] The Commission of Fine Arts and National Park Service discussed concerns about scarring and damage to the Ellipse. It was suggested that the Pageant incorporate lighter structures that would leave less of a mark on the Ellipse. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1975," memo, January 4, 1975; NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1975," letters January 20, 1975, February 7, 1975.]

The National Park Service considered suggestions to move the stage eastward in order to avoid intrusion onto the White House-Jefferson Memorial vista. This would also decrease the driveway, create an easier entrance and exit route for the President, and provided more seating room. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1975," "Pageant of Peace Considerations," December 18, 1975.]

Theme: "The Bicentennial". The Pageant, with participation from Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia featured music and stage shows depicting colonial activities such as the "Grand Illumination." The ceremony included fife and drum music and costumed players. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1975"]

Tree Topping: The tradition of a tree-topping ceremony continued when Manus (Jack) Fish, regional director of the National Capital Region, topped the tree on December 1. [White House, Office of the Curator, Pageant of Peace Files, NPS Press Release, revised December 14, 1992.] Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Willard Scott [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," minutes, November 2, 1976.]

President and Participants: President Ford lit the National Christmas Tree and delivered a Christmas greeting. The President spoke about true peace as "more than absence of battle. It is also the absence of prejudice and the triumph of understanding." [White House, Office of the Curator, National Christmas Tree, "Remarks of the President at the Lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree".]

The Tree: Living, 45-foot Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1973). Having deteriorated since its planting in 1973, the National Christmas Tree was blemished and splotchy and required supplementation with additional branches. [Washington Post, December, 1976.] A team began looking for a new tree.

The tree was decorated with a red color scheme. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," minutes of meeting of Board of Directors, November 2, 1976.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: Pageant elements included a reindeer pen and a Yule Log pit.

Performers: Noted boxer Sugar Ray Leonard signed autographs. [NPS-WPP, "Christmas Pageant of Peace Binders," unidentified and undated newspaper article, ca. December 1976.]

Tree Topping: Paul Demasky of Hargrove Displays topped the tree on November 30. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," minutes of meeting of Board of Directors, November 2, 1976.]

Miscellaneous: The National Organization of Women requested that the entry banner to the Christmas Pageant of Peace read "Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All" instead of "Peace on Earth to Men of Goodwill." [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001,"A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," letter from Dixon to Fish, January 3, 1977.]

President and Participants: President Carter delivered a Christmas greeting and lit the National Christmas Tree at 5:45 p.m. with the help of his daughter, Amy. Secretary of the Interior Cecil D. Andrus also spoke at the ceremony. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 15, 1977.]

The Tree: Cut, 34-foot Colorado blue spruce from Maryland (1977). A new tree of the same variety, donated anonymously as a replacement for the deteriorated spruce, was planted in October, 1977. [Washington Star, October 26, 1977.]

The tree was decorated in green, symbolizing hope, by 2,000 lamps with an energy-saving five-watt design. 500 twinkle lamps and white ornaments also decorated the tree. [NPS-WHL, SE-001 "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," Pageant of Peace Minutes, February 28, 1978; NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," "The Story of the Christmas Pageant of Peace".]

Tree lights were on from dusk to midnight from December 15 through 26. From December 27 through January 2, 1978, they were illuminated only until 10 p.m. to conserve energy. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," letter, January 31, 1978; NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," "Lighting and Design Concepts -- 1977 Pageant of Peace," November 4, 1977.]

The new scheme achieved a 74% reduction in energy. General Electric explained that there had been no compromise of lighting concepts in the new scheme. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," letter and "Lighting and Design Concepts -- 1977 Pageant of Peace," November 4, 1977.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: In addition to the reindeer, a petting zoo was set up for the first time. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," memo, November 2, 1977; NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," Executive Committee Meeting Notes, December 12, 1977.]

The National Park Service granted a permit to the Christian Service Corps to have a live nativity scene in the western portion of Ellipse, outside the central area reserved for the Pageant. This scene was not related to that of the American Christian Heritage Association. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," Minutes of Board of Directors, July 19, 1977.]

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Willard Scott [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," memo to John Dixon, November 2, 1977.]

President and Participants: President Carter delivered a Christmas greeting and lit the National Christmas Tree at 5:44 p.m. with the help of his daughter, Amy. The President said that the country was entering a period of healing and hope. "We are joining together as a people again, realizing the strength of a common purpose." [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 14, 1978.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). When the 1977 tree was destroyed in a windstorm, a new spruce from York, Pennsylvania was transplanted to the Ellipse. [NPS-WHL, Box AM-027, "K14 Information Request -- Christmas Tree (74-86) File 3," memo, January 30, 1978.] Bad luck with live trees led some members of the committee to consider reintroducing cut trees. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," Pageant of Peace Meeting, February 28, 1978.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The petting zoo was again included in the Pageant, with twenty-five animals including goats, lambs, and burros. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1980," minutes, April 19, 1979; National Park Service, Public Affairs, Pageant of Peace photographs, 1978, 1979 (photographic documentation).]

An original composition by Eileen O'Leary of Lexington, Massachusetts entitled "Let's Turn on the Lights of the Christmas Tree" was performed by young singers from Callanwolde, Georgia. Ms. O'Leary attended the Pageant and was introduced. The song was to be sung every year but was not continued in the years that followed. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/ 1978," minutes, April 19, 1979.]

The Pageant included a separate "community tree" and "senior citizens' tree." [NPS-WHL, Box SE-009, "A82 1987 President's Park -- Pageant of Peace, File 2, article.]

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Willard Scott as Santa Claus [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1978/ 1978," minutes, April 19, 1979.]

Tree Topping: Amy Carter topped the tree with John Dixon on December 5 [Washington Post, December, 1978] beginning a custom of a member of the President's or Vice President's family topping the tree, interrupted only once in 1980 (see 1980).

Miscellaneous: The Christian Service Corps sued the National Park Service to gain access to the Ellipse space inhabited by the Christmas Pageant of Peace in order to stage a live drama of the nativity as part of the Pageant. The National Park Service granted the organization permission only until December 24, at which point the Christmas Pageant of Peace was said to have sole right to the area. [Washington Post, December 16, 1978 and December 21, 1978.]

President and Participants: Surprising an unsuspecting crowd, when President Carter sent his daughter Amy to light the tree at 5:50 p.m., the switch lit only the top star on the big tree, and only tiny blue lights illuminated the state trees on the Pathway of Peace. The President announced that the National Christmas Tree, a nationwide symbol, would remain dark until the American hostages in Iran were set free. "Amy has lit fifty trees -- one for each American hostage," the President told the stunned crowd. "We will turn on the rest of the lights when the hostages come home." The audience applauded. The President then requested a moment of silent prayer. [Washington Post, December 14, 1979; Public Papers of the Presidents, December 13, 1979.]

The Tree: Living, 30-foot Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). General Electric had designed a scheme of multiple lighting and visual effects and an all white tree to coordinate with the theme of "Joy and Light." However, the tree remained unlit. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-001, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1977/78," "Theme and Design of 1979 Pageant of Peace".]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: A separate tree commemorated prisoners of war. [Washington Post, December 22, 1984; NPS-WHL, Box SE-009, "A82 1987 President's Park -- Pageant of Peace, File 2, article.]

Families of the American hostages in Iran were invited to attend the Christmas Pageant of Peace opening night ceremony. [Washington Post, December 22, 1984.]

President Carter lit a Hanukkah Menorah on the Ellipse for the first time. [Washington Post, December 22, 1984; NPS-WHL, SE-006 "A82 Pageant of Peace 1983, File 1," letter, November 1, 1983.]

Theme: "Joy and Light," celebrating the 100th anniversary of Thomas A. Edison's invention of the practical incandescent lamp.

Tree Topping: Joan Mondale topped the tree with Joseph Riley, the newly appointed president of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, on December 4. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace, 1980," NPS News Release.]

Miscellaneous: Early in the year the National Park Service considered the problems caused by the Pageant of Peace, including the annual, four month disturbance to the Ellipse grounds, the interference of the White House-Jefferson Memorial vista, the investment required for electric wiring, and the need for a larger seating area. The National Park Service discussed alternative schemes including the possibility of removing the plywood walkway, which lined the Pathway of Peace. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace, 1980," memos, February 9, 1979, February 15, 1979.]

President and Participants: President Carter lit the National Christmas Tree for only 417 seconds, each second symbolizing one day of captivity of the Americans hostages held hostage in Iran. On January 20, 1981, (President Reagan's Inauguration Day) after the American hostages were released and their airplane had cleared Iranian air space, the tree was hastily decorated in time for their return. [NPS-WHL, Box AM-027, "K14 Information Request, Christmas Tree (74-86), File 2," memo, January 22, 1981.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: A separate tree was planted in honor of American prisoners of war and the families of the American hostages were invited to the Christmas Pageant of Peace opening ceremony. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-009, "A82 1987 President's Park -- Pageant of Peace, File 2," article.]

Tree Topping: Penne Langdon, wife of the highest ranking American hostage at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran, topped the tree on December 2. [Washington Post, December 3, 1980; Evening Star, December 3, 1980.]

Miscellaneous: The National Park Service instituted a new requirement concerning the planning of the Christmas Pageant of Peace. The National Park Service required that a public meeting be held prior to the Christmas Pageant of Peace to elicit suggestions and comments about the general program. In 1980, a public meeting was held on September 12. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1980," minutes from Pageant of Peace Board of Directors meeting, August 15, 1980.]

President and Participants: For the first time in nine years the President lit the National Christmas Tree standing on the Ellipse. President and Mrs. Bush lit the tree with one of their granddaughters and then watched the ceremonies from a glass-encased box near the stage. President Bush spoke about the "bells of freedom" ringing across Eastern Europe. "This is the Christmas we've awaited for fifty years. And across Europe, East and West," President Bush said, "1989 is ending, bright with the promise of a far better Christmastime than Europe has ever known. A far better future than the world dared to imagine." [NPS-WHL, Box SE-011, "A82 1989 Pageant of Peace, File 2," Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, December 18, 1989.]

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). The tree was decorated with 1,800 red lights, 2,500 blue lights, 1,000 white stars, with a fade mechanism meant to symbolize the "Thousand Points of Light." [Washington Times, December 14, 1989.] The tree topper also complemented the "Thousand Points of Light" theme. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-011, "A82 1989 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 3," NPS Christmas Pageant of Peace Briefing Notes, October 10, 1989.]

In an interview about the lighting of the tree, presidential press secretary Marlin Fitzwater said that when President Bush turned the switch to light the tree, this actually lit the tree. This was compared to President Reagan's turning a switch that was said not to be connected electrically to the tree. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-011, "A82 1989 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 2," Herald Mail, December 17, 1989; Washington Post, December 16, 1989.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: Pageant elements included the Yule log, nativity scene, and reindeer pen. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-011, "A82 1989 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 1," briefing notes, October 10, 1989.]

A Camp Fire Girl and a Boy Scout participated in the ceremony. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-011, "A82 1989 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 2," Draft Outline for Tree Lighting Ceremony, November 24, 1989.]

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Loretta Lynn, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., Tommy Tune

Tree Topping: Barbara Bush topped the tree with granddaughter Marshall Bush and Joseph Riley on December 14. This was Barbara Bush's ninth topping of the tree, and the first time an incumbent First Lady topped the tree. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-011, "A82 1989 Xmas Pageant of Peace, File 1," "briefing notes," October 10, 1989; USA Today, November 28, 1989.]

President and Participants: President Bush lit the National Christmas Tree with Mrs. Bush and grandson Samuel LeBlond. After the lighting the President and Mrs. Bush watched the festivities from a glass-encased box near the stage. [White House, Office of the Curator, National Christmas Tree Files, NPS press release, February 2, 1998.]

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). The tree was lit with fading effect, transforming from a white to a multi-colored effect.

The fifty-six Scotch pine trees used to form the Pathway of Peace were grown on reclaimed surface coal mine land in Western, Maryland. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-014, "A8227 Pageant of Peace 1990, File 2," NPs Press Release, October 19, 1990.] The trees were donated by the National Coal Association through the Office of Surface Mining, US Department of the Interior.

Displays included a nativity scene, Santa's reindeer, a warming bonfire, and a refreshment stand with complimentary cocoa, cookies and candies. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-014, "A8227 Pageant of Peace 1990, File 2," NPs Press Release, October 19, 1990.]

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Ruth Brown; Jane Powell; Ricky Van Shelton; the California Raisins; Chip 'N Dale & Baloo the Bear. Willard Scott as Santa Claus.

Tree Topping: Barbara Bush topped the tree with her grandchildren, Samuel and Ellie LeBlond, on November 30. [Washington Post, December 1, 1990.]

President and Participants: President Bush lit the tree with the aid of Terry Anderson, the last American hostage released from Lebanon. Four other former hostages, Alan Steen, Thomas Sutherland, Joseph Cicippio and Jesse Turner, were also present. Before the tree lighting the former hostages attended a reception in the East Room of the White House. [Washington Post, December 13, 1991.] Addressing the former hostages, President Bush said "Your fortitude, your humor and generosity tell us the true meaning of this season, and, at this time of year especially, these men remind us that the glitz and glamour of material things don't matter." [Washington Post, December 13, 1991.]

United Nations Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar, who was instrumental in obtaining the hostages' freedom, also attended the event. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-016, "A8227 Pageant of Peace 1991".]

Despite a momentary failure, President Bush's turning of the switch actually lit the tree. In previous years the turning of the switch was symbolic, only an indication for the tree to be lit. This claim appears contrary to Marlin Fitzwater's report in 1989. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-016, "A8227 Pageant of Peace 1991," "Statement Regarding 1991 Pageant Tree Lighting," December 13, 1991.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: State trees were grown on reclaimed mining land in St. Clairsville, Ohio. The Department of the Interior's Office on Surface Mining arranged for the trees to be brought to the Christmas Pageant of Peace. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-016, "A8227 Pageant of Peace 1991," NPS news release, November 20, 1991.] Pageant and National Park Service officials discussed whether or not to continue the practice of incorporating state trees from the Office of Surface Mining. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-016, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace -- 1991, memo, March 20, 1992.]

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Marilyn Horne, Joe Williams, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Willard Scott

Tree Topping: Barbara Bush topped the tree Joseph Riley and grandchildren Lauren and Pierce Bush on November 25. [Washington Post, November 26, 1991; Washington Times, November 26, 1991.]

Miscellaneous: A public meeting was held on October 9, 1991. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-016, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace -- 1991]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The U.S. Marine Band performed for the first time since 1979.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Luci Arnaz, Lee Greenwood, Willard Scott, Keshia Knight Pulliam

Tree Topping: Barbara Bush topped the tree with Joseph Riley and grandson Walker Bush on December 1, 1992. [Washington Post, December 2, 1992.] This was Barbara Bush's twelfth and last time topping the tree. [White House, Curator's Office, National Christmas Tree Files, press release, December 14, 1992.] Mrs. Bush was presented with a plaque for years of commitment to the Christmas Pageant of Peace.

Outstanding Weather Conditions: heavy rain [NPS-WPP, 1985-1997 President's Park logbooks.]

Miscellaneous: The first in a series of National Christmas Tree ornaments was produced by Peggy Henkel, President of Georgetown Marketing Company (formerly Westport Marketing Group), and given away free of charge. [NPS-WHL, Box TBP-58 "A 8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace -- 1994," "Fund Raising Activities of the Pageant of Peace Committee," April 7, 1994; NPS-WHL, "A82(27) Pageant of Peace -- 1997," National Christmas Tree Ornament pamphlet.]

The National Christmas Tree and the Christmas Pageant of Peace was the subject of the Bushes' official 1992 White House Christmas card. Kamil Kubik was the artist and the Hallmark Company printed the cards.

President and Participants: Security concerns, following an assassination attempt in Washington, D.C., led President Reagan to light the tree remotely from the East Room of the White House, the first time a President was in Washington, D.C. and not present at the Pageant when lighting the tree. [Washington Post, December 18, 1981.] The Boy Scout and the Girl Scout scheduled to participate in the ceremony were disappointed by the Reagans' absence (see 1982). [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace -- 1982," memo, September 15, 1982; NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1982," minutes, May 5, 1982.]

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). The topper was made of three intersecting five-pointed stars, forming a three-dimensional, thirteen-pointed star symbolic of the thirteen colonies. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace -1981," Lighting and Design Plan.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: To reduce expenses, the petting zoo was discontinued. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1981," Pageant of Peace minutes, November 18, 1981.]

The custom of each state and territory tree being individually decorated with ornaments contributed by that state or territory began. [White House, Office of the Curator, National Christmas Tree, NPS Press Release, revised March 7, 1990.] After a few years the decorators began encasing the ornaments in plastic balls to protect them from birds and squirrels.

Tree Topping: Barbara Bush topped the tree on December 1 for the first time. [Washington Post, December 2, 1981.] She went on to top the tree a total of twelve years straight.

Miscellaneous: A request was made by the National Christmas Tree Growers of Wisconsin to honor the Vietnam Veterans at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1981," letter, April 24, 1981.] Joseph Riley, president of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc., insisted that the emphasis instead should remain on Christmas. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1981," letter, September 14, 1981.]

Westport Marketing Group was hired to produce and stage the celebration, to create and produce the programs, to oversee television coverage and videotaping, and arranging for funding. Westport Marketing suggested the hiring of nationally known entertainers to attract publicity and garner interest in the program. A decision was made to improve the program by decreasing the number of guests on the stage to leave more room for performers and enhance the appeal of the ceremony for the television audience. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace -- 1981," Pageant of Peace minutes, May 22, 1981, and letter, September 6, 1983.]

President and Participants: President Reagan lit the National Christmas Tree from the South Portico of the White House with the Boy Scout and Girl Scout who had been scheduled to give Christmas Greetings to the Reagans in 1981. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1982, File 2," memo, December 15, 1982.] A screen broadcast the President's appearance live. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A 82 Pageant of Peace 1982, File 1," Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc., minutes, November 17, 1982.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: With the absence of the President on the Ellipse, alternate arrangements were suggested for a reduced ceremony in 1982 ceremony. A reduction in the size of the tent, the number of seats, and the number of purchased decorative seats, and the narrowing of the roadway were all discussed. It was also suggested that the Yule log be eliminated and the amount of stage decorating be reduced. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1981, "Suggested 1982 Reductions due to Non-Presidential Participation," September 20, 1982.] There was also discussion of moving the ceremony indoors and televising it from the White House, having the President stand on the Truman balcony, or inviting Mrs. Reagan or the Vice President to do the honors. All of these possibilities were discarded. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A 82 Pageant of Peace 1982, File 1," Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc. minutes, November 17, 1982.]

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: To compensate for the President's absence, Westport Marketing Group suggested the appearance of name celebrities and entertainers to draw people to the Ellipse.

Andy Williams and the cast of "Annie" performed at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1983, File 2," note, undated; NPS- WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1982, File 1," Pageant of Peace minutes, November 17, 1982.]

Tree Topping: Barbara Bush topped the tree with Joseph Riley on December 2, 1982. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1982, File 1," Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc. minutes, November 17, 1982.]

President and Participants: Standing at the South Portico of the White House, President Reagan asked Nancy Reagan to light the National Christmas Tree.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: Having been determined historically and legally appropriate by a related U.S. Supreme Court decision (Lynch v. Donnelly, March, 1984), the nativity scene (absent since 1973) was reinstated by Manus J. Fish, regional director of the National Capital Region. William Clark, Secretary of the Interior concurred, calling the decision "historically and legally appropriate." [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1984 (1 of 3)," "Statement Restoring Crèche to Pageant of Peace, November 29, 1984.] The celebration was deemed "wholly secular in character, purpose, and main effect." [NPS-WHL, Box SE-011, "A 82(27) 1985 Xmas Pageant of Peace," "1985 Public Comment on the Christmas Pageant of Peace".] The crèche, donated by the Committee to Restore Religious Heritage, USA [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1983, 3 of 3," minutes, November 27, 1984.] was supplied by Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc., which was also charged with maintaining and setting up the display.

Tr ee Topping: Barbara Bush topped tree with Joseph Riley, president of Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc., on November 28. [Washington Post, November 29, 1984.]

Miscellaneous: Westport Marketing Group first proposed producing and marketing a National Christmas Tree ornament with proceeds of the sales to help fund the Christmas Pageant of Peace. Permission was denied by the National Park Service, citing government restrictions against commercialization of "a symbolic national celebration event," a decision supported by the Christmas Pageant of Peace committee. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 Pageant of Peace 1984, File 2," memo, August 20, 1984; NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 President's Park -- 1987 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 2, "Briefing Paper, 1987 Christmas Pageant of Peace -- Christmas Ornament Proposal".]

President and Participants: The President and Mrs. Reagan lit the National Christmas Tree remotely from the South Portico of the White House just after 6:00 p.m. In his address, President Reagan mourned the death of members of the U.S.101st Airborne whose homeward bound plane crashed in Newfoundland. [White House, Office of the Curator, Christmas Pageant of Peace Files, NPS press release, February 2, 1998.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The lights on the Christmas tree were turned down momentarily on Christmas Eve to remember the American hostages in Lebanon. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "President's Park -- 1986 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 1," "Chronological Locations of the National Community Christmas Trees".]

In January the reindeer used for years by the Pageant were transferred to Maine. Due to the cost involved in transporting reindeer to Washington it was determined best to discontinue the reindeer. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "President's Park -- 1986 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 1," letter, April 21, 1986.] There were no reindeer for the first time since 1954. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "President's Park -- 1986 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 2," memo, November 10, 1986; NPS-WHL, Box SE-011, "A82 1985- Christmas Pageant of Peace, Christmas Pageant of Peace meeting, September 13, 1985, "Follow-up Log".]

A tree was erected to commemorate the "Year of the Handicapped." [NPS-WHL, Box SE-009, "A82 1987 President's Park -- Pageant of Peace, File 2," article.]

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, Willard Scott as Santa Claus, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and the Disney World Singers

Tree Topping: Barbara Bush topped the tree with Joseph Riley on November 25. [Washington Post, November 26, 1985; Washington Times, November 26, 1985.]

Miscellaneous: The Community for Creative Non-Violence (CCNV) proposed that a statue, "Third World America," depicting a homeless family, be included in the Pageant.[NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 1985 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 2," CCNV press release -- "Question of Homelessness Monument to be Decided," undated.] After public comment, the committee declined the proposal, calling it "not appropriate to the theme of Christmas," and disapproving of plans to sell posters and replicas of the statue after the Pageant closed. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 1985 Xmas Pageant of Peace, File 2" notes from Christmas Pageant of Peace meeting, November 25, 1986; The Washington Times, November 26, 1985.] The CCNV applied for a public gathering permit to place the statue on the Ellipse near the Pageant site, received the permit and displayed the statue. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 1985 Xmas Pageant of Peace, File 2," letter from Regional Director, NCR, January 6, 1986.]

President and Participants: Security concerns again kept President Reagan from attending the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse. The President delivered his address by video remote and then threw a remote switch from inside the Diplomatic Reception Room, at the South Portico entrance. He was aided by Nancy Reagan and representatives from National Capital Area Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. Byron White, a Little Brother, threw the switch with Mrs. Reagan.

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). The tree was decorated with 3,000 blue Christmas lights with a starburst design.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: After many inquiries about the reindeers' absence in 1985 and the public's interest in seeing them reinstated, deer were once again part of the pageant. Now, however, they were of a local variety -- Luray deer. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82, President's Park -- 1986 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 1," board of directors meeting, May 23, 1986.] [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 President's Park -- 1986 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 1," minutes of executive committee, September 24, 1986.] [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 President's Park -- 1986 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 2," memo -- "Reintroduction of the Reindeer Corral," November 10, 1986.]

Tree Topping: Barbara Bush topped the tree with Joseph Riley on November 24. [Washington Post, November 25, 1986.]

Miscellaneous: A public meeting was held on October 13. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82, President's Park -- 1986 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 1," "Transcript of Proceeding before the Department of the Interior in the Matter of 1986 Christmas Pageant," October 3, 1986.]

President and Participants: The lighting of the National Christmas Tree was held early due to President Reagan's four-day summit with Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev. President Reagan lit the tree from the South Portico of the White House with Tommy Valente, a five-year-old cystic fibrosis patient. [Washington Post, December 8, 1987.]

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). The tree was decorated with red, white and blue lights for the celebration of the bicentennial of the Constitution. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82, President's Park -- 1987 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 1," minutes, July 13, 1987.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The Pageant committee considered the use of solar lighting. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-006, "A82 President's Park -- 1987 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 1," "NPS/NCR Fiscal 1988 Briefing Statement," October 13, 1987.]

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Patti Austin; Sherrill Milnes; "The California Raisins"; "Santa Bear, Mrs. Bear and Friends"

Tree Topping: Barbara Bush topped the tree with her twin granddaughters, Barbara and Jenna, and Joseph Riley, on November 25. [NPS-WHL, Box SE 009, "A82 President's Park -- 1987 Pageant of Peace, File 1," press release.]

Miscellaneous: American Marketing of Georgetown, Connecticut (formerly Westport Marketing Group), reintroduced the idea of marketing a National Christmas Tree ornament. The National Park Service's position remained constant and was supported by Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc. It opposed the commercialization of National Park Service events, stating that "the production of articles to be sold to produce revenue for the [Christmas] Pageant of Peace Committee represents a break with the tradition of local, volunteer sponsorship of this Park Service event. We remain concerned that such an undertaking would commercialize the symbolic national celebration." [NPS-WHL, Box SE-009, "A82 President's Park -- 1987 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 1," NPS/NCR Fiscal 1988 Briefing Statement, October 13, 1987; letter, July 27, 1987.] [NPS-WHL, SE-011, "A82 President's Park -- Pageant of Peace Ornament Issue," memo for the record, October 30, 1987, and Briefing Paper.]

A public meeting was held on October 7 at which the American Jewish Congress registered opposition to the nativity scene. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-009, "A82 President's Park -- 1987 Pageant of Peace, File 1," NPS/NCR Fiscal 1988 Briefing Statement, October 13, 1987.]

Mitch Snyder of the Community for Creative Non-Violence (CCNV) testified at an open meeting on October 7 and again offered "Third World America," for inclusion in the Christmas Pageant of Peace. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-009, A82 President's Park 1987 Pageant of Peace, File 1," Transcript of Proceedings.]

President and Participants: President Reagan lit the National Christmas Tree from the South Portico of the White House at 5:50 p.m. In his address he gave thanks for a "free America."

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). The tree was decorated with green and gold phasing lights. The tree-topper was a teardrop ornament.

The fifty-seven smaller trees lining the Pathway of Peace representing the U.S. states and territories parkled with thousands of clear midget lights. Each tree was decorated with special ornaments contributed by organizations from each jurisdiction.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The Eastern High School Chorus of Washington, D.C. was the featured group for the tree-lighting ceremony.

Tree Topping: Barbara Bush topped the tree on December 1 with two "literacy puppets" -- Rex and Rita Readasaurus. An audience of 12,000 attended the tree topping ceremony. [Washington Post, December 2, 1988; Washington Times, December 2, 1988.]

President and Participants: President Clinton, accompanied by Hillary Rodham Clinton, delivered a Christmas message and threw the switch to light the National Christmas Tree at 5:00 p.m.

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). The tree topper was a fiber-optic starburst ornament. The topper was later deemed too futuristic.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The U.S. Air Force Band performed from 4:30 - 4:55 p.m. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-010, "A8227 -- 1993 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 1," program, National Christmas Tree, 1993.]

Trees grown on reclaimed mining lands in Pennsylvania were again used for the state trees. After the Pageant these trees were planted in various Washington, D.C. parks. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-010, "A8227 -- 1993 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 1," Fact Sheet, US Department of the Interior.]

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Phil Driscoll, Charley Pride, Willard Scott, Sandy Duncan

Tree Topping: Hillary Rodham Clinton topped the tree for the first time with Joseph Riley on November 29. [New York Times, November 30, 1993; Washington Post, November 30, 1993; Washington Times, November 30, 1993.]

Miscellaneous: Christmas Pageant of Peace committee members evaluated the site and the general arrangements for the Pageant and considered various options such as switching the site of the Pageant to the Washington Monument or the National Mall, or combining ceremonies with the Capitol Holiday tree or the White House Christmas Tree. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-010, "A8227 -- 1993 Christmas Pageant of Peace, File 3," "Draft Comprehensive Plan of the White House National Park Service, December 14, 1993.]

A public meeting was held on October 22, 1993. [NPS-WHL, Box SE-010, "A8227 1993 Christmas Pageant of Peace," report, October 22, 1993.]

President and Participants: Chelsea Clinton, daughter of President and Mrs. Clinton, turned the switch to light the National Christmas Tree with the President and Mrs. Clinton. The Clintons sat with seven children from the Coalition for the Homeless. [Washington Post, December 8, 1994.]

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). The tree was decorated with over 10,000 bulbs, and circular and diamond-shaped ornaments. It was draped in garland and ribbon. Topping the tree was a three-dimensional stained-glass star. [NPS-WHL, Box TBP-58, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace -- 1994," program, Christmas Pageant of Peace, 1994.] The lighting for the Pageant was overseen by the Department of Energy.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: A new attraction was introduced: an electric G-scale train that ran around the base of the tree. [NPS-WHL, Box TBP-58, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace -- 1994," program, Christmas Pageant of Peace, 1994.]

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory produced a study to evaluate the possibility of illuminating part of the Pageant through photovoltaic light. It was determined that photovoltaic lighting would be feasible only during the day. [NPS-WHL, Box TBP-58, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace 1994," "Feasibility Study for the Use of Renewable Energy at the Pageant of Peace,"` January, 1994.]

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Aretha Franklin, Trisha Yearwood, Jerry Hadley, Richard Leech, and Willard Scott

Tree Topping: Hillary Rodham Clinton topped the tree on November 28 with John Betchkal, the new President of Christmas Pageant of Peace. [New York Times, November 29, 1994; Washington Post, November 29, 1994.]

Miscellaneous: The idea of a National Christmas Tree ornament to be sold as a fundraiser for the Christmas Pageant of Peace was reintroduced by Peggy Henkel of Georgetown Marketing Company. [NPS-WHL, Box TBP-58, " A 8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace 1994," "Fund Raising Activities of the Pageant of Peace Committee," April 7, 1994; NPS-WHL, Box TBP-58, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace -- 1994," NPS Note to File, April 11, 1994.]

An alternative plan to the Christmas ornaments of a limited edition Christmas card with an artist's rendering of the National Christmas Tree was suggested. These cards were printed, as the first commercially produced products bearing the name of the National Christmas Tree or the Christmas Pageant of Peace. [NPS-WHL, Box TBP-58, "A8227 Christmas Pageant of Peace -- 1994," NPs Note to File, April 11, 1994 and letter, February 21, 1994.]

President and Participants: The President and Mrs. Clinton lit the National Christmas Tree. In his Christmas address, President Clinton urged Americans to pray for U.S. troops on peacekeeping missions abroad. He also asked to "Remember at this Christmas time we celebrate the birth of a homeless child whose only shelter was the straw of a manger but who grew to become the Prince of Peace."

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). The tree was decorated with 6,000 white, red, green, and blue lights.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The federal government shutdown and the ensuing lapse of appropriations for all non-essential federally sponsored events, caused the cancellation of Pageant of Peace activities beginning on December 16. However, the National Park Service provided funds to light the tree and keep it lit as scheduled, through midnight on January 1, 1996. [NPS-WHL, Box TBP-58, "A 82(27) Pageant of Peace 1995," memo, December 15, 1995.]

Before the government shutdown, the decision was made to discontinue the display of Luray deer at the Pageant of Peace in response to a "rising level of concern in the society at large over the gratuitous use of animals for display purposes." The decision to do so conformed to the National Park Service's dedication to the preservation of wildlife in natural settings in parks throughout the country. [NPS-WHL, Box TBP-58, "A 82(27) Pageant of Peace 1995," "Reindeer Statement," November 30, 1995.]

Fifty-six smaller trees, decorated by each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, lined the Pathway of Peace. After the pageant the trees were replanted in Washington, DC parks. [NPS-WHL, Box TBP-58, "A 82(27) Pageant of Peace 1995," faxed copy of 1995 program, November 13, 1995.].

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Kathy Lee Gifford, Denyce Graves, Jack Jones, and Willard Scott

Tree Topping: Tipper Gore, joined by ten-year-old Diante Walker and his sister, seven-year-old Kiona, topped the tree with John Betchkal on November 29. [Washington Post, November 30, 1995.]

President and Participants: President Clinton gave a Christmas address and then he and Mrs. Clinton lit the National Christmas Tree together.

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). The tree was topped with a three-dimensional illuminated star designed by General Electric Lighting.

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The lights were turned off at 10:00 p.m. instead of 11:00 p.m.

The Office of Surface Mining rescinded their standing offer to locate, donate, and arrange for the donation of trees grown on reclaimed mining lands, due to the difficulty of finding trees that met these conditions. The Christmas Pageant of Peace thus began to purchase the state trees planted on the Ellipse.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Patti LeBelle, LeAnn Rimes, Mannheim Steamroller, Willard Scott. After 20 years of association to the Pageant, Willard Scott retired as the Christmas Pageant of Peace Santa Claus.

Tree Topping: Tipper Gore topped the tree with John Betchkal on November 25, 1996. [Washington Post, November 26, 1996.]

Miscellaneous: The Pageant Committee commissioned noted artist G. Harvey, known for his romantic scenes of Washington, D.C., to create an original tribute to this tree and the holiday celebration, titled "Light Unto the World." A total of 1950 regular edition prints, 250 artist proofs were produced to benefit the Pageant. All prints were numbered, signed by the artist and included a $10 commemorative stamp.

President and Participants: President Clinton delivered a Christmas address and lit the tree with Mrs. Clinton.

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). The tree was decorated with 110,000 red, white and blue lights and was topped with a jewel-like star. [Washington Post, December 5, 1997; White House, Office of the Curator, National Christmas Tree Files, press release, February 2, 1998.]

Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The National Christmas Tree Growers Association offered to donate cut Christmas trees for use as state trees. This offer would cause a switch from live trees to cut trees.

The Christmas Pageant of Peace issued and sold a series of commemorative prints of the National Christmas Tree.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Lorrie Morgan, Placido Domingo, Martha Reeves. Gregory Peck served as master of ceremonies, and Robert Prosky played as Santa Claus.

Tree Topping: Tipper Gore topped the tree on November 25 with the help of two children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, eight-year-old Kelly Wroblewski and twelve-year-old Derrick Moore. [Press Release, Make-A-Wish Foundation, November 24, 1997.]

President and Participants: President Clinton with the assistance of First Lady, Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Brownie Jessica Scott and Cub Scout Edgar Allan Shepherd, Jr. and Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs lit the National Christmas Tree.

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). For the 36th year, GE Lighting donated the design. The tree was decorated with almost 100,000 lights in customary holiday colors of red, green and clear, along with golden and red sparkling ornaments and accents to decorate the tree. Golden hologram-like material and gold pinstriping outlined the points of the stars' sparkle with vibrancy for daytime enjoyment as well as evening.

Fifty-six state, territory and District of Columbia trees lined the Pathway of Peace. The trees were donated by Ron Hudler of West Jefferson, North Carolina.

A model train displayed around the base of the National Christmas Tree was provided by Polk Aristocrat Trains, Inc. of Jersey City, New Jersey.

Noteworthy Ceremony Event: This lighting ceremony was celebrated as the 75th Anniversary of the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Al Roker, weatherman and feature reporter, on NBC- TV's Today Show served as Santa Claus (first African American Santa for the Pageant) and Master of Ceremonies.

Guest entertainers included singer Tony Bennett, singer and musician Jose Feliciano, and opera soprano Leona Mitchell. The US Air Force Band, also known as "America's International Music Ambassador." Also performing were select members from the Paul Hill Chorale and a few cast members from the musical "Cats".

For children's entertainment, the costume characters were Jim Henson Television's Bear in the Big Blue House; The Kidsongs Television Show's colorful Biggles (Ruby and Billy); and The National Theatre's Barrymore Eagle.

Tree Topping: On Tuesday, December 1, Tipper Gore, the Vice President's wife topped the National Christmas Tree. Mrs. Gore was assisted by John Betchkal, chairman of the Christmas Pageant of Peace and accompanied by Tiffany Ann Cantey of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The tree top was a three-dimensional, luminous white, four-diamond star.

Miscellaneous: The Pageant program cover was a reproduction of the painting, "Christmas at the White House," by Sally Caldwell Fisher of Chamberlain, Maine.

It was opened for the public from 10 am to 11 pm. Evening program, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm for the Pageant started on December 10 and concluded on December 23. These schools, church, civic and private groups were mostly from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, with some groups from Pennsylvania and South Carolina. The Pageant site remained open until January 1, 1999. The food stand operated by Guest Services, Inc. (GSI) sold refreshments for the first year, response from the public was positive.

Groups and Organizations: The Christmas Pageant of Peace, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the National Park Service, and the Washington Convention and Visitors Association.

President and Participants: President Clinton with the assistance of Brownie Caitlin Fong and Cub Scout Chris Alvarez lit the National Christmas Tree. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton was unable to attend due to a previous commitment.

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). (In the Spring of 1999, the tree was pruned.) For the 37th year, GE Lighting donated the lights. The tree was decorated with more than 75,000 lights in customary holiday colors of red, green and clear along with red garland, and large bow and poinsettia flower ornaments.

Every year, Hargrove donate the decorations for the National Christmas Tree and the smaller trees surrounding the Pageant site.

Polk Aristo-Craft Trains provided a model train display around the base of the National Christmas Tree.

On New Year’s Eve, at 10 p.m., the multicolored lights on the tree turned to all white in honor of the Millennium.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement:: Al Roker, weather and feature reporter, on NBC-TV’s Today Show served as Santa Claus and master of ceremonies for the second year.

Guest entertainers included singer Wayne Newton, opera soprano Renee Fleming, and country singer Marty Stuart. The U. S. Marine Band, also known as "The President’s Own," provided music. Also performing were the Urban Nation H.I.P. H.O.P. Choir and select cast members from the musical "Chicago."

For children’s entertainment, the costume characters were Six Flags America’s Looney Tunes characters "Bugs Bunny, Sylvester, Tweety, Daffy, Foghorn Leghorn and Taz." Pikachu of the Nintendo’s Pokemon; and a magician and variety of clowns.

Tree Topping: On Thursday, December 2, Tipper Gore, the Vice President’s wife topped the National Christmas Tree. Mrs. Gore was assisted by Peter Nostrand, president of the Christmas Pageant of Peace and accompanied by Gavin Fugere and Patricia Moriarity, top fund raisers in a walk-a-thon to help homeless people.

Miscellaneous: Evening programs, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., for the Pageant started on December 9 and concluded on December 30. Hours of operation for the Pageant were 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Various schools, church, civic and private groups performed during the evening programs. These groups were mostly from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, with some groups from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Connecticut. The Pageant site remained open until January 2, 2000.

For the second year Guest Services Incorporated operated the food stand, expanding the selection of refreshments.

Groups and Organizations: The Christmas Pageant of Peace, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the National Park Service, the Washington Convention and Visitors Association, and the White House Historical Association.

President and Participants: President Bill Clinton with the assistance of Senator-elect Hillary Rodham Clinton and their daughter Chelsea lit the National Christmas Tree.

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). For the 38th year, GE Lighting donated the lights. "Tradition" was the design emphasis for this year's tree. The tree was decorated with more than 125,000 lights in holiday colors of green and clear. Tree ornaments included gold garland, 70 gold balls with red ribbons, and 100 hand-fabricated snowflakes. The tree topper was a large snowflake.

Polk Aristo-Craft Trains provided an expanded model train display with more trains and a small village around the base of the National Christmas Tree.

A permanent wrought iron fence was installed around the tree, replacing the existing chain link fence.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Al Roker, weather and feature reporter, on NBC-TV's Today Show again served as Santa Claus and master of ceremonies.

Guest entertainers included 14-year-old classical soprano Charlotte Church from Wales, 12-year-old country singer Billy Gilman, and country singer Kathy Mattea. The U. S. Navy Band provided music. Also performing were the West Tennessee Youth Chorus from Memphis and select cast members from the musical "Fosse," featuring Riva Rice.

Gold Medalist Olympian Dominique Dawes introduced Camp Fire Boy and Girl, Kwame Jama Dennis and Anastasia Marie Wroblewski.

For children's entertainment, greetings and good cheer were provided by four clowns, a juggler, a magician, and Mother Christmas. The appearance of characters "Zak" and "Wheezie" was made possible through the generosity of Sesame Workshop and Sony Family Pictures Entertainment Group.

Tree Topping: On Thursday, November 30, Tipper Gore, the Vice President's wife topped the National Christmas Tree. Mrs. Gore was assisted by Peter Nostrand, president of the Christmas Pageant of Peace and accompanied by Marion Young and Brenda Rodriquez, students at Ramond Elementary School in Prince George's County, Maryland.

Miscellaneous: The Pageant site was opened through January 1, 2001. Hours of operation for the Pageant were 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Evening programs, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., for the Pageant started on December 12 and concluded on December 30. Various schools, church, civic and private groups performed during the evening programs. Groups were mostly from Maryland and Virginia, with some groups from the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Ohio.

The program cover was a reproduction of a painting by Thomas Kinkade, America's most collected living artist. The painting, entitled "The Lights of Liberty," was painted at the invitation of the Christmas Pageant of Peace. The Thomas Kinkade Foundation donated proceeds of this print to help fund this and future National Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies. Mr. Kinkade and his wife sat with other dignitaries in the presidential box.

For the third year, Guest Services Incorporated operated the food stand, expanding the selection of refreshments.

President and Participants: President George W. Bush and Laura Bush with the assistance of five year old Leon Patterson and six year old Faith Elseth (children of victims of the September 11th terrorist attack on the Pentagon) lit the tree.

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). For the 39th year, GE Lighting donated the lights. Originally planned was a traditional seasonal color scheme of red, green and gold; but after the events of September 11, the scheme was changed to the patriotic color scheme of red garland and 100,000 white (clear) and blue lights with 100 white star ornaments. The tree topper was a star.

Around the tree Aristo Craft Trains and the National Capital Trackers provided the model train display.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Shirley Jones, singer and actress, served as pageant hostess. Guest entertainers included the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, singer Audra McDonld, jazz quartet The Manhattan Transfer (Cheryl Bentyne, Tim Hauser, Alan Paul, and Janis Siegel), mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, and country entertainer Travis Tritt. The U.S. Marine Band, "The President's Own," provided music. Doug Hill, chief meteorologist for local WJLA-TV station played Santa Claus.

For children's entertainment, five clowns, a juggler, and a magician provided greetings and good cheer. The appearance of characters Bugs Bunny and Sylvester was made possible by Six Flags and "Ord" was made possible through the generosity of Sesame Workshop and Sony Family Pictures Entertainment Group.

Tree Topping: On Wednesday, November 28, Mrs. Lynne V. Cheney topped the National Christmas Tree. She was assisted by two of her young granddaughters and joined by Peter Nostrand, chairman of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc.

Miscellaneous: After the events of September 11th, the U.S. Secret Service announced the Ellipse would be restricted to ticket holders only during the event as a security precaution, but later reconsidered. The security perimeter was expanded from the immediate pageant site to the perimeter of the Ellipse. For added security traffic was temporarily closed on 15th Street in both directions, and north bound only on 17th Street. (E Street was again closed after September 11th.)

The Pageant site was opened through December 31, 2001. Hours of operation for the Pageant were 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Evening programs, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., for the Pageant started on December 7 and concluded on December 30. Various schools, church, civic and private groups performed during the evening programs. Groups were mostly from Maryland and Virginia, with some groups from the District of Columbia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.

The program cover was a reproduction of a 1996 painting by G. Harvey, entitled "Light Unto the World."

Groups and Organizations: The Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc. and the National Park Service.

President and Participants: President George W. Bush and Laura Bush with the assistance of two area Washington, D.C. schoolchildren, seven year old Samara Banks and seven year old Benjamin Schneiller (children participated the President's "Call to Service" program by volunteering their time to prepare and distribute food for homeless men and women in the Washington, D.C. area) lit the tree.

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). For the 40th year, GE Lighting donated the lights and ornaments. This year's design is using a cross-fading technique that will create the effect of two distinctly different trees. For a few seconds, the tree will appear gold in color before changing, gradually, to a brilliant green - a dynamic visual effect. The gold garland, lighted with bright red LEDs and punctuated with lighted wreath ornaments, will remain on consistently through the gold-to-green cross fading. The tree topper was incorporate 10 of the round LED traffic lights.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Barbara Eden, singer and actress, served as pageant hostess and Roy Clark, country singer was this year's "Santa Claus". Guest entertainers included the World Children's Choir from McLean, VA, country singer Steve Warner, The Mannheim Streamroller, Three Mo' Tenors, soprano Hei Kyung Hong, and country entertainer Lee Ann Womack. The U.S. Air Force Concert Band provided music under the direction Colonel Dennis Layendecker.

For children's entertainment, eight clowns, a juggler, and a magician provided greetings and good cheer. The appearance of character, "Barrymore" was made possible by the National Theatre.

Weather Conditions: Mist, temperature in the high 30s. Freezing rain and 5" to 9" of snow have fallen during the day.

Tree Topping: On Tuesday, November 26, Mrs. Lynne V. Cheney topped the National Christmas Tree. She was assisted by two of her young granddaughters and joined by Peter Nostrand, chairman of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc.

The Pageant site was opened through Wednesday, January 1, 2003. Hours of operation for the Pageant were 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Evening programs, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., for the Pageant started on Friday, December 6 and concluded on Sunday, December 29. Various schools, church, civic and private groups performed during the evening programs. Groups were mostly from Maryland and Virginia, with some groups from the California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

A special design of the Christmas Pageant of Peace was created by Michel Delacroix for this year's program cover.

President and Participants: President George W. Bush and Laura Bush with the members of the Boys and Girls Club, Maggie Stuempfle and Andre Joyner, lit the tree.

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). For the 41st year, GE Lighting donated the design, lights, and ornaments for our National Christmas Tree. To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the first lighting of a National Christmas Tree, a simple design was created to reflect a look of yesteryear using holiday lights of red, green, blue and gold with 225 candle and 175 snowflake ornaments. The tree topper was a star-shaped, multidimensional ornament in white and red with gold reflective accents.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Shirley Jones, singer and actress, and Merlin Olsen, actor, retired all-star football player and this year's "Santa Claus", served as pageant hosts. Guest entertainers included the VOENA (Voices of Eve'n Angels) Children's Choir from Benicia, California, soprano Twyla Robinson, the cast of Mamma Mia! (Jeanine Morick, Gary P. Lynch, PJ Griffith, Emy Baysic, Karen Burthwright and James Royce Edwards), and country entertainer Lonestar. The U.S. Coast Guard Band provided music under the direction of Captain Lewis J. Buckley.

For children's entertainment, eight clowns, a juggler, and a magician provided greetings and good cheer. The appearance of characters "Frosty" was made possible by Every Day's A Holiday, Rive, MD and "Gingerbread Lady and the Friendly Elves" was made possible through the generosity of Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre and Children's Theatre, Frederick, MD.

Weather Conditions: Overcast, temperatures in the high 40s with winter storm watch in effect.

Tree Topping: On Tuesday, November 25, Mrs. Lynne V. Cheney topped the National Christmas Tree. She was assisted by two of her young granddaughters and joined by Peter Nostrand, chairman of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc. This event was the 25th Annual Tree Topping Ceremony.

To recognize 25 years of the season's celebration is the living National Christmas Tree, a Colorado blue spruce from York, Pennsylvania, planted on the Ellipse October 20, 1978.

The tree stands as a daily reminder of the holiday spirit and of the tradition each succeeding President has participated in since 1923.

According to Hugh Sidey, TIME Magazine, the Colorado blue spruce had been ordered out of a seed catalogue by a son-in-law and tended by four grandchildren. At age six the tree was given as a Mother's Day gift to Mrs. Meyers. "Transplanted to her front yard, it was smothered with loving neglect for 15 years. No fertilizer. No watering. No insecticide. No pruning." For $1,500, the Myers agreed to turn custody of their beloved tree over to the NPS and a place in history. For three days a crew dug up and prepared the tree to be transported to Washington, D.C. Overseeing the activities, Mrs. Myers continually serving the crew sandwiches, homemade soup and countless cups of coffee. As a parting ritual a prayer service was held. Arriving safely on the Ellipse in October, Mrs. Meyer's tree was planted in its new home-on the north edge of the Ellipse-in full view of the White House and out of the way of the many citizens who used the Ellipse for their games and activities-and just across the street from the nearby 1941 tree which still remains on the South Lawn.

The Pageant site was opened through Wednesday, January 1, 2004. Hours of operation for the Pageant were 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Evening programs, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., for the Pageant started on Friday, December 5 and concluded on Saturday, December 27. Various schools, church, civic and private groups performed during the evening programs. Groups were mostly from Maryland and Virginia, with some groups from the Alabama, District of Columbia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

President and Participants: President George W. Bush and Laura Bush with the members of the Brownies Troop 5179 of Chantilly, Virginia, Nichole Mastracchio and Clara Pitts, lit the tree.

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). For the 42nd consecutive year, GE has generously donated the design, lights, and ornaments for the National Christmas Tree. A design that combines 15,000 traditional, sparkling colored (blue, red, green and gold) holiday lights with 130 star ornaments that shine brightly as beacons of hope and peace.. The tree is also adorned with 120 holographic "sun catchers," which make the tree sparkle throughout the day. Topping off the tree is a multidimensional Lexan star, complementing the smaller stars throughout the tree.

Around the tree the National Capital Trackers provided the model train display since 1994.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included the “President's Own” U.S. Marine Band; country vocalist and pageant hostess Connie Smith; operatic tenor Carl Tanner; “American Idol” finalist and pops and rhythms and blues vocalist Kimberly Locke; popular country music band Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives; Darren Holden, lead vocalist/piano man in the Tony Award winning musical, “Movin' Out;” and the West Tennessee Youth Chorus from Cordova, Tennessee, under the direction of Martha Wright. NBC “Today” Show personality Willard Scott returned as Santa Claus.

For children's entertainment, fourteen colorful characters such as clowns, elves, a toy solider and a Christmas Tree and a magician provided greetings and good cheer. The appearance of characters "Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester the Cat and Tweety Bird" was made possible by Six Flags America from Largo, Maryland and "Gingerbread Lady and the Friendly Elves" was made possible through the generosity of Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre and Children's Theatre, Frederick, Maryland.

Tree Topping: On Tuesday, November 19, Mrs. Lynne V. Cheney topped the National Christmas Tree. She was assisted by two of her young granddaughters and joined by Peter Nostrand, chairman of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, Inc.

Miscellaneous: The theme of this year's pageant is "peace on earth, good will to all, everywhere," the same theme each year.

The National Capital Trackers celebrated their tenth year for displaying the model trains around the National Christmas Tree.

The Pageant site was opened through Saturday, January 1, 2006. Hours of operation for the Pageant were 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Evening programs, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., for the Pageant started on Friday, December 3 and concluded on Thursday, December 23. Various schools, church, civic and private groups performed during the evening programs. Groups were mostly from Maryland and Virginia, with some groups from the California, District of Columbia, Florida, Ohio, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia and South Africa.

Thomas Kinkade has returned to design for the program cover entitled, "Symbols of Freedom".

President and Participants: President George W. Bush and Laura Bush with Jackie, Melissa, and Jenna Kantor of Bethesda, lit the tree. These girls started "Project Backpack," to help give children displaced by Hurricane Katrina new backpacks filled with books, and toys and school supplies.

The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from York, Pennsylvania (1978). For the 43rd consecutive year, GE has generously donated the design, lights, and ornaments for the National Christmas Tree. A design that combines 25,000 sparkling clear lights with 105 custom-made snowflake ornaments will light the night. Each snowflake ornament is lit from within with 25 clear bulbs, and accentuated by blue holographic vinyl. To bring sparkle to the tree during the day, 105 snowflake shaped miniature "sun catchers" have been added. The tree topper is a majestic 42" x 36" multidimensional snowflake, complementing the smaller snowflake ornaments below.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included the U.S. Navy Band; Broadway singer and pageant hostess Dale Kristien; Broadway singer Brad Oscar; rhythms and blues vocalist CeCe Winans; popular country music band Ricky Skaggs and the Whites; poet Maya Angelou and the VOENA (Voices of Eve 'N Angels) Children's Choir from Benicia, California. Merlin Olsen, actor, retired all-star football player returned for the second year as "Santa Claus".

For children's entertainment, twelve colorful characters such as clowns, elves, a toy solider and a Christmas Tree provided greetings and good cheer. "Screech, The Official Mascot of the Washington Nationals" made his first appearance at the opening night. "The Gingerbread Lady & her Friendly Elves" and "A Furry Christmas Carol" characters were made possible through the generosity of Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre and Children's Theatre, Frederick, Maryland.

Tree Topping: On Tuesday, November 22, the tree topping ceremony was canceled due to inclement weather.

The Pageant site was opened through Saturday, January 1, 2005. Hours of operation for the Pageant were 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Evening programs, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., for the Pageant started on Friday, December 3 and concluded on Thursday, December 23. Various schools, church, civic and private groups performed during the evening programs. Groups were mostly from Maryland and Virginia, with some groups from the District of Columbia, Georgia, Ohio, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia

2006 December 7 Bush President and Participants: President George W. Bush and Laura Bush with Attiyah Jenkins, Stephen Scott, and Dana Bederson, lit the tree. These children were representing the National Park Service's Junior Ranger program. The Junior Ranger Program teaches children and families about science, nature and stewardship of our national parks.

For the 44th consecutive year, GE has generously donated the design, decoration and installation of the National Christmas Tree. This year’s designer is Kathy Presciano, the GE Lighting Specialist who has designed the lights and decorations for the National Christmas Tree for the last 12 years. Presciano has created a tree design that celebrates the traditional Christmas tree of childhood memories with 125 15”x18” shiny round ornaments, 500 sets of multicolored lights and a double-faced, 42” traditional lighted star on the top.

The ornaments are reverse-painted, and a gold holographic back creates a halo like sparkle when the ornaments are lit. The star is doubled so it can be seen from both directions, with a holographic vinyl board between the two, sporting delicate scrollwork.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own under the direction of Colonel Thomas Rotondi, Jr.; Broadway singer and pageant hostess Cathy Rigby; International performer Eartha Kitt; Country music singers. John Conlee and B.J. Thomas, and “The Singing Angels” youth chorus from Cleveland, Ohio, directed by Charles Eversole. This year’s “Santa Claus” played by Broadway singer, Brad Oscar.

For children's entertainment, eight colorful characters such as clowns, elves, a toy solider, a magician, and “Mrs. Claus” provided greetings and good cheer. "Screech, The Official Mascot of the Washington Nationals" made his second appearance at the opening night.

Way Off Broadway Carolers, "The Gingerbread Lady & her Friendly Elves" and "A Furry Christmas Carol" characters were made possible through the generosity of Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre and Children's Theatre, Frederick, Maryland.

Weather Conditions: Overcast, breezy, and turning colder with a possible snow flurries. At noon, the temperature had reached an unexpectedly high 56’.

The Pageant site was opened through Monday, January 1, 2007. Hours of operation for the Pageant were 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Evening programs, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., for the Pageant started on Saturday, December 9 and concluded on Saturday, December 23. Various schools, church, civic and private groups performed during the evening programs. Groups were mostly from Maryland and Virginia, with some groups from the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia.

2007 December 6 Bush President and Participants: President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush attended this event with two young Americans. Brianna Kinder helps others through her participation in the Montgomery County Police Activities League's "Kids Care Club", and Damarcus Hawkins gives his time as part of the Discovery Creek Children's Museum service-learning program. The Tree: A 41’ 9" living Colorado blue spruce from York, Pennsylvania (1978).

For the 45th consecutive year, GE Consumer & Industrial is outfitting the National Christmas Tree with lamps fitted with tiny computer chips that release multi-colored lights ---called LEDs (light emitting diodes) ---the latest in energy efficient lighting. The effect should create a tree that’s brilliantly different than the traditional incandescent lights…and more than a hundred times more energy efficient.

“LEDs are becoming the first choice for so many people who want long-lasting, beautiful and energy efficient holiday lighting. It’s only natural that we should have it for our holiday tree, too,” said Kathy Presciano, GE’s lighting designer for the National Christmas Tree. “

This year, we’ve produced a GE 26-light string that should save 120 watts of energy over a traditional, incandescent string,” she added. This year’s tree will feature approximately 125 red bows that are 26 inches high and nearly 20 inches wide. SABIC Innovative Plastics, located in Pittsfield MA, donated the Lexan polycarbonate sheeting for the ornaments. The red shining garland, all 1,000 feet of it---will feature red LED lights, too.

While this year’s topper will be the same 42-inch, three-dimensional star design used last year, it was refabricated for 2007 Season using GE’s Tetra Power White LEDs, an industrial sign-grade light that’s 15 times brighter than standard LEDs. This “heirloom” topper will now be used year after year.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: The list of onstage performers includes the Academy of Country Music’s top female vocalist of 2006, Sara Evans. Joining her will be 12 year old singer/actor Julian Ivey (recent star of Broadway’s "The Lion King"); 15 year old classical artist Holly Stell (dubbed the "Petite Pavarotti" for her exceptional voice and gift for singing opera); and Master Sergeant Ryan Carson, vocalist with Max Impact, The U.S. Air Force Band. Broadway’s Brad Oscar (star of "The Producers" in New York, London and Las Vegas) returns for a second year as Santa Claus. The United States Air Force Band, under the baton of Colonel Dennis M. Layendecker, will be this year’s featured service band, with the St. Albans and National Cathedral Schools Choir providing vocal support to the guest artists as well as solo performances of holiday favorites. “Santa Claus” brought Mrs. Claus (Victoria Oscar) and his elves (Diego Prieto and Paula Sweeney) for a special appearance. Pastor Roger Freeman, First Baptist Church from Clarksville, TN, led the innovation.

Pre-show performances were provided by The Way Off Broadway Carolers from Frederick, MD, McLean Presbyterian Church Quintet from McLean, VA, Almost Recess from Raleigh, NC, VI for Him from Fredericksburg, VA, The Chesapeake Choral Arts Society Carolers from Southern Maryland and Virginia Bronze Sextet from Alexander, VA.

Weather Conditions: Overcast, calm, and turning colder in the 30’s. Three inches of snow fell the night before.

Christmas Pageant of Peace had been renamed to “The National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace.”

Each night from December 8, 2007 through January 1, 2008, the National Christmas Tree will be lit from dusk until 11 p.m. Musical groups will perform nightly on the Ellipse stage from December 8 to December 23, weeknights from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. and weekends from 4:00 to 8:30 p.m. Various schools, church, civic and private groups performed during the evening music programs. Groups were mostly from Maryland and Virginia, with some groups from the District of Columbia, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

Since 1954, the nightly music performances have been introduced by volunteers from Toastmaster clubs in and around Washington, D.C. Toastmasters International is a worldwide organization dedicated to helping adults improve their communication and leadership skills.

Seasonal displays include a Yule log and a large-scale model train. For the 13th consecutive year, the National Capital Trackers, a local model train club, will provide model trains that surround the base of the National Christmas Tree. The trains will run from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily through January 1st.

In what becomes the "Pathway of Peace," the National Christmas Tree and 56 smaller trees--one for each state, five territories and the District of Columbia--serve as the event focal point. All 57 trees will be lit each evening at dusk until 11:00 p.m. and will be lit each night through January 1st. Sponsoring organizations in each state provide the tree decorations and each decoration is encased in a protective plastic globe to shield it from the weather.

President and Participants: President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush attended this ceremony with two young women Kayleigh Kepler and Lindsey Van Horn. Their fathers are serving in the military. President Bush told them that “America is safer because of your dads, and moms and dads across America who have stepped forward to defend our country.” The Tree: A 41’ 9" living Colorado blue spruce from York, Pennsylvania (1978).

The 2008 National Christmas Tree display represents the most energy-efficient display in GE’s 46-year history of lighting the National Christmas Tree. In fact, it’s a full 50 percent more energy efficient than the 2007 display. The secret to the savings is the use of LEDs—short for light emitting diodes—that create light not from traditional bulbs, but from computer chips.

“2007 was the first year we replaced most of our lights with LEDs, and it made the tree 100 times more efficient. So it was quite a feat for us to improve our ratings this year, too,” said Kathy Presciano, lighting designer for GE consumer & Industrial and designer of the National Christmas Tree since 1995. “This year, we were able to outfit the state trees with LEDs for the first time, using more than 360 strings of clear LEDs for the background lights. By eliminating the lighted garland on the National Tree and using more, but smaller ornaments, we were able to cut energy costs there, too,” she said.

This year’s National Christmas Tree will carry more than 45,000 individual LED lights, including the topper and the background lights. The 42-inch tall, star-shaped tree topper is an “heirloom” topper used for the last two years. It is outfitted with industrial-grade, white Tetra LEDs, burning at 15 times the brightness of other LEDs. As many as 900, 50-light strings of clear, C5 LEDs will provide a dazzling backdrop to the tree. Presciano said brightness and weight restrictions dictated the use of traditional incandescent lights on the 140 star-shaped, 12-inch, three-dimensional ornaments. And the gold holographic film used to make the ornaments is designed to catch the sun, so the tree looks lit, even during the day.

Best of all, the LEDs decorating the 2008 National Christmas Tree and state trees will last 10 times longer than traditional incandescents, giving the nation’s lighting resource that can be used year after year. GE Consumer & Industrial has donated the materials and design for the National Christmas Tree every year since 1962.

Visitors to the 1994 National Christmas Tree found a new addition of special delight for children and adults – an electric train that ran around the base of the tree. The trains have expanded each year and now include multiple tracks, trains, bridges and building. Retired U.S. Air Force veteran and defense industry employee Bill Frank and his wife Edith engineered the 1994 start of the National Christmas Tree Railroad, while Bill was working for Ariston-Craft Trains. Bill recruited other sponsors and now the sponsorship list includes U.S.A. Trains, Bachmann Industries, Heartland Locomotive Works, Split Jaw Rail Joiners, Bridgework’s Transformers, Garden Metal Models, Sound Traxx, L.G.B., and American Main Line products.

The railroad has flourished from two trains to nine trains and three trolley lines, which run on over 1,000 feet of track. Bill Frank’s motto of “Amazing what we can do when we pull together” is annually re-affirmed as the trains are installed and maintained each December by volunteer enthusiasts from a variety of train organizations. To each volunteer and donor we extend our special thanks for your gift which produces joy and sparkling eyes as visitors watch the National Christmas Tree Railroad.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: This year’s lineup for the 85th Lighting of the National Christmas Tree will offer a diverse program of traditional holiday music with a dash of Texas swing, Latin rhythm and a little Motown. Onstage performers include Rissi Palmer one of country music’s most promising young stars; multiple Grammy winner Jon Secada; and popular Nashville singer/songwriter Phil Vassar. Washington-based dance troupe Step Afrika! will perform, and the U.S. Army Chorus’s Sergeant First Class (SFC) Steve Cramer will appear as Santa Claus. Rounding out the show will be four-year old singer Kaitlyn Maher, who came to national attention as one of the ten finalists in this year’s “America’s Got Talent” competition. The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” under the baton of Colonel Thomas Rotondi, Jr. will be this year’s featured service band, with The Enterprise High School Encores from Enterprise, Alabama, providing vocal support to the guest artists as well as solo performances of holiday favorites.

Pre-show performances were provided by Juggling Toy Soldier - Paul Belanger from Baltimore, Maryland, The Chesapeake Choral Arts Society Carolers from Southern Maryland, The Noel Carolers from McLean, Virginia and Virginia Bronze Sextet from Alexander, Virginia.

Weather Conditions: Overcast, light wind, and 50’s dropping into the 40’s. Light precipitation later in the evening.

Miscellaneous: This tree lighting ceremony marks as an 85th year tradition since President Coolidge lit the Tree in 1923.

The National Christmas Tree is a Colorado blue spruce planted on the Ellipse in 1978. The tree was fifteen years old and thirty feet tall when it arrived in our nation’s capital. Tonight, as it is lit for the 30th time since leaving the home of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Myers in York, Pennsylvania, the tree stands at almost 42 feet tall.

Each night from December 4, 2008 through January 1, 2009, the National Christmas Tree will be lit from dusk until 11 p.m. Musical groups will perform nightly on the Ellipse stage from December 6 to December 23, weeknights from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. and weekends from 4:00 to 8:30 p.m. Various schools, church, civic and private groups performed during the evening music programs. Groups were mostly from Maryland and Virginia, with some groups from the District of Columbia, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Since 1954, the nightly music performance have been introduced by volunteers from Toastmaster clubs in and around Washington, D.C. Toastmasters International is a worldwide organization dedicated to helping adults improve their communication and leadership skills.

Seasonal displays include a Yule log and a large-scale model train. For the 14th consecutive year, the National Christmas Tree Railroad will provide model trains that surround the base of the National Christmas Tree. The trains will run from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily through January 1st.

For the first time this year, the seasonal displays will include a Santa’s Workshop sponsored by UL. The Workshop will be open at select times for children to visit with Santa.

Tonight’s ceremony program is dedicated to the memory of Ron Hudler, a long-time supporter of the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree. In 1993, Ron began a Christmas tree business, Hudler Carolina Tree Farms, with his three sons, Dale, Fred and Bill. For the past 12 years, Hudler Carolina Tree Farms has donated more than 60 trees annually to the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree celebration. Ron and his son, Fred, passed away in January 2009. The Hudler family decided to both continue Hudler Carolina Tree Farms and continue their father’s tradition of donating to the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

2009 December 3 Obama President and Participants: President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, lit the tree. The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). For the 47th consecutive year, GE generously donated the design, lights, and ornaments for the National Christmas Tree. Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included: Sheryl Crow; Common; Jordin Sparks; Randy Jackson; Ray LaMontagne; The U.S. Marine Corps Band; Celtic Woman; PS22 Chorus; and Joshua Redman.

2010 December 9 Obama President and Participants: President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, their daughters, Sasha and Malia, and the president’s mother-in-law Marian Robinson lit the tree. The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (1978). For the 48th consecutive year, GE generously donated the design, lights, and ornaments for the National Christmas Tree.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included: B.B. King; Sara Bareilles; Ingrid Michaelson; Maroon 5; Common; and My Morning Jacket.

2011 December 1 Obama President and Participants: President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, their daughters, Sasha and Malia, and the president’s mother-in-law Marian Robinson lit the tree. The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from New Jersey (2011). For the 49th consecutive year, GE generously donated the design, lights, and ornaments for the National Christmas Tree.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included: Carson Daly; OneRepublic; Rodney Atkins; Marsha Ambrosius; Big Time Rush; Ellie Goulding; and Kermit the Frog.

2012 December 6 Obama President and Participants: President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, lit the tree. The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Virginia (2012). For the 50th consecutive year, GE generously donated the design, lights, and ornaments for the National Christmas Tree.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included: Neil Patrick Harris; Colbie Caillat; Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds; The Fray; Ledisi; Jason Mraz; Phillip Phillips; James Taylor; Evan Shinners; the US Navy Band Commodores; and Rico Rodriquez.

2013 December 6 Obama President and Participants: President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, their daughters, Sasha and Malia, and the president’s mother-in-law Marian Robinson lit the tree. The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Virginia (2012). For the 51st consecutive year, GE generously donated the design, lights, and ornaments for the National Christmas Tree.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included: Mariah Carey; Jane Lynch; The Avett Brothers; Joshua Bell; Renee Fleming; Forte; Aretha Franklin; Janelle Monae; Prince Royce; Arturo Sandoval; Train; and Nolan Williams, Jr. and Voices of Inspiration.

2014 December 4 Obama President and Participants: President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, their daughters, Sasha and Malia, and the president’s mother-in-law Marian Robinson lit the tree. The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Virginia (2012). For the 52nd consecutive year, GE generously donated the design, lights, and ornaments for the National Christmas Tree.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included: Tom Hanks; Rita Wilson; Fifth Harmony; Patti LaBelle; NE-YO; Steve Miller; Nico & Vinz; The Tenors; and Chely Wright.

2015 December 3 Obama President and Participants: President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, their daughters, Sasha and Malia, the president’s mother-in-law Marian Robinson, and actress Reese Witherspoon lit the tree. The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Virginia (2012). For the 53rd consecutive year, GE generously donated the design, lights, and ornaments for the National Christmas Tree.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included: Reese Witherspoon; Fall Out Boy; Andra Day; Tori Kelly; Trombone Shorty; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Aloe Blacc; Kelsea Ballerini; and the Joyous String Quartet.

2016 December 1 Obama President and Participants: President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughter Sasha lit the tree. The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Virginia (2012). For the 54th consecutive year, GE generously donated the design, lights, and ornaments for the National Christmas Tree.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included: Chance the Rapper; Kelly Clarkson; Yolanda Adams; James Taylor; The Lumineers; Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood; Eva Longoria Baston; Marc Anthony; Afro Blue; The Airmen of Note; and Simone Manuel.

2017 November 30 Trump President and Participants: President Donald J. Trump and ceremony hosts Dean Cain and Kathie Lee Gifford led the crowd in a countdown to the tree lighting, and First Lady Melania Trump lit the tree. The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Virginia (2012). For the 55th consecutive year, GE generously donated the design, lights, and ornaments for the National Christmas Tree.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included: Kathie Lee Gifford; Dean Cain; Craig Campbell; Wynonna; The Beach Boys; Boys II Bow Ties; The Texas Tenors; Mannheim Steamroller; Jack Wagner; the U.S. Navy Band; Steve Gibson; and Us The Duo.

2018 November 28 Trump President and Participants: President Donald J. Trump led the crowd in a countdown to the tree lighting, and First Lady Melania Trump and ceremony host Antonio Sabato Jr. lit the tree. The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Virginia (2012). For the 56th consecutive year, GE generously donated the design, lights, and ornaments for the National Christmas Tree.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included: Antonio Sabato Jr.; Anthony Kearns; Dominican Sisters of Mary; Abby Anderson; LOCASH; Matthew West; Gabby Barrett; Spensha Baker; Thompson Square; Paul Cardall; the US Army Band; and John Driskell Hopkins.

2019 December 5 Trump President and Participants: President Donald J. Trump led the crowd in a countdown to the tree lighting, and First Lady Melania Trump lit the tree. The Tree: Living Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania (2019). For the 57th consecutive year, GE generously donated the design, lights, and ornaments for the National Christmas Tree.

Performers/Celebrity Involvement: Performers at the event included: Jessie James Decker; "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band; Spensha Baker; Colton Dixon; Chevel Shepherd; Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus; U.S. Air Force Max Impact; and West Tennessee Youth Chorus.

In November 1923, a letter arrived at the White House, from the District of Columbia Public Schools, proposing a lighted Christmas tree be erected on the South Lawn of the White House - hopefully creating a Winter event similar to the White House Easter Egg Roll an event of "national character" which occurred each Spring.

First Lady Grace Coolidge, having arranged for a Christmas sing on the North Lawn of the White House and not wanting two events on White House grounds gave permission to erect a cut Christmas tree on the Ellipse, south of the White House. Organizers promoted the tree as the "National Christmas Tree." To add to the "national" appeal, President Calvin Coolidge was invited to participate. On December 24 at 5 p.m., the President walked from the Oval Office to the Ellipse, and pushed the button to light the tree, a gift to the President from Middlebury College in the President's native state of Vermont. That evening a marathon of activities ensued. Citizens returned to the tree at 7 p.m. for a choral concert and performance by the "President's Own" Marine Band quartet. At 9 p.m. citizens headed to the North Lawn for Mrs. Coolidge's carol sing. At midnight it was back to the Ellipse where a sing was under way as a reenactment of the wise men's journey was being acted out at the nearby Washington Monument.