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Christmas, 1975 - General
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Christmas, 1975 - General
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Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files (Ford Administration)
Sheila Weidenfeld's General Subject Files
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President (1974-1977 : Ford). Office of the First Lady. 1974-1977
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The original documents are located in Box 36, folder "Christmas, 1975 - General" of the
Sheila Weidenfeld Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
Digitized from Box 36 of the Sheila Weidenfeld Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
CHRISTMAS AT THE WHITE HOUSE
INTRODUCTION
Christmas is a time of greàt joy, a time for family and friends and
a time for thought and prayer. Along with the millions of other American
families that celebrate this special holiday, the Nation's First Families
have traditionally joined in the gaiety with White House festivities con-
veying to all, the generousity and goodwill of those who dwell within.
Although much political history has been made behind its great doors, we
are reminded at this season that the White House has also been a home
since 1800 with each new family sharing and celebrating many of their
own Yuletide observances and customs with the American people. Sparkling
with colorful decorations, spiced with smells of deliciously prepared
foods and ringing with the happy sounds of laughter and song, the White
House has, since its earliest days, symbolized our country's festive
celebration' of Christmas. The triumphs and heartbreak, ceremony and personal
drama which generated from the Presidential Residence are recalled with
holiday nostalgia in the following pages.
EARLY CELEBRATIONS
The history of Christmas at the White House is as exciting and
diverse as our Nation's heritage with succeeding Christmases reflecting
the personalities of those who have played leadership roles in its de-
velopment. Our first President, George Washington, did not have the
pleasure of living in this fine home because it was not fully constructed
until 1800. However, our second President, John Adams, moved in before
the house was totally completed -- just one month before Christmas.
Although the mansion was forbiddingly cold and damp, Abigail Adams
was determined to make the first White House Christmas a most memorable
one. She planned two parties to celebrate the season: one given for
the members of Congress, Government officials and the social elite of
the District of Columbia and the second given for young children who
were invited to play with their four-year-old granddaughter, Suzannah.
Twenty cords of wood were burned to warm the chambers and dry the
plaster, but unfortunately the new Executive Mansion was still far
from cozy. The older guests shivered throughout the evening, leaving
distressingly early but with the customary high spirits of childhood,
the little ones romped about and kept warm with all the activity of
the lively games, thereby enjoying thoroughly the gaiety of the occasion.
Thomas Jefferson, a true connoisseur, maintained a refined house-
hold despite his being a widower. Engaging the help of his Secretary
of State's charming wife, Dolley Madison, he hosted exceptionally gay
and exciting Christmas parties. In 1805 all six of his grandchildren
were on hand to keep him company. Festivities became SO overjoyful
that in the midst of all the hot toddys, food and fun, the reserved
President Jefferson grabbed his violin and played for the dancing
pleasure of his one hundred guests.
- 2 -
Several years later Dolley Madison, as First Lady, again served as
hostess for the White House Christmas galas. Mrs. Madison, always as
elaborate as she was exuberant, ordered from France a huge, ornate
mirror on which to display the many plates of goose, hen, puddings, cakes
and other delicacies prepared for her holiday guests. Unfortunately the
Madisons' extravagant social life was interrupted all too abruptly by
the outbreak of the War of 1812 and the ensuing destruction of the
White House.
Thus, it was not until 1817, during the Monroe Administration, that
a First Family again enjoyed Christmas entertainment in the Presidential
Residence. Their holiday celebration was particularly memorable, espe-
cially for their daughter, who met her future husband, Samuel L. Gouvernuer,
her father's secretary, there.
THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS SHARING
The refreshing spontaneity and boundless happiness of young children
enjoying Christmas has truly been a most treasured aspect of White House
festivities. Children were especially important to Andrew Jackson during
the holiday season. Since his beloved wife, Rachel, had died only a
few months before he entered the White House, his grandnieces and nephews
arrived to cheer him on this first lonely Christmas. They insisted that
he put up a stocking, and while he slept, they. filled it with a corncob
pipe and other goodies -- a thoughtfulness which brought tears to the
eyes of the stately "old Hickory."
President Jackson often reminded his family that "the best way to
secure happiness is to bestow it upon others." With tender memories
of his days as an orphan, he directed his oldest nieces and nephews
to pack up holiday baskets of treats and visit an orphanage in their
horse drawn carriage. This became one of "Uncle Andy's" favorite projects
and the children went there often to lighten the hearts of the homeless
children.
The spirit of giving to the less fortunate remains a very vital
part of White House Christmas rituals and America's Presidents through-
out the years have derived much satisfaction from sharing their homes
as well as their goodwill with those in need.
Abraham Lincoln and his family were especially noted for their
charitable deeds. Young Tad showed up at the White House kitchen door
one Christmas day with street urchins he had befriended. Although the
cook wanted to shoo them away, the President insisted they be invited
in for turkey and yuletide merriment.
More often it was the First Lady of the land who became involved
in the special efforts to brighten the Christmases of the needy in
Washington as well as to set an example of generosity for the entire
country. Frances Folsom Cleveland, wife of our 22nd and 24th Presi-
dent, enjoyed attending benefit dinners given for the poor by area
- 3 -
Christmas clubs. Her presence was a vital boost to citizen responsiveness
and participation in these philanthropic drives. Mrs. Cleveland had a
great sensitivity to underprivileged children, distributed toys to them
and joined in their laughter at Punch and Judy puppet shows which she
had helped to promote.
Even in the dreary days following the great depression, the White
House stood as a symbol of the Christ Child's message of faith, hope
and charity. President and Mrs. Hoover decorated the rooms and filled
them with the sound of happy children. Their grandchildren Peter and
Peggy Anne hosted a special party for their friends who were asked to
bring toys, warm clothing and candy, not for each other, but for the
poor youngsters affected by the bad economic times. Girl Scouts were
invited to serve and Mrs. Hoover led the young people through the halls
of the Executive Mansion, each holding a candle and harmonizing in
Christmas carols.
Eleanor Roosevelt, a woman of great compassion and deep personal
empathy for others, made visits each year to the slums of the District
of Columbia as a part of her Christmas ritual. Colorful stockings filled
by various civic groups, festive trees and messages of peace and happiness
were the gifts she carried to these grateful citizens.
Washington's orphans from St. Anne's Asylum and Junior Village were
given a special holiday treat during the Kennedy years. At a party hosted
by Mrs. Robert Kennedy, the President's sister-in-law, children delighted
in receiving candy, balloons and other goodies as well as cherished
memories of their day at the White House.
During the Johnson Administration, Mrs. Johnson held an Annual
Children's Party, inviting underprivileged youngsters from the metro-
politan area. In 1966 one hundred and fifty of them came, and between
watching a puppet show, eating ice cream in the shape of Christmas trees
and cookies, and meeting Santa Claus who provided gifts for all, the
children had a most delightful time.
Mrs. Richard Nixon with her charming daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower,
welcomed children from the Foundation for the Junior Blind to a White House
Christmas party in 1971. Along with delicious punch and cookies, these
exceptional young people enjoyed singing carols and other popular tunes.
The highlight of their day was the unique opportunity to roam the upstairs
rooms, becoming acquainted with objects of the famous Lincoln bedroom
through vivid narration and special permission to handle the historical
furniture.
FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT
"Anything goes" was the rule in President Teddy Roosevelt's household,
and there was never a dull moment in the joviality and merry-making in the
White House during these years. On one Christmas afternoon, a turkey that
had been delivered for Christmas dinner escaped from its pen. The President's
- 4 -
sons, in the tradition of the old lion hunter himself, chased the bird
all around the White House grounds waving hatchets as their father watched
their wild antics with great laughter. The next day the Presidential
family was severely reproached by the press for their cruelty to animals.
Another year the lively youngsters rode their ponies right into the
mansion -- and got away with it!
"The Rough Rider" took advantage of the Christmas vacation to prove
to his officers that an order requiring them to ride 90 miles on horse-
back in three days was not "unduly harsh." He set out at three o'clock
one morning and returned from the long ride in the midst of a sleet
storm -- 17 hours later and just in time to thaw out and enjoy a holiday
feast.
Christmases with the Rutherford B. Hayes family were as unusual as
they were exciting. The season of 1877 was especially festive as the
President and his wife "Lemonade Lucy" re-enacted their wedding as a
part of their silver anniversary celebration. In the company of the
original guests, Mrs. Hayes appeared in the same white silk wedding
gown and joined hands with husband Rutherford to exchange vows before
the pastor who had officiated 25 years earlier.
Romance was again an important part of the Hayes' Christmas, although
it was a long time developing. At a party for daughter Fanny, one of the
guests, Helen Herron, a debutante from Cincinnati, shocked the gathering
by openly declaring that she planned to return to the White House as a
First Lady. She did indeed return to live in this Presidential Home
some 30 years later --- as the wife of President William Howard Taft.
As First Lady, Mrs. Taft enjoyed four more festive holidays in
Washington. Perhaps one of the most unusual gifts her jovial and overly
rotund husband ever received while in office was a special pie presented
to him by the International Bakers Asdiciation. Knowing how much he
loved to eat, they made him a meat pie that measured 38 inches in diameter
and weighed 92 pounds -- this for the family's Christmas feast!
Undoubtedly the most exciting yet traumatic Christmas Eve in White
House History was that of 1929 when the Old Executive Office Building
burned. President Hoover left his guests, including several children,
and dashed from his dinner party in the elegantly decorated State Dining
Room to the roof of the White House to direct the fire fighting. After
much entreating and pleading, the Secret Servicemen finally persuaded
him to rejoin his guests for the final moments of the holiday party.
The following year President Hoover again invited the same children
to the White House on Christmas Eve and presented them with fire engines
in commemoration of the previous year's fire.
Celebrating Christmas with overabounding zeal, the Franklin Roosevelts
held not only glamorous, official holiday parties but also private fes-
tivities that went on for days. On Christmas Eve the President began the
- 5 -
ritual with his famous reading from Dickens' immortal Christmas Carol
and using a specific inflection for the role of Old Scrooge, enthralled
all of his listeners. Stockings were hung that night and later filled
by Eleanor with toothpaste, soap and other articles of cleanliness.
Gifts were not opened until Christmas afternoon and it is said that the
President was so interested in all the presents that each family member
received that he would not get around to opening all of his own gifts
until a few days later.
Franklin Roosevelt also celebrated the season with his staff at
a reception where he shook each individual's hand. This tradition which
has continued throughout the years was actually started by Herbert Hoover.
However, it was Mamie Eisenhower who turned the gathering into a warmer
party by serving coffee and Christmas cakes from all over the world.
She even extended her generosity and gratitude by continuing the partv
for her personal staff in the family's personal quarters, upstairs in
the Mansion.
During the Nixon Administration, there were several occasions for
family, friends, officials and staff to gather in celebration of the
season. In addition to a Christmas Evening at the White House where
appropriate selections from such diverse authors as Martial, Shakespeare,
Dickens, Dylan Thomas, Robert Benchly and Ogden Nash were read, the
Nixons also hosted a Worship Service of Lessons and Carols where children
of staff members were invited not only to attend, but also to participate!
OUIET CHRISTMASES
Christmas for many Presidential families was not always a time
for fanfare and jubilation but an occasion for more solemn, private
ritual. James K. Polk and his wife, Sarah, were both serious and
religious individuals who viewed this period as a time for thought and
meditation. As her husband's private secretary, the sober Mrs. Polk
had little interest in planning social activities. Nevertheless,
sensing as obligation to invite official government representatives
to the Presidential Home, she planned a. formal reception, and in her
maroon dress, by the side of her husband, greeted quests before a
roaring fire in the East Room. No food or wine was served however,
and the First Lady allowed. no dancing or card plaving.
- 6 -
The next two Presidents, Zachary Taylor who so tragically died only
a year after entering the White House, and his successor, Millard Filmore,
also preferred to observe Christmas in a more quiet and private manner. Both
Chief Executives entertained only family and close friends on Christmas,
reserving New Year's Day for official guests.
There were times when the White House was filled with sorrow even in
the midst of this usually happy season. The Franklin Pierces' stay in the
White House was profoundly affected by their witnessing the death of their
son in a train accident just prior to the inauguration. Having lost their
only other child a few years earlier, President and Mrs. Pierce passed each
Christmas without the comfort and joy of children near them.
Even though the historic era before the Civil War was marked with some
early rumblings of separatism and the growing pains of westward expansion,
the Administrations of Presidents Polk, Taylor, Fillmore, Pierce and Buchanan
were relatively calm. However, in the true spirit of this pioneer age,
President James Buchanan invited a delegation of visiting Pawnee Indians
to a small holiday party. Although Buchanan, the only President who never
married, had no family to gather for the holiday season, his unusual friends
from the West brought great warmth and gaiety to the man whom they fondly
called "Great Father."
DIFFICULT TIMES
The gaiety of the holiday season was also at times subdued by the
frustrations, loneliness and tragedies of a nation at war. On Christmas Eve,
1861, President Lincoln left his family to call his cabinet together to con-
sider the Trent Embargo, an issue of immense international concern. Two years
later he again spent his holidays working on a profoundly important document,
the Emancipation Proclamation which he issued on New Year's Day 1863, freeing
all men from the bonds of slavery. And later in the day, he invited into
his home the groups of Negroes who had lined up outside in order to meet
the champion of their rights and freedom.
Ironically, on the Holy Day which has for Americans symbolized
brotherhood and goodwill to men, Lincoln learned of one of the most agonizing
victories in the bitter conflict between the North and South. On Christmas
Eve he received a message from General William Tecumseh Sherman, "I beg to
present to you a Christms gift -- the city of Savannah."
World War I depressed the spirits of our entire nation and its ideal-
istic and deeply sensitive President, Woodrow Wilson. As a gift to the Nation,
he planted a huge elm tree as a living symbol of the peace and serenity for
which he so fervently longed. However, still wrought with concern, he and
his second wife spent far from joyous Christmases retreating to the comfort
of their Virginia home, distributing gifts to children who lived along the
way.
- 7 -
In 1941 with our Nation still quivering from the shock of the attack
on Pearl Harbor, Winston Churchill joined the Roosevelts for the lighting
of the National Christmas Tree. President Roosevelt revived the sagging
spirits of a discouraged America by telling them, "Let the children have
their night of fun and laughter. By our sacrifice and daring, these same
children shall not be robbed of their inheritance, or denied the right to
live in a free and decent world."
OTHER OBSERVANCES
Not all Presidents have chosen to spend their holidays in the public
eye at the Executive Mansion. With increased communication and transporta-
tion, this is particularly true of some of our most recent leaders.
President Harry Truman and his wife Bess enjoyed leaving the bustle of
Washington festivities to find cheerful relaxation in their homestate of
Missouri. It is interesting to note that while the White House was being
renovated in the late 1940's, the Trumans lived in Blair House across the
street, and there were fewer opportunities for seasonal parties in the
Mansion itself. The Trumans experienced one particularly harrowing Christmas
Eve when the President's plane enroute to Missouri was caught in a sleet
storm and delayed in the air for several hours while an anxious nation
awaited news of his safe landing.
The Kennedys and their two young children spent only two Christmases
as the Nation's First Family before the young President was SO tragically
assassinated in November 1963. Both of these holidays were spent at the
Kennedy family's residence in Palm Beach, Florida, so that all could be
together with the President's ailing father. Two-year-old John-John
received a toy helicopter just like the one that brought his daddy to the
South Lawn of the White House -- quite a contrast to the hobbyhorses and
wax dolls found under the stockings of the grandnieces and nephews of
Andrew Johnson.
Lyndon Johnson and his family enjoyed Christmas Texas-style at their
ranch. Humor has always been a part of their celebration, and each year
Lady Bird decorates a deerhead hat rack with a red velvet nose and ornaments
hanging from the antlers. This delightful creature is affectionately called
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The family exchanges gifts and one very
special one that daughter Lynda Bird received from her mother was a first
edition copy of Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol.
DECORATIONS
What typifies the yuletide spirit more than shining decorations cheer-
fully adorning our homes? The White House over the past 200 years is
certainly no exception, and each year the glitter of bright colors and
twinkling lights among the evergreens and mistletoe set the atmosphere for
Christmas celebrations.
The first Christmas tree ever to be decorated in the White House
- 8 -
was enjoyed by the Benjamin Harrisons in the Oval Room on the second
floor of the mansion. Everyone, including the family, staff members and
the President himself, decorated the tree with elaborate trimmings of real
candles and silvery ornaments. The young people frolicked amidst the
decorations singing German carols, and the President added to the fun by
dressing up as Santa Claus and distributing gifts and goodies.
Harrison continued to decorate the Presidential residence at
Christmastime for the remainder of his term in office, despite the tragic
death of his wife in the fall of 1892. His last Christmas in the White
House was further dampened when his young granddaughter developed scarlet
fever and was quarantined upstairs throughout the season. Nevertheless,
with undaunted spirits, he cheered the rest of his family by leading the
annual tree decorating ritual.
Since that time, Presidential families have enjoyed the charm and
pleasure of a decorated tree, each adding their own special touch and
personality to this delightful tradition.
It was the Eisenhowers who set the record for the greatest number of
trees in one season -- twenty-six! In 1959, Mamie, with her natural enthu-
siasm, decorated these trees, some with the ornaments and gifts sent to the
Eisenhowers by the Communist leader Nikita Khruschev. The decorations
even extended to the laundry room and the maids' sitting chamber! Their
little grandson David had his very own private tree on the third floor to
avoid the panic he caused a previous year when he awoke at 3 A.M., squealing
with delight over the presents under the tree.
In recent years the First Ladies have selected special themes for
the White House Christmas tree. Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy in 1962 styled a
tree after the famous one in Tschaikowsky's ballet "Nutcracker Suite,"
hanging sugarplum fairies, toy soldiers and drums as well as cookies and
other goodies from every branch. White lights were used to set off the
fine ornaments which were made by blind and elderly craftsmen. Tinsel was
not used that year for fear that it would hide the colorful details which
SO greatly thrilled the Kennedy children, Caroline and John-John.
Lady Bird Johnson presented a new theme with her creation of the
Early American Tree. Gingerbread cookies, snowmen, teddy bears, nuts,
popcorn, cranberry chains, straw stars, toy soldiers, drums and dried seed
pods were among the many ornaments which delighted visitors who passed
through the Blue Room in 1966. The gingerbread was real as high as anyone
could reach, but on the upper branches, it was ceramic. The following
year shiny silver stars, tiny mirrors and balls were added, and little
elves were placed under the tree to greet everyone who happened by.
To glorify the spiritual message of the birth of the Christ Child,
a beautiful eighteenth century Italian creche is now displayed in the
East Room. This exquisite nativity scene is composed of thirty handcarved,
baroque, elegantly attired figures, including the Holy Family, the Wise
Men, their attendants, the shepherds and angels and all the animals
- 9 -
associated with the manger. Donated to the White House during the Johnson
Administration, this fine and deeply inspiring work of art has become
another meaningful addition to White House Christmases.
The Christmas trees during the Nixon years have been a tribute to
the fifty American states. The "American Flower Tree" is adorned with
velvet and satin ornaments, each bearing a miniature replica of every
state's official flower, gem or mineral. In 1970 the theme of the tree
was expanded to reflect a special historical note. Gold and lace repro-
ductions of Mrs. Monroe's fans, created by handicapped artisans, were
added to the tree which was then moved to the Monroe Room, better known as
the Blue Room. These golden ornaments were a beautiful compliment to the
original gilded Monroe chairs which are located in this chamber.
Another historical addition to the Nixon Christmas decor is the
display of the Fanny Hayes Doll House, constructed for President Hayes'
young daughter by White House carpenters in 1877.
President and Mrs. Nixon, their lovely daughters Tricia and Julie
and their husbands, Edward Cox and David Eisenhower, customarily enjoy a
personal tree in their private quarters which is bedecked with ornaments
that tell a story of past Christmases spent together. Every family member
has an ornament with his or her name on it, and each year one new bulb is
added to represent an event or family adventure. Remaining a permanent part
of the family tree is the little Christmas ball that Tricia made in kinder-
garten. And not to be forgotten in the celebration, the Nixon dogs each
have a stocking which is hung on the mantle and filled with treats.
Not all Presidents have been such enthusiasts for the Christmas tree.
Teddy Roosevelt, an ardent conservationist, believed that the practice of
cutting trees to decorate homes at Christmas was a wasteful depletion of
our forests, and he banned this tradition from. the Executive Mansion in
an effort to influence his fellow Americans. Much to his surprise and
initial dismay, his young son Archie decided that Christmas was not Christmas
without a tree and the lad smuggled one into the house, decorated it in
secrecy and waited until Christmas morning to unveil it. The President,
after a few encouraging words from noted conservationist, Gifford Pinchot,
admitted that it did lend a festive touch, and he then deemed a tree
permissible only if it had been cut from an already too dense forest.
The exterior of the White House is also adorned with great splendor
and exuberance. Passers-by on Pennsylvania Avenue have enjoyed the ever-
green covered lanterns and twinkling lights which set off the North Portico.
Millions of tourists to the Nation's Capital as well as area residents have
happily taken the public tour of the White House to view firsthand the
dazzle and luster of their President's home decorated for Christmas. However,
it was Mrs. Nixon with her characteristic warmth and friendliness who first
arranged special candlelight tours. She opened the doors to thousands for
evening visits to the State Rooms and enhanced this time with the peaceful
strains of live Christmas and classical music.
- 10 -
NATIONAL PAGEANT OF PEACE
All Americans both in the Washington area and across the land, have
shared in the annual celebration known as the National Pageant of Peace.
This meaningful observance began in 1923 with President Coolidge lighting
a giant spruce which had been donated by the state of Vermont and placed
on the South Lawn. This moving ceremony was broadcast on radio for the
first time in 1925 so that the entire American public could enjoy the
accompanying carol singing and trumpet blasts.
In 1932 the tree became a singing tree through the use of loud speakers
hidden in its branches. Two years later the tree was moved across the
street from the White House to Lafayette Park in order to accommodate the
growing crowds. Franklin: Roosevelt had a special little tree made and
filled with nuts for the squirrels residing in the park.
In 1939 the site of the annual celebration was moved to its present
location -- the Ellipse behind the South Lawn of the Executive Mansion.
During the war years, electrical restrictions prevented using lights but
the ceremonies and speeches did help to lift the hearts and raise the hopes
of a nation involved in World War II.
President Eisenhower expanded the ceremony and invited 27 Embassies
and their delegations to participate in the "Pageant of Peace." This
international exchange with the various foreign representatives is still an
important part of the annual holiday observance.
Today millions of Americans watch the lighting ceremonies via tele-
vision. And Presidents who are absent from Washington light the tree by
remote control from wherever they are, reminding the nation and the world
of America's never ending quest for "peace on earth, goodwill towards men."
wush Post. 12/16/75
An old-fashioned Christmas, like those
100 years ago, is on view at the White
House.
An Early
An 18-foot Douglas fir dominates the
Blue Room and is strung with tiny
electric bee lights. But its 3,000 or-
naments are hand-made, the kind that
could have been whipped up in anybody's
American
kitchen or from scraps in granny's
sewing basket.
In the spirit of the Bicentennial, First
Lady Betty Ford wanted a do-it-yourself
Christmas, showing the skills of Early
America. For it, she borrowed heavily
Christmas
from the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk
Art Collection in Colonial Williamsburg
with the help of Beatrice Rumford.
Most of the ornaments for the tree were
made by volunteers in Colonial
Williamsburg, but there are also con-
tributions from individuals and
By Dorothy McCardle
organizations across the country-nursing
homes, 4-H Clubs and Girl Scouts.
Mrs. Ford also brought two home-
Phyllis Jahn 0' neil
Prince gengu Post
+ Butet
577-1601
552-9400
SANTA CLAUSE
Painted wood made for a toy shop -- carved in 1880's
by Samuel A. Robb of New York City
About 3 feet high
On loan from Smitheonian History & Texhan Technology
(Social office has agreement with Smithsonian not to
put in release).
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
craft deçorating ideas
2/26 call ather these 6 ask people. Nothing for File
1303 FOCH
FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76107
817/338-4401
7 bruary 18. 1976
Dear Sheila:
Thank you so very much
for the Christmas pictures. I
really appreciate your
remembering - and anytime you
do have a craft- oriented picture
glossy, if possible, black and
white or color, we will try
to work a story around it.
Best
FORD LIBRARY is GERALD
Durelle
P.S. Thought you would enjoy
our February issue.
DMS
Salutes the
200th Anniversary
ofour Country
with this magnificent reproduction of the
Statue of Liberty made from another fine
D.M.C product, Art. 237, Machine
Embroidery Thread.
Available in transfer pattern No. 731 by
Vogart, and needlepoint canvas by Tina of
California worked in D.M.C Tapestry
Wool, Art. 482.
For sources of transfer patterns, thread,
and needlepoint canvas, write D.M.C today.
DMC
The DMC
a
Corporation
DMC
107 Trumbull Street, Dept. MCC, Elizabeth, N.J. 07206
Belding Corticelli-Ltd: P.O. Box 9, Dept. MC, Montreal 101, Quebec, Canada
February 1976/$1.00
decorating
craft ideas
TM
Start your
own
Bicentennial
Collection
Star-within-a-
star Quilt
Bicentennial
Needlepoint
Pillow
Cross-stitch
Sampler
1776
Also Scrimshaw
Valentine Pillows
Peter Hunt
Folk Art Designs
Beginning-
1976
I
"Crafts of
America:
1776
1776-1976"
*
1976
02
0
7189648281
Newsmakers
Los A. Times 12/16/75
Betty Calls Ford Gift Idea Priceless
-Santa Claus, if he ignores the chief executive's ex-
press wishes, could be in deep trouble with the Ford Ad-
ministration. First Lady Betty Ford, standing amid yarn,
cornhusks, strings of popcorn and cranberries, pinecones
and crocheted angels, laughed and said President Ford
had looked up while reading the paper Sunday and jo-
kingly showed her "what he wanted-a new digital wrist-
watch that costs $3,000." Mrs. Ford, showing visitors the
White House Christmas tree laden with 2000 homemade
sent THE WASHINGTON WHITE HOUSE
Mrs. Sthel Rouse
4800 N. 37 St.
arl.
22207
Mrs. alberta Keno
1212 Drivin
Lawton FOR LARY akla,
GE
73501
For Immediate Release
Christmas Schedule--Week of December 15
Thursday, December 11, 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary to Mrs. Ford
Dec. 15--1:30 PM
Mrs. Ford will host a reception at the White House for
the volunteers who assisted in making the handcrafted
Christmas decorations for the White House, and florists
who helped with the designs. The party will also serve as
a press preview of the decorations. Pick-up for photo-
graphers: 12:45 PM--writers: 1:15 PM
5-7:00 PM
Staff Party--Private
Dec. 16--4:30 PM
Mrs. Ford will host a party at the White House for
children of the Diplomatic Corps based in Washington.
Entertainment will be provided by Kukla, Fran & Ollie.
Dec. 17--9:00 PM
The President and Mrs. Ford will host a Christmas
Ball at the White House for members of Congress and
their spouses. (Black-tie)
Dec. 18--2:00 PM
Mrs. Ford will attend the annual Christmas party at
the Hospital for Sick Children, 1731 Bunker Hill Road, NE.
She will help serve refreshments and will help Santa
distribute gifts to the children.
Dec. 19--7:00 PM
The President and Mrs. Ford will host a party for
members of the press corps who regularly cover the
White House.
# # # # #
Further details will be furnished later.
UP-086
RB
CORRESPONDENTS:
A FEATURE ON PAST WHITE HO USE CHRISTMASES HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY. COPIES AVAILABLE FROM WIN BOOTH OR
ROBERT RADCLIFFE, 296-7500.
UPI 12-08 02:01 PES
A-2
The Washington Star Tuesday, December 16, 1975
Names/Faces
They Got the Tree Up
Betty Ford led a tour of the White House decorated
for Christmas and told reporters the President wants a
$3.000 watch. She has decided. however. such a gift is
(WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS)
WASHINGTON (UPI)--FIRST LADY BETTY FORD UNVEILS THE WHITE HOUSE
CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATED WITH 3,000 HANDCRAFTED ORNAMENTS S AT A
PARTY THIS AFTERNOON FOR VOLUNTEERS WHO HELPED WITH THE EARLY
AMERICAN YULETIDE TRIMMINGS.
THE THEME SELECTED BY THE FIRST LADY THIS YEAR IS AN OLD FASHIONED
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA WITH AN ACCENT ON ANTIQUE TOYS,
CAROUSEL FIGURES AND DECORATIONS MADE FROM ACORNS, DRIED FRUITS,
PEANUTS, STRAW PINE CONES AND GAILY COLORED SCRAPS OF FABRIC, YARN
AND RIBBON.
FOIL, SEQUINS AND GLITTER ARE OMITTED TO PRESERVE A TRADITIONAL,
OLD-FASHIONED FEELING.
MOST OF THE ORNAMENTS FOR THE TREE WERE MADE BY VOLUNTEERS FROM
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG, BUT INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS
NURSING HOMES, 4-H CLUBS AND GIRL SCOUT TROOPS FROM ACROSS THE
COUNTRY.
DECORATIVE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN LIMITED TO THOSE ON THE CHRISTMAS
TREE--TINY WHITE BEE LIGHTS.
APPROXIMATELY 150 GUESTS WERE INVITED FOR THE PUNCH AND COOKIES
RECEPTION WHERE THE MAKING OF HANDICRAFTS ALSO WILL BE DEMONSTRATED
UPI 12-15 02:22 PES
19th Century Yule at the White House
United Press International
The White House is
Pine boughs are twisted
decorated to resemble a
around the marble col-
19th Century American
umns to create a candy-
folk Christmas complete
cane effect. Freshly cut
with wooden carousel ani-
holly trees guard each
mals.
side of the exit.
First Lady Betty Ford
The White House deco-
borrowed antique toys,
rations usually stay up
until the weekend follow-
ing New Year's Day.
Virginia Museum
Chief Resigns
Associated Press
RICHMOND James
M. Brown III, director of
the Virginia Museum of
Fine Arts has resigned
effective Aug. 1, 1976.
Brown, director of the
make File christmas 75
The Post 10/7/75
ENTERTAINMENT / MEDI
If Jobs and Plots and Openings
By Maxine Cheshire
turned out fiction based on
Great Britain Walter
Jacqueline Kennedy's
themes, wants to design or-
n acquaintance bumped
Annenberg now has another
naments this year that will
Rose Mary Woods walk-
marriage to Aristotle Onassis.
vacation place to put at the
feature the photographic
hone to her Watergate
disposal of his friends, the
likenesses of all the members
rtment and expressed
VIP
Richard M. Nixons. In addi-
of Congress
First Ladv
-0-
WASHINGTON (UPI) THE WHITE HOUSE IS DECORATED TO RESEMBLE A
19TH CENTURY AMERICAN FOLK CHRISTMAS COMPLETE WITH 3-5 FOOT TALL
WOODEN CAROUSEL ANIMALS.
FIRST LADY BETTY FORD BORROWED ANTIQUE TOYS, DECORATIONS AND
PAINTINGS FROM THE ABBY ALDRICH ROCKEFELLER FOLK ART COLLECTION OF
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG. THEY ARE PLACED AMIDST THE USUAL WREATHS AND
POINTSETTA BOUQUETS THROUGHOUT THE PUBLIC SECTION OF THE MANSION.
ONE OF THE FIRST CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS VISITORS SEE IS A SHOWCASE IN
THE EAST WING, WHERE WHITE HOUSE TREE ORNAMENTS AND HOLIDAY
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM PRESIDENTS HERBERT HOOVER TO FORD ARE UNDER GLASS.
IN THE EAST ROOM AN 18TH CENTURY ITALIAN CRECHE IS FRAMED BY TWO
AROMATIC, UNADORNED PINES.
AN 18-FOOT DOUGLAS FIR FROM UPSTATE NEW YORK IS IN THE BLUE ROOM,
DECORATED WITH ABOUT 2, 000 HAND-MADE ORNAMENTS DONATED BY CHILDREN
ACROSS THE UNITED STATES. ANT IQUE TOY TRAINS, WAGONS AND DOLL CRADLES
SURROUND THE BOTTOM OF THE TREE. NINETEENTH CENTURY CHILDRENS'
PORTRAITS HAVE BEEN HUNG ON THE WALLS.
-a-
Associated Press Wirephoto
THE FORDS
BETTY'S JUST A HOME -SPUN GAL. First-lady Betty Ford stands before 18-foot
Christmas tree at, official unveiling of the first family's Yule spruce at the White House yesterday. The
tree, which stands in the Grand Entrance Hall, is bedecked with 2,000 homemade decorations, including
yarn, cornhusks, gingerbread, pinecones, paper, lace and crochet angels. And what does Betty want most
for Christmas? "Happiness," she said, "and the family all together." The Fords again will spend
Christmas, at the Vail, Colo., ski rescrt-the family's traditional Yule gathering spot.
48
C
New york Times 12/16/75
THE NEW YORK TIMES, TUE:
Notes on People
150 Tree Trimmers
Feted by Mrs. Ford
"It has no tinsel-no se-
"honoring pure science where-
quins," Betty Ford pointed
ever it is found," are chosen
out yesterday as she led a
without regard of religion or
tour of the White House
nationality.
Christmas tree and decora-
tions, now open to public
At San Diego's Federal jail,
viewing. To the 18-foot New
Julian Bond, the Georgia
York-grown Douglas fir,
state senator, met with El-
topped by a cornhusk angel
dridge Cleaver over the week-
and hung with 2,000 home-
end and said he would make
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
NEWS FEATURE
WHITE HOUSE MEMORIES
SPAN 175 CHRISTMASES
Washington --
Visitors to the Christmas White House
may miss seeing President and Mrs. Ford, who like to spend the holidays
skiing, but the memories of many a Christmas past may linger on.
Tourists will see White House fireplaces crackling with cheery
flames, yuletide floral decorations everywhere, and beyond the huge bay
windows the national Christmas tree, a sparkling tower in the distance.
History provides these glimpses of 175 years of White
House Christmases:
John and Abigail Adams moved into the White House just in
time for Christmas in 1800, and then burned 20 cords of wood in the 13
fireplaces in a vain attempt to ease the chill produced by the damp,
newly plastered walls. Guests shivered, stayed only briefly, and to
Mrs. Adams the first White House Christmas party was "a frost".
East Room Snowballs
GERAL FORD LIBRANY
Five years later the walls were dry, and a White House
Christmas party was so merry Thomas Jefferson was moved to fiddle lively
tunes on his violin.
In 1835 Andrew Jackson abandoned presidential decorum on
Christmas morning long enough to defend himself against an attack from
his adopted son's children in a snowball fight with holiday cotton candy
in the White House East Room.
Just before Christmas, the President and the children delivered
presents around Washington, including a box of snuff to Dolley Madison.
14,970--RCR,R-W
(MORE)
12-2-75
PREPARED AND ISSUED BY THE NEWS SERVICE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036
WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMASES (PAGE TWO)
Jackson had mentioned that Santa Claus had never visited him
as a boy, so the youngsters hung up a stocking for him. Christmas
morning, tears filled Old Hickory's eyes as he found it stuffed with a
corncob pipe and tobacco.
In 1865, Abraham Lincoln welcomed hundreds of newly freed
slaves to a Christmas season reception after he had found them outside
on the lawn silently watching the festivities through the windows. They
told him they had been hoping to shake the hand of "Uncle Abraham."
The President's son, Tad Lincoln, in like fashion, once
brought home some street urchins to share Christmas dinner. Before the
cook could shoo them away, the President intervened.
Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife reenacted their wedding as a
White House holiday festivity to celebrate their anniversary.
President's Santa, Too
At the same time, President Hayes ignored an unfestive view of
his contested election, a newspaper's ungracious comment: "This will be
the first time a usurper has celebrated Christmas in the White House.
But Santa Claus descends the chimney alike on the just and the unjust."
James Buchanan was a bemused victim of one of the nation's
earliest examples of over-zealous Christmas merchandising. Just down
the street from the White House of the childless bachelor was a store
advertising in its window "The President Buys Toys For All His
Children Here!"
Who put up the first Christmas tree in the White House?
Some say it was Franklin Pierce in 1856. Others believe it was Benjamin
Harrison, who helped erect and trim a White House tree in 1889.
(MORE)
WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMASES (PAGE THREE)
The Christmas tree became a tradition at the White House until
Theodore Roosevelt was elected President. An ardent conservationist,
Roosevelt banned a White House tree in 1902, hoping to set an example
that might help the fight to save evergreens from widespread cutting.
But he was red-faced when he discovered his son Archie had
sneaked a tree inside the White House and set it up in a big closet of
his room. Christmas morning, before seven, the Roosevelt children
roused their parents out of bed, escorted them to the hidden tree, and
everyone was given a present, including each of the many family pets.
Lighting the Tree
Calvin Coolidge was the first president to preside over the
lighting of a national Christmas tree, a gigantic spruce from his native
Vermont erected on the White House lawn in 1923.
Herbert Hoover and his wife delighted in the singing of young
visiting carolers, and Mrs. Hoover would lead them on a parade through
the darkened White House, each child holding a lighted candle.
James K. Polk always received guests at the White House on
Christmas Day, standing before a roaring fire, Mrs. Polk traditionally
wearing a maroon dress. Equally festive, Mrs. Mamie Eisenhower customarily
wore a holly red dress as she frolicked with her grandchildren.
Most dramatic White House Christmases may have been the 11
presided over by Franklin D. Roosevelt. He always gathered his large
family together and then read Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol,"
changing his voice for each of the characters.
Recalled one of his sons: "Father was the meanest Scrooge
you ever heard.' "
#
WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
NORTH PORTICO
The hanging lantern is decorated with pine garlands.
Four Douglas Fir trees decorated with small white lights flanking main
entrance.
GRAND FOYER
Two holly trees, one on either side of main entrance.
Over the main entrance is an evergreen and apple arrangement in a fan effect.
The Grand staircase and pillars are draped with pine garlands.
A kissing ball made of boxwood hangs over the Grand Staircase.
The mantel in the Grand Foyer is decorated with evergreen ;and apple arrange-
ments.
A painted wood antique Santa Claus stands on landing of Grand Staircase.
CROSS HALL
Two Douglas Fir trees in niches on south wall.
Antique carousel figures (camel and giraffe) flank entrance to Blue Room.
STATE DINING ROOM
North wall: Gingerbread house made by Hans Raffert (all edible except
smoke and windows).
West wall: Arrangement of evergreens and fruit--pineapples, pears, apples,
lemons, limes, and oranges--on mantel.
South wall: Plain green wreaths in windows.
East wall: Fruit trees made with tiny apples, lemons, limes, and lotus
seed pods, interspersed with greenery on tables.
Dining Table: Smaller trees made with fruit.
RED ROOM
Arrangements of verigated and green holly on tables.
A cranberry tree stands on table near east wall.
BLUE ROOM
Christmas tree decorated with hand-made ornaments and lights stands in
center of room surrounded by antique toys.
Ten paintings of children done by early-American artists hang on the walls.
Arrangements of evergreens and apples on tables.
Plain evergreen wreaths in windows.
GREEN ROOM
Arrangements of verigated and green holly
Bowl of pomegranates on table
EAST ROOM
Mantels are decorated with arrangements of evergreens, including
Noble Fir, magnolia leaves, etc., with centers of gilded magnolia
leaves, lotus seed pods, okra pods, and pine cones.
An arrangement of evergreens stands on the piano.
An eighteenth century Italian creche stands on east wall flanked by
two fir trees.
BALCONIES
The State Floor balcony is decorated with wreaths of evergreens and apples
and draped with pine garlands.
The Truman Balcony is draped with pine garlands.
MAIN FLOOR
An antique horse carousel figure stands in the main floor hall.
Arrangements of poinsettas are placed throughout the House.
"A Children's Christmas"
Decorates The White House
REPAID FORD LIDRARY
Taking the tinsel out of Christmas, in favor of a
theme of "tradition and heritage," was the task of
florists and others who helped decorate the White
House for Christmas. The result was an old-fash-
ioned "Children's Christmas."
First Lady Betty Ford requested that hand-made
ornaments be used which had been sent to the
White House during the past year. Under the direc-
tion of White House chief floral designer Elmer
"Rusty" Young, volunteers from the florist industry
joined with Colonial Williamsburg consultants in
developing the decorations.
The florists were from the Allied Florists of
Greater Washington, along with FTD Eastern Field
Supervisor Bruce Sandin.
FTD President Don Flowers presented Mrs. Ford
with a special Christmas/Bicentennial
arrangement for the First Family's private quart-
ers, with best wishes from the more than 14,500
FTD Florists.
The arrangement was presented to Mrs. Ford at a
reception she held on Dec. 15 for the florists who
worked in the White House during the past year on
various events including Christmas.
First Lady Betty Ford greets FTD President Don Flowers at a
reception for florist industry volunteers who helped decorate
the White House for Christmas and other special occasions this
year. Seen far right is Walter Charron, Nosegay Flower Shop,
Washington, D.C.
48
FTD NEWS
This delicious-looking gingerbread house
topped a mantel draped with evergreens in
the State Dining Room.
Flanking a mirror reflection of the tree are
arrangements featuring red apples and
green magnolia leaves and pine boughs in
footed containers.
Bowls of colorful assorted fruit adorn this dining room in the
White House, and also form mantelpiece and centerpieces.
A close-up of tree ornaments reveals the old-fashioned
character of the decorations, which were handmade and sent to
the White House by citizen groups.
Helping FTD Eastern Regional Field Supervisor Bruce Sandin
decorate the tree are these Members: (l-r) Eleanor Robertie,
John Sharper Florist, Inc., Oxon Hill, Md.; Susan Mauck, Clark's
Flowers, Silver Spring, Md.; and Betty Gardiner, Mason's
Flowers, Inc., Wheaton, Md.
AP Wirephoto
BETTY FORD DISPLAYS THE WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREE
"old-fashioned theme" and handmade ornaments are featured this year.
Old-Fashioned' Christmas
lanned in White House
By FRANCES LEWINE
theme, , featuring patchwork quilts,
WASHINGTON - (AP) --- First Lady
patchwork tree ornaments and the odor of
Ford is emphasizing handmade
50 spice-filled sachets.
ristmas ornaments, less-elaborate gifts
Eighty florists from 24 states came to
fewer tree lights as economy
arrange poinsettias. in tree shapes, red-
easures for this recession-time holiday.
ribboned wreaths in the windows, gara
Williamsburg To Lend A Hand
With White House Christmas
By TINA JEFFREY
Although the handmade or-
Garden Club members are ar-
TODAY Staff Writer
naments were her idea, there
ranging dried flowers in tiny
must have been some input
baskets to hang from the limbs
from the President on the
of the Fords' tree.
The White House Christmas
White House decorations,
will have a helping hand from
because he was in Williams-
A selection committee at
Williamsburg this year, and
burg two years ago and saw
the Folk Art Collection will
area residents for the past
the 1073 Christmas show at the
make final choice of items to
File - Christmas 75
Prefice - notes
Wanted to share tree with you, even if
you have already seen it.
An old-fashioned Christmas tree
All volunteers - grea
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Nursing homes
-4-H Club
- Girl Scout Troops
Inexpensive
Thank ABBY ALDRICH
ROCKEFELLER ART COLLECTION
at Colonial Williamsburg,
Under direction of BEATRIX
RUMFORD
Instruction sheet
Ornaments you and Susan made
Q
East Room - volunteers
BERALD F FORD