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White House - Easter Egg Roll
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White House - Easter Egg Roll
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Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files (Ford Administration)
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The original documents are located in Box 46, folder "White House - Easter Egg Roll" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Digitized from Box 46 of the Sheila Weidenfeld Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
March 17, 1975
Dear Mr. Carlinsky:
Thanks for your interest in the White House
Easter Egg Roll.
The celebration has traditionally been held
on Easter Monday, which this year falls on
March 31st. Although clippings on the more
recent Egg Rolls have now gone to the
National Archives, I am certain they could
be found in library microfilm records.
Meanwhile, I have enclosed some history on
the Egg Roll which may be helpful.
Again, thank you for your interest.
Sincerely,
Sheila Rabb Weidenfeld
Press Secretary to Mrs. Ford
Mr. Dan Carlinsky
301 East 78th Street
New York, New York 10021
Enclosure
SMipjumence
BEARD R FORD LIBRARY
January 24, 1975
Sir or Madam:
L. an preparing, for syndication to major Sunday
newspapers around the USA and Canada, aneartic, e on affbeer
competitions and celebrations. sort of Tray leris Cuide
to Kooky Contests. Id like your help in including sometiting
about the following:
Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn
I'd very such appreciato your sending me date and
place information for the event to fit a calendar running
from June 1975 through May 1976 Also, please: some
description of the event, the rules records and so on,
If you have any neaspaper or magazine lipping
with a bil of calor in it, I'd love to soeld py
Please respend by February
ANYMONT GERALD STOTE
Many thanks
Dr. Girling
Dan Carlinsky,
202 East S&D Street
New York, NoVe 10021
March 17, 1975
Dear Anne:
Thanks for your recent letter and interest
in the White House Easter Egg Roll.
We do not issue press passes for the occasion:
however, if you would like to call our office
a day or two before the Easter Egg Roll, we'd
be happy to make arrangements for you.
Enclosed is some background information on
the Easter Egg Roll.
Again, thanks for your interest. We'll look
forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Sheila Rabb Weidenfeld
Press Secretary to Mrs. Ford
Ms. Anne H. Oman
Assistant Editor
National Geographic Society
Washington, D. c. 20036
Enclosure
BERALD R. FORD LIBRARY
SMipju:ncc
National Geographic Society
Batti
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036
RALPH GRAY
CHIEF OF SCHOOL SERVICE
EDITOR, SCHOOL BULLETIN
February 26, 1975
Press Office
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:
I have been assigned to cover the annual White House Easter Egg
Roll on March 31 for the society's children's magazine, the School
Bulletin. A copy is enclosed for your information.
Would you please send me a press pass and any relevant information.
I would like to be inside the gates before they are opened in order to
photograph the. children as they enter.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Anne Oman
Anne H. Oman
Assistant Editor
SEPTED R. FORD LIGRANT
Rey
DANIEL J. EDELMAN, INC.
Public Relations
1730 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20006
AREA CODE 202 785-9400
January 20, 1975
Ms. Sheila Weidenfeld
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sheila:
As we briefly discussed Friday evening in our telephone
conversation, one of our clients, the National Confectioners
Association, would like to donate to the White House a collection
of Easter Holiday confections, to be used as part of the White
House Easter festivities. The giving and enjoying of Easter
candies, such as marshmallow Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies,
jelly beans, and candy coated nuts and fruits, have been a
tradition in this country for many years.
We felt as a unique addition to the traditional Easter
festivity of the Easter Egg Roll on the White House Lawn, this
year Mrs. Ford could donate Easter candy to local children's
hospitals, pediatric wards, and perhaps area orphanages. This
gesture, or something similar, would do much to brighten up
the Easter holiday for children who otherwise might not participate
in an enjoyable Easter activity.
The National Confectioners Association would be able to
provide as much candy as needed to distribute to the children.
I hope Mrs. Ford finds this suggestion a worthwhile event
and the National Confectioners Association stands ready to
serve. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely yours,
Mark and Rosenker
SEAL
ord
LIBRARY
Account Executive
MVR: bjb
Sent to Res for comments
2/10/75
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1973
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary to Mrs. Nixon
The annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on Monday, April 23, 1973
from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the South Lawn. Children, ages eight and
under, accompanied by an adult, will be admitted through the Southeast Gate
beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Mrs. Nixon, as in the past, has requested that the White House itself be open
during the same hours for visitors who wish to tour the State Rooms. Tours
will enter the East Gate.
Units of the Service Bands will alternate playing on the outdoor bandstand and
the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps will perform. Clowns will greet the
young visitors and the Easter Bunny will be present. Other special entertainment
includes the Emmett Kelly, Jr. Circus.
Each child is asked to bring one decorated Easter Egg to enter the Easter Egg
Judging Contest and prizes will be awarded to the winners of the contest.
The Office of White House Visitors is in charge of arrangements for the annual
event, and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts from the Washington area have been
invited to assist them.
######
R.
YORD
LIBRARY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, APRIL 5, 1971
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Staff Director to Mrs. Nixon
The annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on Monday, April 12, 1971,
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the South Lawn. Children, ages eight and under,
accompanied by an adult, will be admitted through the Southeast gate beginning
at 10 a. m. As last year, Mrs. Nixon has requested that the White House itself
be open during the same hours for those visitors who wish to tour the State
Rooms of the House. Tours will enter the East Gate.
Mrs. Nixon has also requested that the four service bands play during the
Easter Egg Roll. Each unit, the United States Army Band, the United States
Navy Band, the United States Marine Band and the United States Air Force
band, will alternate on the outdoor bandstand. In addition, marching performances
by the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the United States Army
Fife and Drum Corps will be given on the lawn. Clowns from the Ringling
Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus will greet young visitors and the Easter
Bunny will be present.
Each child is asked to bring one decorated Easter egg to enter the Easter
Egg Judging Contest. This was begun last year at Mrs. Nixon's request.
Each child with a hard-boiled egg which he has decorated will receive a
certificate of participation. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of the
contest.
John Davies and his staff from the Office of White House Visitors are in
charge of arrangements for the annual event.
FORD i LIBRARY 03
#####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1969
Office of the Press Secretary
to Mrs. Nixon
THE WHITE HOUSE
The annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on Monday,
April 7, 1969, on the South Lawn of the White House. Children twelve
years of age and under, as well as adults accompanying children, are
invited to attend this event which will begin at 10:00 a. m. and last until
2:00 p.m. Admittance will be through the southeast and southwest gates.
A band stand will be placed just north of the fountain, and the
following bands will entertain:
10:00 - 10:45 a. m.
U. S. Navy Band
11:00 - 11:45 30 m.
U. S. Marine Band
12:00 - 12:45 p. m.
U. S. Army Band
1:00 - 1:45 p. m.
U. S. Air Force Band
The U. S. Air Force Bagpipes and Army Old Guard Fife and Drum
Corps will play during the changing of the bands.
Easter egg-rolling goes back to the earliest days of Washington
when children first used the grounds of the U. S. Capitol. The event was
moved to the Executive Mansion during the Hayes Administration and was
held annually until World War II when, from 1941 through 1953, the White
House grounds were closed for the Easter event.
On East Monday, April 6, 1953, the gates and grounds were once
again opened, and today several thousand children, laden with their own
baskets of Easter eggs, gather on the White House lawn for a day of egg-
rolling, games and festive music.
#######
BERALD # FORD
Office of the Press Secretary
to Mrs, Johnson
THE WHITE HOUSE
The Annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on
Monday, April 11, 1966 on the South Lawn of the White House.
Children twelve years of age and under, as well as adults
accompanying children, are invited to attend this event which
will begin at 10:00 a.m. and last until 2:00 p.m.
A band stand will be placed just north of the fountain, and
the following bands will entertain:
10:00-11:00 a.m.
U.S. Army Band
11:00-noon
U.S. Navy Band
Noon -1:00 p.m.
U.S. Marine Corps Band
1:00-2:00 p.m.
U.S. Air Force Band
The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps will play during the
changing of the bands.
History of White House Easter Egg Rolling
Authorities are divided as to how the White House Easter Egg
Rolling originated. Easter Monday has long been a festive day for
the children of Washington. It had been customary at the end of the
second quarter of the 19th century for the children of Washington to
gather on the grounds of the Capitol for the purpose of rolling eggs,
Some sources tell us that in 1874 policemen on the grounds, under
orders from Congressmen, forced the children to depart claiming
that the situation had gotten completely out of hand and that the
grands of the Capitol could no longer be used for this purpose. It
is claimed that one irate nursemaid, followed by several of her
charges, walked down to the White House where she demanded to be
allowed access to the White House Grounds for the purpose of egg
rolling. When President Grant heard the problem, he immediately
invited them to proceed to the South Lawn, Other authorities claim
that it was not until the Hayes administration that Congress forbade
egg rolling on the grounds of the Capitol and that President Hayes
happened to be riding by in his carriage on Easter Monday and,
seeing the tearful children, invited them to proceed to the White House.
By the last quarter of the 19th century such games as "Egg
Picking", "Igg Ball", "Toss and Catch" and "Egg Croquet" were
the popular pastimes on Easter Monday. However, the most popular
game which continues to this day is that of "Egg Rolling" which
consists of simply rolling eggs down the slopes of the White House
Grounds. Whoever's egg travels farthest is the winner. Another
FORD
popular pastime was that of floating the empty egg shells in the
South Lawn Pool.
GERALD
LIBRARY
On top. of what is presently the Executive Office Building (State,
War and Navy Department Building), there existed at the turn of the
century a large ball on a pole. Each day at the stroke of noon the ball
would be released and slide down the pole. It was through this means
that all government workers were to synchronize their pocket watches.
On Easter Monday, the children on the South Lawn kept their eyes
peeled for this unique signal and once the moment had arrived, they
began opening wicker hamper $ and lunch baskets to begin their
midday repast. For many, it was undoubtedly the first picnic of the
year.
FOR RELEASE AFTER 6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1967
Office of the Press Secretary
to Mrs. Johnson
THE WHITE HOUSE
The traditional White House Easter Egg Roll to be held Monday,
March 27, 1967, on the Mansion's South Lawn from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
will be highlighted by a special 10 a.m. visit by 30 local Head Start
children accompanied by their teachers, aides and parents. Mrs.
Lyndon B. Johnson is honorary chairman of Project Head Start.
The festive White House event began Easter Monday, 1878,
under the leadership of President and Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes.
Upon learning that the children of Washington were prohibited from
using the Capitol Grounds due to damage caused it from previous egg
rolls, the President invited the youngsters to enjoy his back yard.
Dolly Madison originated the egg roll at the Capitol in 1810.
The four-year-old Head Start youngsters, who will enter public
school this fall, will arrive via the Southeast Gate in two buses with
teachers Miss Linda Dorn of Saint Peter School and Mrs. Blanche Redd
of Hughes Memorial Church, both Head Start centers in Washington, D. C.
They will be aided by two Neighborhood Youth Corps enrollees who attend
high school at night and work with the teachers during the day.
The children will participate in a toast beneath the arbor in the
Jacqueline Kennedy Garden of a new egg-and-milk drink created by the
Poultry and Egg National Board in Chicago, Illinois. The ceremony
will initiate the board's aim to donate the inexpensive nutritional egg
formula, made by egg product firms, to be mixed with the milk on hand
at Head Start centers nationwide.
The youngsters will enjoy their own egg roll on the garden grass
with eggs they have decorated. The eggs and egg dyes were donated by
the board at a program held last Thursday at Hughes Memorial Church.
They will carry their colored eggs in baskets they have made themselves.
Francis Luzzatto, assistant for area Head Start centers, will
head the group. Representing the board will be Curtis Swanson,
communications director, and industry officials. Hermon Miller,
poultry division chief of the Department of Agriculture, will also attend
the event.
Following the program in the garden, the children accompanied
by the some 20 parents will tour the White House and exit at the North
Portico to board the buses at the East Gate.
####
SERALD FORD
BACKGROUND: FOR YOUR INFORMATION & USE:
History of White House Easter Egg Rolling
Authorities are divided as to how the White House Easter Egg
Rolling originated. Easter Monday has long been a festive day for
the children of Washington. It had been customary at the end of the
second quarter of the 19th century for the children of Washington to
gather on the grounds of the Capitol for the purpose of rolling eggs.
Some sources tell us that in 1874 policemen on the grounds, under
orders from Congressmen, forced the children to depart claiming
that the situation had gotten completely out of hand and that the
grounds of the Capitol could no longer be used for this purpose. It
is claimed that one irate nursemaid, followed by several of her
charges, walked down to the White House where she demanded to be
allowed access to the White House Grounds for the purpose of egg
rolling. When President Grant heard the problem, he immediately
invited them to proceed to the South Lawn, Other authorities claim
that it was not until the Hayes administration that Congress forbade
egg rolling on the grounds of the Capitol and that President Hayes
happened to be riding by in his carriage on Easter Monday and,
seeing the tearful children, invited them to proceed to the White House.
By the last quarter of the 19th century such games as "Egg
Picking", "Egg Ball", "Toss and Catch" and "Egg Croquet" were
the popular pastimes on Easter Monday. However, the most popular
game which continues to this day is that of "Egg Rolling" which
consists of simply rolling eggs down the slopes of the White House
Grounds. Whoever's egg travels farthest is the winner. Another
popular pastime was that of floating the empty egg shells in the
South Lawn Pool.
On top. of what is presently the Executive Office Building (State,
War and Navy Department Building), there existed at the turn of the
century a large ball on a pole. Each day at the stroke of noon the ball
would be released and slide down the pole. It was through this means
that all government workers were to synchronize their pocket watches.
On Easter Monday, the children on the South Lawn kept their eyes
peeled for this unique signal and once the moment had arrived, they
began opening wicker hamper S and lunch baskets to begin their
midday repast. For many, is was undoubtedly the first picnic of the
year.
FORD i LIBRARY DERALD
EASTER EGG ROLLING AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Authorities are divided as to how the White House Easter Egg Rolling originiated.
Easter Monday has long been a festive day for the children of Washington. It had
been customary at the end of the second quarter of the 19th century for the children
of Washington to gather on the grounds of the Capitol for the purpose of rolling eggs.
Some sources tell us that in 1874 policemen on the grounds, under orders from
Congressmen, forced the children to depart claiming that the situation had gotten
completely out of hand and that the grounds of the Capitol could no longer be used
for this purpose. It is claimed that one irate nursemaid, followed by several of
her charges, walked down to the White House where she demanded to be allowed
access to the White House Gounds for the purpose of egg rolling. When President
Grant heard the problem he immediately invited them to proceed to the South Lawn.
Other authorities claim that it was not until the Hayes administration that Congress
forbade egg rolling on the grounds of the Capitol and that President Hayes happened
to be riding by in his carriage on Easter Monday and, seeing the tearful children,
invited them to proceed to the White House.
By the last quarter of the 19th century such games as "Egg Picking", "Egg Ball",
"Toss and Catch" and "Egg Croquet were the popular pastimes on Easter Monday.
However, the most popular game which continues to this day is that of "Egg Roll-
ing" which consists of simply rolling eggs down the slopes of the White House Grounds
Whoever's egg travels farthest is the winner. Another popular pastime was that
of floating the empty egg shells in" the South Lawn Pool.
It was customary for such Presidents as Benjamin Harrison and William McKinley
to open the White House Gate to allow the children to enter on Easter Monday.
Usually the children were joined by Cabinet Members, Ambassadors, etc. who left
the "affairs of State" to join the merriment.
On top of what is presently the Executive Office Building (State, War and Navy
Department Building) there existed at the turn of the century a large ball on 2 pole.
Each day at the stroke of noon the ball would be released and slide down the pole.
It was through this means that all government workers were to synchronize their
pocket watches. On Easter Monday the children on the South Lawn kept their eyes
peeled for this unique signal and once the moment had arrived ey began opening
wicker hampers and lunch baskets to begin their midday repast. For many it was
undoubtedly the ifrst picnic of the year.
BERALD LIBRARY ? FORD
It was also customary for the President to appear on the South Portico ir: mid-
afternoon and greet the assembled youngsters. Presidential children and grar
children have often joined in the festivities. The Hayes children and the Benja
Harrison grandchildren attended the Egg Roll, as well as the Eisenhower gran
During the First and Second World Wars the White House grounds were closed
children. Other locations, such as the National Zoo were used during those ti:
Following the Second World War the White House renovation was underway, the
making it impossible for the event to take place.
Predd
ent
Trumar
and perhaps quite rightly so, as it was the Korean War period, that the event
somewhat wasteful.
Traditionally the Marine Band has played at each Egg Roll although today all th
Service Bands are invited to perform. In recent years the hours have been ir O
10:00 to 2:00 with the participants Entering through the 8 outhwest Gate of the WE
House. They are invited to stay until the closing and can still bring lunches alt
the noon signal is no longer possible to observe. Every child or group of child:
must be accompanied by an adult and no adult can enter unless accompanying a
child. In the 30's it was sometimes observed that adults would seek out unacc
children and charge them 25¢ a piece to bring them into the Grounds.
FORD is LIBRARY BERALD
EASTER BUNNY DISTRIBUTES BETTY FORD'S GIFT OF AN ASSORTMENT OF
EASTER CANDIES TO PATIENTS OF THE HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN, 1731
BUNKER HILL RD., NE, 10:30 A.M.
I
CONTACT: MARK ROSENKER, 785-9400.
N065
Easter file
R
\
EASTER CANDY COSTS
BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
CHOCOLATE BUNNIES ARE GOING TO COST AN AVERAGE OF 25 TO 30 PER CENT
MORE THIS EASTER THAN THEY DID A YEAR AGO. SO ARE JELLY BEANS. AND
MARSHMALLOW EGGS. AND CANDY CHICKS.
THE PROBLEM IS THE RISING COST OF THINGS LIKE SUGAR AND COCOA BEANS.
THE SITUATION MAY BE EVEN WORSE NEXT YEAR BECAUSE RAW MATERIALS FOR
CANDY NOW ON THE SHELVES WERE ORDERED BEFORE THE WORST OF THE
INCREASES IN THE PRICE OF INGREDIENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NATIONAL CONFECTIONERS ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED
STATES SAID MANUFACTURERS PRODUCED 3.8 BILLION POUNDS OF CANDY IN
1970. THAT'S 19 POUNDS OF CANDY FOR EVERY AMERICAN.
ABOUT 5 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL, SOME 200 MILLION POUNDS, WAS EASTER
SPECIALTY CANDY -- THINGS LIKE JELLY BEANS, CHICKS AND BUNNIES. JELLY
BEANS, OF COURSE, ARE SOLD ALL-YEAR ROUND, BUT THE ONES MANUFACTURED
FOR EASTER HAVE A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT TEXTURE -- VIRTUALLY UNNOTICEABLE
TO CONSUMERS, ACCORDING TO INDUSTRY SPOKESMEN -- AND OFFICIALLY ARE
KNOWN AS 'JELLY BIRD EGGS.''
THE PRICE OF CANDY FOR THIS YEAR'S EASTER BASKET VARIES WIDELY
DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE AND WHAT KIND OF STORE YOU SHOP IN.
A BUFFALO, N.Y., STORE, REPORTED THAT A POUND OF JELLY BEANS SOLD
FOR 79 TO 99 CENTS LASI YEAR; THIS YEAR, THE RANGE IS 99 CENTS TO
$1.29, AN INCREASE OF FROM 25 TO 30 PER CENT.
THE CONFECTIONERS ASSOCIATION SAID THAT WAS ABOUT AVERAGE, BUT OTHER
STORES REPORTED OTHER PRICE RISES.
AN EAST COAST SUPERMARKET CHAIN, FOR EXAMPLE, SAID A ONE-POUND BAG
OF JELLY BEANS HAS GONE FROM 41 TO 73 CENTS, UP 78 PER CENT; A
7 1/2-OUNCE 'HAPPY BUNNY'' IS UP FROM 99 CENTS TO $1.39, A BOOST OF 40
PER CENT; THE 3 1/2-OUNCE 'FUNNY BUNNY'' IS ONLY 17 PER CENT MORE
EXPENSIVE -- 69 CENTS INSTEAD OF 59 CENTS.
A MIDWEST CHAIN SAID EASTER CANDY WAS 10 TO 20 PER CENT MORE
EXPENSIVE THAN IT WAS IN 1974 AND WOULD COST EVEN MORE IF THE STORE
HAD NOT PLACED ITS ORDER EARLY.
03-17-75 14:00EDT
C.17
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary to Mrs. Nixon
The annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on Monday, April 15, 1974
from 10:00 a. m. to 2:00 p.m. on the South Lawn. Children, ages eight and under,
accompanied by an adult, will be admitted through the Southeast Gate beginning
at 10:00 a.m.
Mrs. Nixon, as in the past, has requested that the White House itself be open
during the same hours for visitors who wish to tour the State Rooms. Tours
will enter the East Gate.
Units of the Service Bands will alternate playing on the outdoor bandstand and
the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps will perform.
For the first time there will be a formal egg rolling contest for the Easter Egg
Roll. There will be several tables set up north of the fountain and staffed by
White House personnel. Children with eggs should be directed to these tables
to receive a certificate for having brought a decorated egg.
The Warner Bros, cartoon characters will be providing the principle pul entertainment
betw cen 12:00 and 12:30 p.m. The Roger Hess Productions, Inc. will be producing
this show which will take place near the fountain on the South Lawn. The cartoon
characters will be Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny, Wile E. Coyote, Yosemite Sam.
In addition, staff members will be in the costumes of Sylvester, Tweety, Elmer
Fudd and Daffy Duck and will walk around the grounds.
The Office of White House Visitors is in charge of arrangements for the annual
event, and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts from the Washington area have been invited
to assist them.
#####
STATE FORD LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 23, 1973
WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLLS-
March 30, 1970 - 7, 442 people
April 12, 1971 - 11, 422 people
April 3, 1972 - 5, 987 people
April 23, 1973 - 14, 292 people
13, 392 were at the S.E. Gate, 900 at S. W. Gate and
8,059 were attending WH Tour. - 1973
R. FORD LIBRARY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1974
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary to Mrs. Nixon
The annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on Monday, April 15, 1974
from 10:00 a. m. to 2:00 p.m. on the South Lawn. Children, ages eight and under,
accompanied by an adult, will be admitted through the Southeast Gate beginning
at 10:00 a.m.
Mrs. Nixon, as in the past, has. requested that the White House itself be open
during the same hours for visitors who wish to tour the State Rooms. Tours
will enter the East Gate.
Units of the Service Bands will alternate playing on the outdoor bandstand and
the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps will perform.
For the first time there will be a formal egg rolling contest for the Easter Egg
Roll. There will be several tables set up north of the fountain and staffed by
White House personnel. Children with eggs should be directed to these tables
to receive a certificate for having brought a decorated egg.
The Warner Bros. cartoon characters will be providing the principle entertainment
betw een 12:00 and 12:30 p.m. The Roger Hess Productions, Inc. will be producing
this show which will take place near the fountain on the South Lawn. The cartoon
characters will be Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny, Wile E. Coyote, Yosemite Sam.
In addition, staff members will be in the costumes of Sylvester, Twecty, Elmer
Fudd and Daffy Duck and will walk around the grounds.
The Office of White House Visitors is in charge of arrangements for the annual
event, and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts from the Washington area have been invited
to assist them.
#####
: R. FORD LIBRARY
April 15, 1964
MEMO TO:
MICHAEL J. FARRELL
FROM:
Dora R. Tennant
SUBJECT:
EASTER EGG ROLL - SOUTH LAWN
4/18/60
5,114
4/3/61
10,003
4/23/62
11,964
4/15/63
13,580
4/16/64
4/19/65
Cancelled because of SNOW
3,007
4/11/66
9,464
3/27/67
16,958
4/15/68
5,188
4/7/69
17,984
3/30/70
7,067
4/12/71
11,422
4/3/72
9,506
4/23/73
14,292
4/15/74
18,020***
STATE FORD LIBRARY
History of the
aster Egg Roll
The Easter Egg Roll is a tradition for
young people which may go back to Dolley
Madison's time. We know that children
gathered on the grounds of the Capitol to roll eggs in the mid-19th
Century. By the 1870's, most likely during the Rutherford B.
Hayes administration, the Easter Egg Roll had moved to the White
House grounds, where it has been held with few interruptions each
year since.
By the end of the 19th Century, games known as "egg picking,"
"toss and catch" and "egg croquet" were firmly established. "Egg
rolling" was the favorite, however. Observers reported eggs by the
hundreds rolling down the hills of the grounds, with children often
right behind. (The first one to the bottom won.)
Over the years, thousands of people -- including children and
grandchildren of Presidents -- have participated in this Easter cele-
bration. Today, you will be entertained by bands and clowns, and
in the best White House tradition, there will be an egg rolling con-
test. Good luck! The President and I hope you will have a most
enjoyable day.
Sincerely,
Betty Ford
FORD LIBRARY
Monday, March 31, 1975
For Immediate Release
UPDATE
Friday, March 28, 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary to Mrs. Ford
The annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on
Monday, March 31st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the South Lawn
of the White House.
Children who are eight years old and under are invited.
They should be accompanied by an adult and may enter the
White House grounds through the Southeast Gate (at the
intersection of Alexander Hamilton Place and East Executive
Avenue, across from the Treasury Building).
At Mrs. Ford's request, the White House, normally closed to
visitors on Monday, will be open for tours. Those who wish
to tour the State Rooms should enter through the East Gate
on East Executive Avenue. Tours will be given from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bands and marching units of the Armed Services will perform
throughout the day. In addition, there will be clowns, an
egg rolling contest and other entertainment.
No reservations are required.
Additional information and detailed schedule is attached.
# # # #
NOTICE TO THE PRESS
Accredited White House press who wish to cover the event
will be admitted through the Southwest Gate.
DETAILED SCHEDULE
The following individuals and groups are scheduled to perform
during the Easter Egg Roll at the times and in the area
indicated:
10 - 10:45 am
U.S. Army Band
10:45 - 11:30 am
U.S. Marine Band
11:30 - 12 noon
U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps
12:30 - 1:15 pm
U.S. Air Force Band
1:15 - 2 pm
U.S. Navy Band
The above groups/units of the Armed Services will perform
near the west knoll, with the exception of the Drum and
Bugle Corps, which will perform in the center of the
South Lawn.
-- On Stage #3, near the South Fountain, Bob and Judy Brown
Marionettes, with 20 minute performances at 10:30 am,
12 noon, and 1:20 pm.
-- On Stage #1, alternating performances between 10 am and
2 pm by:
Mr. Peter Leach-Lewis - Magician
Mr. Michael J. Baker - Vocalist and Guitarist
Mr. Edwin D. France - Toto the Clown - Juggler
-- On Stage #2, near the South Fountain, Mr. Wayne Allen and
Sandy - Magician, will perform at 10 am, 11:20 am, and
1 pm
-- North of the South Fountain there will be a Ukranian
Easter Egg Display including a demonstration of the
FORD
art of decorating Easter Eggs.
BERALD
-- On the East side of the South Lawn there will be an
Egg Rolling Contest from 10 am to 2 pm. Prizes will
be given to the winners.
-- Volunteer clowns from the Social Security Administration
in Baltimore will assist and entertain children. on the
South Lawn of the White House from 10 am to 2 pm.
BOB & JUDY BROWN MARIONETTES
Bob & Judy Brown Marionettes is a variety show, consisting of
marionettes, hand puppets, rod puppets, and mouth puppets.
There are kittens who play instruments, a cat who walks a tight
rope, singing frogs, dancing caterpillars , and much, much more.
They have performed with the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center,
Mr. Roger's Neighborhood TV show, the International Childrens
Festival at Wolf Trap, various TV commercials, and did their own
TV show on CBS. This will be their third appearance at the
White House.
PETER LEACH-LEWIS
Mr. Leach-Lewis is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians,
Society of American Magicians and the London Institute of Magicians.
He is noted for his excellence in magical production throughout the
United States and London. He has performed at the Jelly Bean Theatre,
and various places in the Metropolitan area. His English charm and
delightful personality make him an instant hit with all ages.
MICHAEL J. BAKER
Mr. Baker is a vocalist, plays the guitar and loves children. He has
performed at the International Children's Festival, the Alexandria
Bicentennial Celebration, the Fairfax County Council of the Arts
FORDO i LIBRARY DERALD
and various theatres in the Washington, D.C. area.
EDWIN D. FRANCE
Alsol known as "ToTo the Clown" Mr. France was formerly associated
with Pollack Brothers Circus, has appeared on the United Cerebral
Palsy Telethon, Miss Sally's Romper Room, Emit Kelly Jr. Circus,
and many others. He will do an juggling act, consisting of plate
spinning and rings at the Easter Egg Roll.
WAYNE ALLEN & SANDY
Wayne recently performed in Paris, France at the Congress De La FISM,
the world's largest magician's convention. He was one of only four
magicians representing the United States in the international stage
competition. He has been performing magic for over eleven years.
He has entertained in various theatres, shopping centers, clubs, fairs,
hotels, as well as on T.V. He has researched Houdini's life and
secrets extensively. Anything might happen and usually does during
the shows of Wayne the Wizard. A live bunny might appear over the
rim of a tall silk hat, or a girl may float in mid-air. Spectators
might well be used to help perform the feats of magic.
UKRAINIAN EASTER EGG DISPLAY
In the Ukraine, the decorating of Easter eggs is an art that has been
passed down from one generation to another for more than a thousand years.
The eggs are miniature masterpieces with layers of colors applied in
exact designs. Several masterpiece collections will be on display,
LICERA GERALD = FORD
and Mrs. Marie Cooley of St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthdox Church will
demonstrate the unique method, using melted wax, brilliant colors
and designs.
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.
Washington Star-Plears
A-7
X
Tuesday, April 9, 1974
Unlikely Roles
For Nixon Aides
It may not be the biggest issue around the White
House, but someone there right now is wondering
who is going to be Daffy Duck and who will be El-
mer Fudd.
The question arose today when the White House
announced that the annual Easter egg roll will be
held on the South Lawn next Monday with the prin-
cipal entertainment being provided by cartoon
characters Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny, Wily E. Coyote
and Yosemite Sam.
"In addition "
3-The Evening News, Harrisburg, Pa., Monday, April 15, 1974 B
Hundreds
Children take over
White House lawn
as Mississip
of annual egg roll
WASHINGTON (UPI) - prizes for both the egg-roll
rivers over
More than 2,000 children took winners and the most attrac-
over the White House lawn to
tively decorated eggs were
By United Press Interna
gold White House pens auto-
day, enjoying perfect spring
Heavy rains sent
graphed by President Nixon.
weather at the annual White
spilling over their ban
The White House geared for
House Easter egg roll.
several thousand children in
the lower Mississippi
As a military band played,
today, forcing hundred
ASI BISCAYES, Pla. AP - President Mixon. who has been told he
owes $457, 000 in back taxes and interest. has obtained at
60 day extension of the April 15 filing date for his 1975 tax
return. White House Denuty press Secretary Gerald I. Marren said the
extension 723 the type "any taxpayer can request:* for additional
time in filing as return.
He said iiixon asked for the extension because of the possible
effect of the back tax ruling on his 1973 return.
The Internal Revenue Service and a joint congressional committee
on taxation ruled April 3 that Nizon owed back taxes for
the years 969-72.
The IRS disallazed Mixon's deductions for the gift of his vice
presidential napers end certain real estate. H1zon has said he
would pay the taxes.
09142ES 04715
12 0A
EGGS 4-15
WASHINGTON (UPI) -- MORE THAN 2,000 CHILDREN TOOK OVER THE WHITE
HOUSE LAWN TODAY, ENJOYING PERFECT SPRING WEATHER AT THE ANNUAL WHITE
HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL.
AS A MILITARY BAND PLAYED, THE CHILDREN ROAMED THE GROUNDS
CONVERSING WITH EASTER BUNNIES, CARTOON CHARACTERS IN FULL COSTUME
AND WHITE HOUSE STAFF MEMBERS ASSIGNED TO THE GROUNDS FOR THIS ANNUAL
EVENT INITIATED BY PRESIDENT GROVER CLEVELAND.
ONE OF THE CHIEF OBJECTS OF THIS YEAR'S ROLL, ACCORDING TO WHITE
HOUSE VISITORS' AIDE BARBARA EARP, WAS TO GIVE AWAY AS MANY PRIZES AS
POSSIBLE. THE ONLY CATCH WAS THAT CHILDREN WERE REQUIRED TO BRING
THEIR OWN EGGS.
IN ADDITION TO RESUMING EGG ROLL COMPETITION ON THE SOUTH LAWN,
THE CHILDREN HAD A CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN A DECORATED EGG CONTEST.
THE PRIZES FOR BOTH THE EGG ROLL WINNERS AND THE MOST ATTRACTIVELY
DECORATED EGGS WERE GOLD WHITE HOUSE PENS AUTOGRAPHED BY PRESIDENT
NIXON.
THE WHITE HOUSE GEARED FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND CHILDREN IN THE FOUR
HOURS OF ACTIVITIES, AND SPECIAL TOURS OF THE WHITE HOUSE WERE
ARRANGED AS WELL.
THE ANNUAL EGG ROLL HAS BEEN A RATHER HAPHAZARD EVENT PRIOR TO
THIS YEAR, BUT A SPECIAL EFFORT WAS MADE TODAY TO MAKE THE EGG ROLL
ORE COMPETITIVE. EIGHT LANES WERE SET UP FOR KIDS AND HEATS WERE RUN
CONTINUOUSLY, WITH EVERY CHILD WHO WAS ABLE TO ROLL HIS HARD-BOILED
GG TO THE END OF THE LANE WINNING A PRIZE.
UPI C4-15 11:27 AED
FORD
LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 8, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
WHITE HOUSE/OEOB STAFF
SUBJECT:
Easter Egg Roll
Monday, April 15, 1974
10:00 a. m. to 2:00 p.m.
The 1974 Easter Egg Roll will be held on the South Lawn of the
White House on Monday, April 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
for children eight and under accompanied by an adult. White
House and OEOB pass holders, with children eight and under,
should come to the Southwest Gate for admittance.
Children who bring decorated (hard boiled) eggs will receive
Certificates of Participation. In addition, there will be a
designated area where children may roll their hard boiled eggs
under supervision. A limited number of prizes will be given
for decorated eggs of unusual merit, and for the winners of the
egg rolling contest.
During the day, entertainment will be provided by various bands
and marching units of the Armed Services. In addition, there
will be a special performance by BUGS BUNNY and his friends
near the south fountain at 12:00 noon.
Happy Easter!
ii
FORD
Michael Prell Michael J Farrell
LIBRARY
Special Assistant to the President
avos.
in
OFFICE
MANCHESTER (N. H.) UNION LEADER 1 Wednesday, April 17, 1974
Caroline Willard
n
Gate City
To Be Speaker
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NASHUA - Ronal
Willard, an enterostomal thera-
37, of 81 Chestnut
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MORE THAN 2,000 children romp
rolling event. Each child who managed
os
eaded
on the White House lawn during the an-
to roll his egg through the lane was given
fr.
d $150
nual Easter Egg Roll in Washington Mon-
m
a prize.
perate
le:
day. Above, a clown supervises an egg-;
(UPI Telephoto)
ca
21, of
plea-
Masonic pae OSIS Hall
THE WASHINGTON POST
W ednesday, April 10, 1974
B3
Easter Egg Roll
For: the first time since
have a formal egg rolling
the early days of Easter egg
contest, run by its staff and
rolling on the White House
children can also enter a.
grounds, there will be a con-
test for the youngsters eight
contest for the best-deco-
years and under for the an-
rated Easter egg.
The White House an
Service bands will per-
nual Easter Monday event.
form during the four-hour:
nouced it will be open from
frolic and Warner Brothers
10. - mort
mavie carteon
EASTER EGG ROLLING AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Authorities are divided as to how the White House Easter Egg Rolling originiated.
Easter Monday has long been a festive day for the children of Washington. It had
been customary at the end of the second quarter of the 19th century for the childre
of Washington to gather on the grounds of the Capitol for the purpose of rolling eg
Some sources tell us that in 1874 policemen on the grounds, under orders from
Congressmen, forced the children to depart claiming that the situation had gotten
completely out of hand and that the grounds of the Capitol could no longer be used
for this purpose. It is claimed that one irate nursemaid, followed by several of
her charges, walked down to the White House where she demanded to be allowed
access to the White House Gounds for the purpose of egg rolling. When Presider
Grant heard the problem he immediately invited them to proceed to the South Law:
Other authorities claim that it was not until the Hayes administration that Congres
forbade egg rolling on the grounds of the Capitol and that President Hayes happene
to be riding by in his carriage on Easter Monday and, seeing the tearful children,
invited them to proceed to the White House.
By the last quarter of the 19th century such games as "Egg Picking", "Egg Ball",
"Toss and Catch" and "Egg Croquet were the popular pastimes on Easter Mond
However, the most popular game which continues to this day is that of "Egg Roll-
ing" which consists of simply rolling eggs down the slopes of the White House Gro
Whoever's egg travels farthest is the winner. Another popular pastime was that
of floating the empty egg shells in the South Lawn Pool.
It was customary for such Presidents as Benjamin Harrison and William McKinle
to open the White House Gate to allow the children to enter on Easter Monday.
Usually the children were joined by Cabinet Members, Ambassadors, etc. who le:
the "affairs of State" to join the merriment.
On top of what is presently the Executive Office Building (State, War and Navy
Department Building) there existed at the turn of the century a large ball on 2 pole
Each day at the stroke of noon the ball would be released and slide down the pole.
It was through this means that all government workers were to synchronize their
pocket watches. On Easter Monday the children on the South Lawn kept their eyes
peeled for this unique signal and once the moment had arrived ey began opening
wicker hampers and lunch baskets to begin their midday repast. For many it was
undoubtedly the ifrst picnic of the year.
1.
FORD
SERIET
LIBRARY
Page 2
It was also customary for the President to appear on the South Portico in mid-
afternoon and greet the assembled youngsters. Presidential children and granc
children have often joined in the festivities. The Hayes children and the Benjar
Harrison grandchildren attended the Egg Roll, as well as the Eiscnhower grand
During the First and Second World Wars the White House grounds were closed ti
children. Other locations, such as the National Zoo were used during those tin
Following the Second World War the White House renovation was underway, thu
making it impossible for the event to take place. ROWOVER, Presd ent Trumar
and perhaps quite rightly so, as it was the Korean War period, that the event
somewhat wasteful.
Traditionally the Marine Band has played ateach Egg Roll although today all the
Service Bands are invited to perform. In recent years the hours have been from
10:00 to 2:00 with the participants entering through the 8 outhwest Gate of the Wh
House. They are invited to stay until the closing and can still bring lunches alt
the noon signal is no longer possible to observe. Every child or group of child:
must be accompanied by an adult and no adult can enter unless accompanying a
child. In the 30's it was sometimes observed that adults would seek out unacco
children and charge them 25¢ a piece to bring them into the Grounds.
R.
SEAL
FORD
LISTATY
Ki
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
3/24
taken case of
SERVICE R. FORD LIBRARY
9229 Talisman Dawie
Uunna, Virginia 22/80
March 3, 1975
Dear Mrs Widen Jeld
I spake with you on the
phone a few weeks in hopes
that we might be able to
arrange for the children Jnon
Preschool to attend the white
the Musifield, montessori Co-op
House Egg Roce. Remember me?
all of our children (23)
and six and none have attenged
are between the aged of three
the egg we in the past. through
an acquaintence who works at
the White House f learned that.
in the past, there have been
tickets gwin to certain children
& that they did not pause to
stand in line with the than-
Sands of other children that come
two of the mintessori children
each year. Buing, a parent of
and chairman of the fund-
raising committee (we are a
non- profit Co-op trying to set
up a schrlarship fund) I thought
this might be an excellent opport
unity for the children to visit
the white House and perraps a
chance for the pend - sairing
committee to make some money
obtain tickets and puhaps
would it be possible to
children presenting Mrs Lord,
have a picture taken of res
Susan on whomever will represent
the first family with a special
Easter Egg. We would then
charge each children for their
ticket and a copy of the picture.
momento that all parents would
I feel its an experience and
be willing to pay for (something
difficult to find these days).
may I hear from you We
to you think its possible
would consides this a field hip
and Come as a group with the
Directress and mothers to chapesore
I am hopeful and very
thankpeyn for your times and
attention
Judith Sincerely, M. Deduch
shore 703 938-9799
POLICIAL $ 7 SERVICE PM SERVICE MAR 333 VA
1975
UNITED 10 STATES
The Shila Wiedenfeld
tress Secutory
white
1600 House love
Washington, D.C.
20006
4 Diederick
9229 Palisman sk
Venna, Va.
22/80
40
MRS. JOSEPH W. LEVERENZ
10231 BRIAR
OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS 66207
Nov. 18,1974
Press Bureau
White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:
I am researching and preparing, under assignment
for Spinning Wheel , an article on Easter Customs in this
country.
Would it be possible for you to supply me with
some background material re the Annual Easter Egg Roll held
on the White House Lawn?
Also, can you supply me with an 8x10 black and
white glossy pix for illustrative purposes? One of an
early scene would be particularly helpful, and we would of
course supply the usual credit line, I am meeting a late November
30 -deadline.
Thanking you for your kind attention and
assistance, I am
Cordially,
ELOISE (Mrs. F. J.W.) LEVERENZ $ Severag
-
they future ate Pm
E FORD LIBRARY
1/6/75
We hold these Truths
TOTAL $.0 is. 19 SERVICE, PM NOV MONEY MO
SERVING
AMER
H
and
97%
UNITED STATES
Oc
UNITED STATES POSTAL
Press Bureau
THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington
D.C.
20000
Urgent
MRS. JOSEPH W. LEVERENZ
10231 BRIAR
OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS 66207