Inventory of the National Community Christmas Tree Records, 1923 – 1954
Descriptive Summary
Abstract: In an American tradition dating to 1923, a large tree near the White House in Washington, D.C., is decorated and lit during the Christmas holiday season. The first National Community Christmas Tree was presented to President Calvin Coolidge by Middlebury College President Dr. Paul D. Moody in December 1923. The tree was erected on the Ellipse south of the White House grounds, and on Christmas Eve, President Coolidge participated in an official lighting ceremony. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree became an annual tradition, and other than during World War II has occurred each year since 1923. The tree has been located on the Ellipse, in Sherman Plaza, Lafayette Square, and on the White House lawn.
The collection includes correspondence, programs, guest lists, reports on lighting and location, invitations, photographs, and clippings related to the National Community Christmas Tree and the planning of the grand illumination event.
Title: National Community Christmas Tree Records, 1923 - 1954
Repository: Forest History Society Library and Archives
Call Number: 3385
Language of Material: Material in English
Extent: 0.5 linear feet (1 archival box)
Historical Note
In an American tradition dating to 1923, a large tree near the White House in Washington, D.C., is decorated and lit during the Christmas holiday season. The first National Community Christmas Tree was presented to President Calvin Coolidge by Middlebury College President Dr. Paul D. Moody in December 1923. The tree was erected on the Ellipse south of the White House grounds, and on Christmas Eve, President Coolidge participated in an official lighting ceremony. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree became an annual tradition, and other than during World War II has occurred each year since 1923. The tree has been located on the Ellipse, in Sherman Plaza, Lafayette Square, and on the White House lawn.
Collection Overview
The collection includes correspondence, programs, guest lists, reports on lighting and location, invitations, photographs, and clippings related to the National Community Christmas Tree and the planning of the grand illumination event.
Collection Arrangement
- Correspondence, Programs, Event Plans, and Other Materials, 1923-1954
Subject Headings
- Christmas trees -- United States -- History -- 20th century
- Christmas trees -- Washington (D.C.) -- 20th century
Detailed Description of the Collection
1. Correspondence, Programs, Event Plans, and Other Materials, 1923-1954.
- Box 1
- Folder 1
Brief History of the National Community Christmas Tree, 1923-1941 - Folder 2
Correspondence, 1931-1945 - Folder 3
Photographs, 1923-1945-
Preparations for 1937 National Community Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at Lafayette Park, Washington, D.C.
-
- Folder 4
Official Programs, 1923-1954-
Official program for 1947 National Community Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on the White House lawn.
-
- Folder 5
General, 1925-1946- Includes committee and guest lists, committee minutes, reports on lighting and location of tree, platform plans, sample of official invitations to the ceremony, car tags, tickets, and carols.
- Folder 6
Newspaper Publicity: Clippings, 1923-1945 - Folder 7
Duplicate programs, 1924-1954
- Folder 1
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Copyright Notice
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Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], National Community Christmas Tree Records, Library and Archives, Forest History Society, Durham, NC, USA.
Processing Information
Processed by Staff,
Encoded by Amanda Ross, June 2009
Funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission supported the encoding of this finding aid. Support for digitization and outreach provided by the Alvin J. Huss Endowment.
