COOLIDGE LIGHTS THE FIRST NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President Calvin Coolidge officially lit the 1st National Christmas Tree ninety-four years ago, December 24, 1923, here in the Nation's Capital.
With the push of a button, Mr. Coolidge turned on 2500 red, white and green bulbs on the 48 foot balsam fir brought from his home state of Vermont. The tree was donated by Paul Moody, president of Middlebury College.The President was accompanied by First Lady Grace Coolidge who approved the location of the Christmas tree.
Music for the ceremony was provided by the United States Marine Band, and the Epiphany and Congregational Church choirs. 3000 Washington, D.C. school children attended the ceremony.The lighting of the National Christmas Tree has been a tradition at the White House since 1923.
FDR was the first president to give a speech at the lighting ceremony. The original idea for the tree came from Frederick Morris Feiker, an engineer and editor, who saw it as a way to encourage Americans to purchase electric Christmas lights as well as the use of more electricity.
President John F. Kennedy was present at the tree lighting ceremony only once during his tenure. JFK lit the National Christmas Tree on December 17, 1962.
JFK said...
"With the lighting of this tree, which is an old ceremony in Washington and one which has been among the most important of a good many Presidents...we initiate....the Christmas season."
SOURCES
President and Mrs. Coolidge
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR VISITORS FROM JFK+50
"Peace on earth, good will toward men."
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President Calvin Coolidge officially lit the 1st National Christmas Tree ninety-four years ago, December 24, 1923, here in the Nation's Capital.
With the push of a button, Mr. Coolidge turned on 2500 red, white and green bulbs on the 48 foot balsam fir brought from his home state of Vermont. The tree was donated by Paul Moody, president of Middlebury College.The President was accompanied by First Lady Grace Coolidge who approved the location of the Christmas tree.
Music for the ceremony was provided by the United States Marine Band, and the Epiphany and Congregational Church choirs. 3000 Washington, D.C. school children attended the ceremony.The lighting of the National Christmas Tree has been a tradition at the White House since 1923.
FDR was the first president to give a speech at the lighting ceremony. The original idea for the tree came from Frederick Morris Feiker, an engineer and editor, who saw it as a way to encourage Americans to purchase electric Christmas lights as well as the use of more electricity.
President John F. Kennedy was present at the tree lighting ceremony only once during his tenure. JFK lit the National Christmas Tree on December 17, 1962.
JFK said...
"With the lighting of this tree, which is an old ceremony in Washington and one which has been among the most important of a good many Presidents...we initiate....the Christmas season."
SOURCES
President and Mrs. Coolidge
National Christmas Tree Lighting
Washington, D.C.
Library of Congress Image
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR VISITORS FROM JFK+50
"Peace on earth, good will toward men."
