FIRST NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On December 24, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree here in the Nation's Capital. With the push of a button, the President turned on 2500 red, white and green bulbs on a 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 Marine Band and the Epiphany and Congregational Church choirs. 3000 area school children attended the ceremony.
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 and use 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
