The Clinton White House

The White House gave the following information about Christmas 1993:

Every year, the Christmas tree in the Blue Room is a favorite attraction for the tour goers. For Christmas 1993, in celebration of the year of the American Craft, artisans from around the country were invited to contribute ornaments for the Blue Room tree, using the theme of angels. The tree skirt was hand-made by quilters from each of the 50 states and territories, and over 1,000 artists contributed to the Christmas display.

The following notes came from the White House web site, www.whitehouse.gov, and concern the Christmas trees erected in 1995:

The theme of this year's display is based on that beloved poem, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." All through this house, and throughout history, the holidays have been a time for joy and merriment. In 1805, Thomas Jefferson hosted a White House children's party, and was so moved by the festivities that he played his violin while his granchildren and their guests danced. In 1829, President Jackson, recently a widower and orphaned as a child himself, threw off his grief and gathered many of the city's orphans, his grandnieces and nephews, and staged a mock snowball fight in the East Room. And President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, playing all of the parts from Scrooge to Bob Cratchit, traditionally read Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" to his family and friends on Christmas Eve.

The White House press release noted "This year, the First Family invited three distinct groups of artisans to created ornaments for the White House trees. The American Institute of Architects and architecture students designed ornaments representing the house that is the scene of Santa's visit. Culinary schools sent ornaments of confectionary delights, inspired by "visions of sugar plums," while the American Needlepoint Guild and the Embroiderers Guild of America created the traditional holiday stockings."

The press release described the balance of the White House decorations for 1995.

The East Entrance

As you enter the White House through the EAST WING entrance, you are greeted by the first of our special holiday trees, which stands in the EAST GARDEN ROOM. The tree is decorated with a sampling of the handmade angel ornaments created by American craftspeople, and used during December 1993.

Just outside the EAST COLONNADE, where oversized wreaths of lush greenery are hung in each window, is the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, where an exhibit of twentieth century American sculpture is on view. At the end of the colonnade is the EAST FOYER, where you will find the tree decorated whit ornaments from December 1994. The theme was "The Twelve Days of Christmas," and the ornaments were submitted by art and design schools from across the country, as well as the National Society of Tole and Decorative Painters.

Also in the East Foyer is the retrospective exhibit of White House Christmas cards dating back to the Eisenhower Administration. The official card for 1995 depicts the recently refurbished Blue Room, and the original painting by Thomas McKnight entitled "White House Blue Room."

The Diplomatic Reception Room

The GROUND FLOOR CORRIDOR is festooned with holiday greenery and ribbons. Red and gold bows tied to the chandeliers continue the traditional holiday theme.

To the left is the DIPLOMATIC RECEPTION ROOM where visiting dignitaries are welcomed. On either side of the fireplace stand two trees decorated with ornaments from the Department of Education's Blue Ribbon Schools. Each school contributed eight ornaments, reflecting their interpretations of the Clement C. Moore poem. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes and supports primary and secondary schools that are noted for their exceptional arts education, and their effectiveness in meeting the national education goals.

The East Room

In the EAST ROOM, the traditional White House creche is the focal point. This exquisite antique creche was made in Naples, Italy in the late eighteenth century, and features 47 carved wood and terra cotta figures. The creche was a gift to the White House from Mrs. Charles Engelhard, Jr. of Far Hills, New Jersey, and has been displayed each year since it was presented in 1967.

Six lofty trees, ranging from 12 feet to 20 feet, and ornamented with burgundy and gold ribbons, are stationed alongside the creche, at the center windows, and flanking the hallway entrance. Mixed greenery and hurricane candles decorate the mantels of the four fireplaces, and musical groups from across the country fill the room with the sounds of the holidays.

The Parlors

The GREEN ROOM is used as a parlor for small teas and receptions. Above the fireplace hangs the renowned portrait of Benjamin Franklin by David Martin. Holiday topiaries are festooned with greens and mauve flowers. The mantel is decorated with a townscape created by twenty architects from Community Design Services, through which architects and other design professionals volunteer their time to provide design and architecture services to non-profit community organizations.

The official White House tree, as always, stands in the BLUE ROOM (see left). This year, it is an 18-1/2 foot Fraser fir from Atwood Dollar Hudler Tree Farms near West Jefferson, North Carolina. The tree was presented to the President and Mrs. Clinton by Ronald Hudler and Daniel Dollar who won the honor by being named 1995 National Grand Champion Growers by the National Christmas Tree Association. The tree is decorated by the American Institute of Architects and architecture students whose ornaments were inspired by the lines, "'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house..." Chimneys, windows, rooftops, shutters, and porches - all bedecked for the holidays - can be seen on the tree. Also featured on the Blue Room tree are the magnificent stockings created by the Embroiderers Guild of America and the American Needlepoint Guild. The green velvet hand-made skirt was designed by individual artisans from each of the 50 states, territories and the District of Columbia, to celebrate the first Clinton holidays at the White House.

The RED ROOM, furnished in classic American Empire style, is decorated with holly and greenery that reflects the spirit of the season. The mantel displays an architectural study inspired by the poem, and designed by the 6th graders of John Eaton Elementary School in Washington, D.C. with the help of Architecture in the Schools, which brings architects and college-level architecture students into Washington-area classrooms.

The State Dining Room and Gingerbread House

Heads of state, foreign dignitaries, and guests from across the United States are entertained in the elegant STATE DINING ROOM, where the famous George P.A. Healy portrait of Abraham Lincoln hangs above the mantel. Mixed greenery, along with burgundy and gold ribbons, drape the mantel and decorate the sconces to create a festive mood.

The showcase piece in the State Dining Room is always the traditional gingerbread house created by the White House Pastry Chef (see left). This year, the house is a sentimental favorite of the First Lady, as it is a replica of her girlhood home on Wisner Street in Park Ridge, Illinois. The two front rooms are done as they would appear in "The Night Before Christmas:" the bedroom is filled with children "all snug in their beds," and the living room is complete with "stockings hung by the chimney with care." The gingerbread house took nearly five months to create... and of course, the entire creation is edible.

The Grand Foyer

The four large trees that flank the front door and stand between the columns in the GRAND FOYER have a special theme all their own. Decorated by chefs from cooking schools across the country, they are edible examples of the line, "while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads." With marzipan, gingerbread, cookie dough, pastillage and chocolate, these culinary artists created some of this year's most imaginative ornaments.

Also in the Grand Foyer, you will see the needlepoint "kissing ball" made by master needlepoint artist, Hyla Hurley of Washington, D.C. It is a miniature version of the tapestry which hangs in the First Family residence, and depicts the road to the White House, from the Governor's Mansion in Little Rock, via Monticello and a place called Hope.

Silent Night Evergreens Presents

The 1998 White House Christmas Tree

"We're going to the White House!" Diane Chapman exclaimed as ribbons were presented and pictures taken at NCTA's 20th biennial convention in Asheville, North Carolina last August.

Jim and Diane Chapman, who own and operate Silent Night Evergreens in Endeavor, Wisconsin, exhibited a Grand Champion Balsam Fir at the convention and won the honor of presenting a Christmas Tree to First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. This was the fifth time that a Wisconsin Christmas Tree was selected to stand in the Blue Room of The White House since the National Christmas Tree Association program began in 1966.

A DREAM COME TRUE

Taking a tree to the White House has been a long-standing dream of the Chapmans. They accompanied Diane's parents, Irv and Alyce Daggett to the White House in 1988 when the Daggett's presented a tree to Ronald and Nancy Reagan. So, as this young couple went into the Christmas Tree business for themselves, the standard of excellence was set high.

Jim Chapman planted his first trees in 1977. "I was naive," he recalls. "It looked like a great life... plant a few trees, work hard a couple of months, and go hunting the rest of the year. I was very naive."

While the Chapmans may have an enviable lifestyle, being full-time farmers, with a beautiful farm and five lovely children, they certainly don't take it easy. With 600,000 trees, and a wholesale business that spans 11 states, they employ 50-60 seasonal workers, most of whom return year after year.

THE PERFECT TREE

Asked for his definition of the perfect tree, Jim replies, "There's a tree out there for everyone. Some people want fat trees, others want tall and skinny trees, thick branches, long needles, short needles, you name it. There's a tree out there for everyone."

The trees grown at Silent Night Evergreens, though, come very close to Jim's idea of the perfect tree. And that opinion is apparently shared by many. Indeed, the Chapmans have 3 Wisconsin State Championships under their belt, in addition to the national championship.

The kids get to pick the tree at the Chapman house. Daughter Rachel picked out the tree last year. Jim tried to steer her toward one particular tree, but Rachel decided on a nice fat one. "Someday," Jim says wistfully, "I'm going to get to pick the tree." By the way, the Chapman house was designed with the tree in mind, with wide doorways to accommodate big trees.

A DAY AT THE WHITE HOUSE

The weather was perfect the first day of December when the Chapmans presented their tree to the first lady. Jim and Diane, accompanied by their children Daniel, David, Julia, Laura and Rachel, were graciously greeted by The White House Chief Usher Gary Walters, and treated to a tour of the grounds by The White House Grounds Superintendent Irvin Williams, both of whom had earlier visited the Chapman's farm to select the tree.

The Chapmans were introduced to Mrs. Clinton, and presented her with two balsam firs -- an 18 1/2 foot tree for the Blue Room of the White House, and a 12-foot tree for the Clinton family's private residence. They also had a chance to chat with Mrs. Clinton over tea and cookies (some shaped like Christmas Trees!).

The first lady said that 23 real Christmas Trees would decorate the interior of The White House in 1998, but would not reveal the decorating scheme.

President Bill Clinton also stopped in to thank the family for their gift. A private tour of the White House followed, which was rich in history, and even included a chance for everyone to pet the "first dog" Buddy. After few short hours, it was time to leave, but the memories for the Chapmans and their children will go on for a lifetime.

Source: National Christmas Tree Association, http://www.realchristmastrees.org/home.html

Pennsylvania Douglas-Fir Will Be The Official White House Christmas Tree for Christmas 2000

Paul & Sharon Shealer, along with their children Briana and Paul, will present an 18 ½ foot tall Douglas-fir Christmas Tree to First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton on November 29, 2000. The tree was grown on the Shealer’s farm, Evergreen Acres Tree Farm, near Auburn, Pennsylvania and will be displayed in the Blue Room of The White House throughout the holiday season.

The Shealers won the honor of presenting a Christmas Tree to the White House by winning the National Christmas Tree Association’s Christmas Tree contest in Rochester, New York this summer. To be eligible to enter that contest, the Shealers first won the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Association contest earlier this year. The tree was selected on October 23 by three members of The White House staff: Chief Usher Gary Walters; Executive Groundskeeper Irv Williams; and National Park Services Forester Mike Lawn. The tree that they selected is one that Paul has been hoping to send to The White House for a number of years. He has jokingly referred to it as "The White House Tree" for years.

In addition to the Official White House Christmas Tree that the Shealers will present to Mrs. Clinton, there will be approximately 40 other Real Christmas Trees in the White House this year. The decorating theme for The White House is a closely held secret until the doors open for viewing on December 3.

Evergreen Acres Tree Farm is a family business, started in 1945 by Paul’s father. They have 55-60 acres in production, with about 55,000 to 60,000 trees in the field. They produce: Douglas-fir, Fraser fir, Canaan fir, Colorado blue spruce, Concolor fir, Scotch pine, white pine and Norway spruce, but mostly Douglas and Fraser fir. They have a small retail operation on their farm, but sell most of their trees to wholesale customers. They do all of the work themselves, and both Paul and Sharon work outside the home. Paul is an Ag extension agent for PA State University and Sharon is a career counselor at a vo-tech school.

Source: National Christmas Tree Association

Source:

• The White House Web Page. Information about the Clinton Christmases has been removed from this site. However, at least some portions can now be found at http://clinton4.nara.gov/WH/Holidays/