A Franklin Pierce Christmas
I've spent the past few days writing about Christmas day for obscure Presidents, but I noticed that most of them were either Whigs or Republicans, so I thought I'd better write about a Democrat for a change. Franklin Pierce is an interesting choice because he is acknowledged to be the first President to put up a Christmas tree at the White House.
Christmas cards were not commonly sent in the United States until the late 19th century and President Pierce is not known to have sent any Christmas greetings or official White House Christmas Cards. Pierce’s term was marked by a great deal of political turbulence. But he did put up the first White House Christmas tree. Pierce had the tree decorated in 1856 for a group of Washington Sunday School children. The White House was much more festive for this Christmas and carolers sang Hark the Herald Angels Sing to the children.
In 1997 the White House Historical Society issued its annual Christmas ornament – depicting the White House as it looked during the presidency of Franklin Pierce. This special ornament features the White House lawn as people are strolling on the grounds in a casual fashion. It appears to be a peaceful scene, although President Pierce’s term in office was not at all peaceful.
I hope your Christmas eve and Christmas day are each peaceful, happy and full of times that are will give you wonderful memories.
Christmas cards were not commonly sent in the United States until the late 19th century and President Pierce is not known to have sent any Christmas greetings or official White House Christmas Cards. Pierce’s term was marked by a great deal of political turbulence. But he did put up the first White House Christmas tree. Pierce had the tree decorated in 1856 for a group of Washington Sunday School children. The White House was much more festive for this Christmas and carolers sang Hark the Herald Angels Sing to the children.
In 1997 the White House Historical Society issued its annual Christmas ornament – depicting the White House as it looked during the presidency of Franklin Pierce. This special ornament features the White House lawn as people are strolling on the grounds in a casual fashion. It appears to be a peaceful scene, although President Pierce’s term in office was not at all peaceful.
I hope your Christmas eve and Christmas day are each peaceful, happy and full of times that are will give you wonderful memories.