Christmas at the White House from Library of Congress archives (pic heavy)

[Generic Other]

Some Christmas photos I knew you'd all get a kick out of that I dug up at the Library of Congress:


"Santa Claus" with Christmas toys on a sled drawn by WHITE turkeys. 1909


1909: Senate pages have a snowball fight in Washington, D.C. Library of Congress.


Police Xmas tree -- distributing gifts


Officer Eugene Cahill at Police Xmas


"Secretary Davis, Christmas tree, 1921." James J. Davis, Secretary of Labor in the Harding, Coolidge and Hoover administrations, 1921.


Santa Claus story 1921


Santa Claus story, 12/6/21


1921 Little Betty Sze, daughter of the minister from China and Madam Sze meet the American Santa Claus, who called to visit her.


Senate pages, Christmas party 1923


Wife of Secretary of War and daughter [...] Christmas shopping at Walter Reed. today where they purchased a made by the disabled veterans confined there. 1927


Grace Coolidge, Santa Claus, and children next to Christmas tree. 1927


1927 Santa Claus receives aeroplane pilot's license from Assistant Secretary of Commerce. Although there may not be sufficient snow for his reindeer sleigh, Santa Claus will still be able to deliver his load of presents on time this Christmas by using the air route. Airway maps and the assurance that the lights would be burning on the airways Christmas Eve were also given to Santa.


President lights Christmas tree. President Hoover pressed the button which lighted Washington's community Christmas tree just before he began his brief "Merry Christmas" radio address to Americans from coast to coast. Mrs. Hoover accompanied the President to the impressive Christmas program, which included music by the U.S. Marine band. 12/24/30


No ELEPHANT TOYS for First Lady. MRS. ROOSEVELT, on a Christmas shopping tour, had a hard time convincing Santa Claus that she did not want a toy elephant, a symbol of the Republican party, as a Christmas present. She is shown here inspecting an assortment of toys at a Washington, D.C. Department store Friday. 1934


Cabinet youngsters enjoy Christmas. Washington, D.C., Dec. 24. The only cabinet youngsters, Cooper Coolidge, Marcus, and Melissa, sons and daughter of the Secretary of War and Mrs. Harry H. Woodring, were up bright and early to enjoy their Christmas tree with their parents. 1937


Community Xmas tree decorated. Washington, D.C., Dec. 23. The nation's community Christmas tree just north of the White House being decorated by workmen today in preparation of its lighting by President Roosevelt tomorrow night, 12/23/37


White House Christmas tree, WASHINGTON, D.C. DECEMBER 24. Many visitors viewed this huge Christmas tree set up in the East Room of the White House for the Yuletide. 1937


Diplomatic children broadcast Xmas greeting. Washington, D.C., Dec. 20. Christmas greetings in all tongues were broadcast all over the world today by the tiny sons and daughters of foreign diplomats participating in Annual International Children's Christmas Program staged by the National Broadcasting Co. 1938


Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Santa. 1938


Christmas Eve at home of youngest Supreme Court Justice. Washington, D.C., Dec. 18. Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and Mrs. William O. Douglas with their children, Mildred Riddle, and William O., Jr., will reenact this scene at their home on Christmas Eve. 1939


Mistletoe

I have a lot of xmas photos on Pinterest if you like looking at old photos:
http://www.pinterest.com/larkyantfarm/xmas-tinsel/

[WorseBeforeBetter]

1. Love old photos...

thanks for sharing.

[Generic Other]

2. Public Domain means we all own them

[WorseBeforeBetter]

4. Can't say it's something I would have taken the time...

to look up!

[blue neen]

3. These pictures were very enjoyable.

Isn't it amazing how elaborate today's Christmas trees look compared to the old ones. There is something beautiful about the simplicity of the older ones.

[Generic Other]

5. I liked the simplicity

A lot of trees are overdone.

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. Believe it or not, my fave is the first one

followed closely by that train set and kids, or is it kids and train set? Priorities.

[Generic Other]

7. I had no idea you could harness a turkey

to pull a sled!

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. Well, it tells me traditions have changed

After all, Rudolph is a Macy's invention. I sent a radio piece to the boss, as to how things were (sadly not that much anymore, globalization oy) in the Mexico of my youth. For example, the tree, there was one due to the north american tourists, was a simple affair. There where no gifts under the tree, and kids got their gifts from the three wise men at the end of advent, on January six.

Oh and they decorated with deer, but not because of Rudolph and vixen and the rest, but because the property actually had deer we kids could play with. It's funny, isn't it?

This was at a hotel that been gone for decades in Acapulco, by the way.

[Pretzel_Warrior]

8. thank you for the much needed thread in spirit of the holidays

Merry Christmas