1948 Harry S. Truman White House The Lighting National Christmas Tree Program
1948December 24TrumanPresident and Participants: With President Truman at his home in Independence, Missouri, a rebroadcast of an audio address taped earlier was delivered to those gathered on the south lawn at 5:15 p.m. President Truman signaled for the lighting of the tree by remote control. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 24, 1948.]The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce (1941). The Electric Institute, with cooperation of D.C. Recreation Department and National Capital Parks, National Park Service, decorated the east tree. [Washington Post, December 25, 1925.] The tree was decorated with red and green lights and featured a white light as every third light in order that it would televise well. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," executive committee meeting notes, January 9, 1949.]Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The ceremony was based on successful traditional programs of previous years, with the only change being the use of more white lights which were chosen for how well they would televise. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," executive committee meeting notes, January 9, 1949.]"Mammoth Christmas ornaments," good for daytime viewing, were made especially for the decoration of the National Community Christmas Tree site. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, "Executive Mansion Grounds," executive committee meeting notes, January 9, 1949.]The "Singing Tree" was reintroduced. [Washington Post, December 25, 1948.]Although the President and Mrs. Truman were absent, greetings of the people of Washington to the President and the First Lady were delivered by a boy and a girl named outstanding by recipients of the Recreation Department 1948 Youth Award.Miscellaneous: The television broadcast was further expanded in 1948. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, year-by-year notes, undated.] Decisions about decorations were made with the television audience in mind.Organization/Committees: D.C. Recreation Department; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; American Forestry Association; Electric Institute of Washington; and Greater National Capital Committee of the Washington Board of Trade. 1948 Official The lightning of White House Christmas Tree booklet2 pages1948 - Trumanmeasurement : length 9 inches, height 12 inchesplease review pictures before purchasemsg me if you have any questionsreturn shipping will be buyer's responsibilitythank you
Specifications
| All Returns Accepted | ReturnsNotAccepted |
| President | Harry S. Truman |
| Type | Paper |
| Year | 1948 |
| Term In Office | 1945-53 |
| First Lady | Bess Truman |
| Theme | Political |
| Material | Paper |
| Country/Region Of Manufacture | United States |
| Country/Region | United States |
1948December 24TrumanPresident and Participants: With President Truman at his home in Independence, Missouri, a rebroadcast of an audio address taped earlier was delivered to those gathered on the south lawn at 5:15 p.m. President Truman signaled for the lighting of the tree by remote control. [Public Papers of the Presidents, December 24, 1948.]The Tree: Living, 30-foot Oriental spruce (1941). The Electric Institute, with cooperation of D.C. Recreation Department and National Capital Parks, National Park Service, decorated the east tree. [Washington Post, December 25, 1925.] The tree was decorated with red and green lights and featured a white light as every third light in order that it would televise well. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, “Executive Mansion Grounds,” executive committee meeting notes, January 9, 1949.]Noteworthy Ceremony Elements: The ceremony was based on successful traditional programs of previous years, with the only change being the use of more white lights which were chosen for how well they would televise. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, “Executive Mansion Grounds,” executive committee meeting notes, January 9, 1949.]”Mammoth Christmas ornaments,” good for daytime viewing, were made especially for the decoration of the National Community Christmas Tree site. [NPS-WESF, RG-79, Box 10, File 1115-30-10, “Executive Mansion Grounds,” executive committee meeting notes, January 9, 1949.]The “Singing Tree” was reintroduced. [Washington Post, December 25, 1948.]Although the President and Mrs. Truman were absent, greetings of the people of Washington to the President and the First Lady were delivered by a boy and a girl named outstanding by recipients of the Recreation Department 1948 Youth Award.Miscellaneous: The television broadcast was further expanded in 1948. [D.C. Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Community Archives, Collection 37, National Christmas Tree, year-by-year notes, undated.] Decisions about decorations were made with the television audience in mind.Organization/Committees: D.C. Recreation Department; National Capital Parks, National Park Service; American Forestry Association; Electric Institute of Washington; and Greater National Capital Committee of the Washington Board of Trade. 1948 Official The lightning of White House Christmas Tree booklet2 pages1948 – Trumanmeasurement : length 9 inches, height 12 inchesplease review pictures before purchasemsg me if you have any questionsreturn shipping will be buyer’s responsibilitythank you
