Curator's Page

Harrison Christmas Traditions

The White House

The Christmas holiday was a happy time for the Harrison family especially during their first years in the White House. Benjamin and Caroline shared Christmas in the White House with their children, grandchildren, Dr. Scott, Mary Dimmick, Lieutenant and Mrs. Parker, the household staff, and the nation. A newspaper clipping describes the days’ events.

“The tooting of a horn in a series of more or less musical notes was the signal for the commencement of the Christmas celebration at the White House this morning shortly after 10 o’clock. When Mrs. Dimmick blew this juvenile instrument, faces came
smiling from every door all around her in the corridor upstairs, and soon all the members of the presidential family had assembled in a laughing procession.”

“Mary’s (Lodge McKee) gifts had a full set of baby doll furniture, with baby doll, lady dolls and boy dolls, a piano, a kitchen outfit and a quantity of other feminine necessities in the world of babydom, while Benjamin (Baby McKee) had a steam engine, a couple of train cars, a full suit of armor, books, pictures, and all manner of things to tickle a boyish fancy.”

 

Harrison Home

Benjamin Harrison was the first President to have a decorated Christmas tree in the White House and his home in Indianapolis reflects his fondness for celebrating the holiday. During the holiday season the house represents a gala Victorian Christmas at its finest. Outside, the house is festooned with garlands of greenery and bows on the wrap around porch. Upon entering the house, guests will feel drawn back in time as they are welcomed to view a 19th century Christmas.

The front parlor features a large tree similar to one Benjamin Harrison decorated for his Grandchildren in 1889 in the White House. Authentic decorations such as wooden soldiers, cotton batting ornaments, hand blown glass figures, candles and even original Harrison tinsel adorn this tree. Victorian toys, many of them Harrison originals, will be displayed under the tree as the children might have found them on Christmas morning.

The seven fireplace mantels throughout the house are lavishly decorated with greenery, dried flowers, pine cones, seed pods, fresh flowers, ribbons and bows. Many of the designs were taken directly from period publications. This same treatment will also be used on mirrors, furniture, chandeliers, and doorways. Garlands and ribbons will cascade gracefully down the banister which extends for three floors.

The traditional evergreen was not the only holiday tree used by the Victorians. Feather trees, made from dyed goose feathers were also popular. These trees originated in Germany as part of the early conservation movement. A feather tree decorated with hand blown glass ornaments will be on display. A snow tree will also be featured, this tree, made from last year's real tree with needles removed and swathed in cotton batting, was traditionally covered with edible treats such as cookies and candies.

Another unique item featured will be "Old Father Christmas," inspired from an 1868 Ladies Godey's Magazine. He is made from pine cones, moss, sheep's wool and real fur. Other historic decorations will include pomanders, a kissing ball, wreaths, a greenery covered lyre, tussie mussies and cornucopias.

12 (FREE) Days of (Indy) Christmas  ICVA

Sunday, December 13, 2008
On the second FREE day of Christmas, the President Benjamin Harrison Home gives to you...A look inside the home of the 23rd U.S. president. The restored 1875 Italianate mansion will be decorated for the holidays, including feather trees and a 10-foot Christmas tree like the one the Harrisons had at the White House.