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"The people of Illinois
have been very good to us in 2005, and 'Christmas at the White
House' is one way we can say thanks," said Richard Norton Smith,
executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and
Museum. On display in the exhibit are 14 Christmas tree that
reflect each of the following administrations -- Cleveland,
Harrison, Kennedy, Theodore Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Reagan, Johnson,
Ford, George H.W. Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush -- plus two more
trees decorated with ornaments from the White House Historical
Association and the museum store.
Each tree is decorated with replica ornaments, many handmade by
museum volunteers. Original ornaments used in the White House during
the Johnson, Ford, Clinton and Bush presidencies will also be
displayed. Other attractions include the following:
Mary Evans Seeley Collection: Mary and her husband have the
most extensive collection of presidential Christmas memorabilia in
the country. The collection includes presidential Christmas cards
and gifts given by and to various first families.
Hayes dollhouse: In 1878, Rutherford B. Hayes gave this
oversized dollhouse to his daughter, Fanny. The president had it
specially built for his only daughter by a local carpenter for $16.
Gingerbread house: Built by Secret Recipes of Chatham, this
delectable creation, inspired by a similar confection at the Reagan
White House, is constructed of 150 pounds of flour, 50 pounds of
sugar, 75 chocolate bars and several other sweets. In addition, 25
hours of baking and construction as well as 40 hours of decorating
went into the masterpiece. The entire project was recorded on video
from start to finish, and visitors to the exhibit can watch it in
time-lapse playback.
Lincoln portrait: One of the museum's own, this likeness of
Lincoln was painted from life at the White House in 1862 by Alban
Jasper Conant.
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 Christmas pink: Forget the traditional red and green. This
year, experience Christmas in pink. Pastel pink characterized Mamie
Eisenhower -- from her famed pink inaugural gown to her pink bedroom
furniture. And because of her love for all things pink, a Christmas
tree in pink will light up in her honor.
Other trees at the library and museum:
David Davis Mansion tree: located in the museum gateway, this
12-foot tree was decorated by David Davis site interpreters to
reflect a very Victorian Christmas.
Plaza tree: This 22-foot tree makes a statement in the plaza.
The tree is adorned with almost 200 handmade beaded and jeweled
snowflake ornaments and 400 paper snowflakes cut by hand. All
ornaments were made through the generosity of museum volunteers.
State of Illinois tree: Located in the library atrium, this
tree is all things Illinois. Wrapping the tree from top to bottom is
garland with the name of every county in the state. Plus, copies of
vintage postcards from around Illinois, including pictures of county
courthouses, help make this the state tree.
Duck tree: Right next to the Illinois tree is a tree that
shouts "quack -- quack!" This little tree is decorated with yellow
ducks handmade by the little ones at SCOPE Day Care and Pre-School.
Cookie tree: Also next to the Illinois tree is another kid
creation. This tree is decorated with bells and gingerbread men made
by kids at the Children's House.
Williamsville Junior High students made the snowflakes that
decorate all three trees in the library.
"Christmas at the White House" will be on display Nov. 25-Jan. 8.
[Abraham Presidential
Library and Museum news release]
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