ALPLM Christmas exhibit           

Display showcases several presidential Christmases with trees, artifacts, vintage toys and music

[NOV. 3, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- On Nov. 24, the Illinois Gallery in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum will open its doors to the public to reveal "to cherish peace and good will..." Holidays at the White House. This spectacular display will afford visitors an intimate glimpse into America's favorite holiday and how it has been celebrated through the years at the nation's White House.

"Ulysses S. Grant, who witnessed more human carnage and tragedy than most individuals would ever experience, declared Christmas a federal holiday in 1870," said Thomas F. Schwartz, interim executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. "The holiday sentiments ‘to cherish peace and good will' come from Calvin Coolidge and remain the common thread throughout our exploration of Holidays at the White House. It remains a time for both celebration and reflection. Most importantly, the holidays are a time to reconnect with family and friends. Seeing this exhibit provides a great opportunity for people to come together while learning about how various presidents have celebrated the occasion."

On display in the exhibit are nine Christmas trees, reflecting each of the following administrations: Grant, Hayes, Arthur, McKinley, Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge and Carter.

Two additional trees will be decorated with ornaments from the museum's store.

Other attractions:

Union Station gingerbread house -- Crafted by Johanna Rosson of Macomb, this delectable creation is inspired by the original historic railway station, located across from the museum. The Union Station gingerbread house is constructed of 121 pounds of brown sugar, 10 dozen eggs, 40 pounds of flour and 40 pounds of powdered sugar for the icing.

Artifacts on display -- First-edition copy of Ulysses S. Grant's autobiography and ice skates belonging to Grant's children; Florence Harding's opera gloves and sheet music; Helen Taft's opera gloves and oriental fan; handbags used by Grace Coolidge and Edith Wilson, and other various first lady artifacts.

In addition, several 19th- and 20th- century games will be displayed. Popular music during the various presidential periods highlighted will play throughout the exhibit.

The exhibit will run Nov. 24 through Jan. 7.

[Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum news release]