Image: National Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Program 1938

Description: The program from the lighting ceremony for the 1938 National Community Christmas Tree. The United States first hosted a National Christmas Tree in 1923. At the time, it was a cut tree and erected in the center of The Ellipse. From 1924 to 1933, a live tree was planted in Sherman Square (south of the U.S. Department of the Treasurer Building). In 1934, two live Fraser fir trees were planted in Lafayette Square. The trees alternated as the National Christmas Tree (to help reduce damage to the trees from the heavy ornaments and lights). The last time they were used was 1938. In 1939 and 1940, two red cedar trees were temporarily moved to the north edge of The Ellipse. In 1941, two Oriental spruce trees were planted on the South Lawn of the White House, and again used in alternative years as the National Christmas Tree. Cut trees were again used beginning in 1954, and the tree was moved to the north edge of The Ellipse again. The cut tree was replaced with a live tree in 1973. It's been replaced several times, but a live tree has been used ever since.
Title: National Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Program 1938
Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/23165290@N00/7235952910/
Author: United States Department of the Interior (original document); Tim Evanson (photograph)
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No