Tuesday, December 23, 2008

White House Christmas Ornament 2008 Honors Adirondack Pioneer President Benjamin Harrison

The White House Historical Association sells a limited edition ornament to support the mission of the Association -- to preserve and promote the history and historic collection in the White House.  This year's ornament honors the administration of President Benjamin Harrison, whose Adirondack camp on Second Lake, Berkeley Lodge (sometimes known as the Harrison House) is still a functioning camp well known to Adirondackers.  His desire to receive regular mail at his lodge helped create the first mail boat delivery service, which continues to this day. The 2008 White House Christmas ornament honors the administration of President Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901), the twenty-third President of the United States. Serving one term, from 1889-1893, Harrison was a centennial president inaugurated 100 years after President George Washington. Inspired by the Harrison family's Victorian Christmas tree, the ornament interprets the first recorded tree to decorate the White House.  The tree, laden with baubles and garland, is a canvas for all sorts of treats and toys.  Beneath the tree are the presents the Harrison grandchildren received: a toy train and a wooden sled await Benjamin, and nearby is Marthena's much wished-for dollhouse. A three-foot high Santa Claus completes the season's spectacle.

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