2020-11 - Curator's Cabinet - Desktop/Laptop
2003 White House Ornament
Pick of the Month
The 2003, 2005, 2006 White House Christmas Ornaments.
Provenance
Donated by Anne McCorkle Garrett in 2014
Background Information
White House Christmas ornaments are issued by the White House Historical Association. The first ornament was released in 1981 and depicted a copper weather vane. It was inspired by those atop many historic American buildings, such as Independence Hall. Proceeds are used for the acquisition and preservation of historical furnishings and artwork that are part of the permanent White House Collection. In 2014, the Township of Ocean Historical Museum received the donation of the three White House ornaments.
The 2003 ornament honors Ulysses S. Grant and features a boy on a rocking horse surrounded by toys of the era with a locomotive on the bottom symbolizing the age of industrialization.
The 2005 ornament honors James A. Garfield with a color scheme and decorative wreath design derived from family china, needlework and frames found at Lawnfield the historic Garfield House in Ohio.
The 2006 ornament honors Chester A. Arthur. Its design is inspired by the period motif and rich design of Arthur’s White House, which is distinguished by the American artist and decorator Louis Comfort Tiffany.
The original 1981 and 1982 ornaments are rare collectibles, but gold plated copies can still be purchased today. Former White House Chief Usher, Rex Scouten, arranged to have the Association’s first ornament hung on the Blue Room Christmas tree in 1981. This practice became a holiday tradition.
The official White House Christmas ornaments have honored over 30 presidents beginning with President George Washington. Several commemorate White House milestone anniversaries, such as the Bicentennial. The ornaments are made in Lincoln, Rhode Island by ChemArt manufacturing. The 2020 ornament depicts President John F. Kennedy in his posthumous official portrait which hangs in the White House.
2005 White House Ornament
2006 White House Ornament