William (Bill) W. Schonely (June 1, 1929 – January 21, 2023)

On December 24, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge touched a button
and lights up the first national Christmas tree to grace the White
House grounds.

Not only was this the first White House “community” Christmas
tree, but it was the first to be decorated with electric lights—a
strand of 2,500 red, white and green bulbs.

The balsam fir came from Coolidge’s home state of Vermont and
stood 48 feet tall. Several musical groups performed at the tree
-lighting ceremony, including the Epiphany Church choir and the
U.S. Marine Band.

Later that evening, President Coolidge and first lady Grace were
treated to carols sung by members of Washington, D.C.’s First Congregational Church.

According to the White House Historical Association, President
Benjamin Harrison was the first president to set up an indoor
Christmas tree for his family and visitors to enjoy in 1889. It
was decorated with ornaments and candles.