Name/Title
2014 White House Historical SocietyEntry/Object ID
2015.4.88Description
This ornament is part of the White House Historical Association's series of collectible ornaments. It is the thirtieth in the series. The ornament commemorates the administration of Warren Harding. According to the insert, "Decorated with gold tones and enamel finishes, the 34th annual White House Christmas Ornament is our first ornament to be comprised of two pieces, which can be hung as two separate ornaments or linked together. The locomotive is a detailed miniature replica of one of several steam-powered locomotives that pulled the Presidential Special; it is attached to the tender (a coal car that also carried water). The other miniature car is the 'Superb,' the President's private heavyweight Pullman car. The last car on the Special, the 'Superb' was outfitted with a public address system. President Harding made appearances and delivered speeches at stops across the country from a platform at the back of the car. The last known photograph of President Harding is an image of him on the 'Superb' shortly before his death in a San Francisco hotel on August 2, 1923. On August 3, President Harding's casket was placed on board the 'Superb' and began a return trip to Washington, D.C., during which an estimated three million people paid their last respects." The original ornament was on the tree in the Blue Room of the White House during the 2014 Christmas season. A red satin ribbon for hanging the ornament is attached. Decorated with gold tones and enamel finishes,
The ornament includes an informational insert telling about the ornament and the White House Historical Association.
The ornament is in a blue box and has a white velveteen liner. The lid of the box features an ecru image of the ornament in the center. The background consists of medium blue stripes, and dark blue stripes with medium blue stars. "The White House Historical Association Christmas Ornament 2014" in ecru lettering appear above and below the central image. The bottom of the box is of the same blue striped design as the lid, with a sketch of the White House in a white rectangle near the center, and a small white bar code near the bottom and the words "Visit www.whitehousehistory.org or call 1-800-555-2451 Made in the USA" in light blue between the sketch and the bar code. .Collection
ScarmuzziAcquisition
Accession
2015.4.0Source or Donor
Patricia A. ScarmuzziAcquisition Method
Gift