Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

President Benjamin Harrison loved Christmas and all its traditions. When he was elected and moved his wife Caroline and family into the White House, Harrison took those holiday celebrations with him. Harrison is said to be the first President to put up a Christmas tree in the White House for the joy of his immediate family. The year was 1889. Today, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis is decorated to represent a gala Victorian Christmas house and guests are invited to visit on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Built in 1874-75, the 16-room home was considered a gem in its era. Inside the front parlor holds a large tree with authentic decorations such as wooden soldiers, hand-blown glass figures, candles and original Harrison tinsel. Displayed under the tree are Victorian toys, many of them Harrison originals, just as the children might have seen them on Christmas morning.