Did
you know the first National Christmas tree was a 48-foot balsam fir located on
the Ellipse south of the White House in 1923? 
A crowd of spectators watched as President Coolidge flipped the switch
to light the tree decorated with 2500 red, white and green electric bulbs. 

It was
another four years before lights safe for outdoor use were more widely
available.  Seeing an opportunity General
Electric and other distribution companies soon began sponsoring decorative
lighting contests. 

A winter snow decorates the Transylvania County courthouse.

The
first mention of lights being used for downtown holiday decorations in Brevard
was in 1931.  A front page article in the
Christmas Eve edition of the Brevard News reads, “Christmas is here! The
magnificent cedar tree standing gracefully in the center of the square,
bedecked with ornaments and sparkling decorations cheerfully proclaims the
spirit of Christmas.  Lights gleaming red
and green are stretched along the main thoroughfares and the store windows
arranged with suggestive gifts and tinsel add quaint touches.

The
tree was decorated and erected through the influence and labors of the ladies
of the Women’s Bureau and the lights were hung by the town and individuals and
institutions of Brevard who were interested in dressing up the town for
Christmas.”

Over
the next several years the lights were loaned out several times and damaged
upon return.  So in 1936 replacement
parts and new strings of colored lights were purchased.  The decision was made to no longer loan them
out.  Duke Power provided the labor and
equipment to hang the lights.  The
Brevard Kiwanis Club and local business leaders raised funds to pay for the
electricity and new materials.

In
1938 it was noted that, “Brevard business places have gone in for windows of a
prettier type this year, and especially is this noted in the grocery fronts.
Two striking windows are those presented by Ruth’s Beauty Shop on Jordan Street
and the Quality Beauty Salon on Main Street.” 
Front yards and porches were also being decorated in the residential
sections of town.

The
following year Christmas greenery and other decorations were added to the shopping
district. In addition, a Christmas lighting contest sponsored by the Brevard
Garden Club was held.  Prizes were
awarded by best outdoor lighting or window effect.  Residents in Brevard and throughout the
county were encouraged to participate. 
The Brevard Garden Club also had Christmas trees and greens, holly,
wreathes and other decorations for sale.

Photographs
and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina
Room, Transylvania County Library. Visit the NC Room during regular library
hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional
photographs. For more information, comments, or suggestions contact Marcy at [email protected]
or 828-884-1820.