Late in life, Mary Donelson Wilcox recalled a magical childhood Christmas she spent at the White House with her elderly uncle, President Andrew Jackson. Her captivating memoirs paint a picture of a surprisingly global White House, with servants from around the world, and a surprisingly warm and playful President Jackson. Mary offers us a rare glimpse at Christmas in the early 19th century–when stockings, Santa Claus, and focusing the holiday on children were all delightfully novel ideas.
A digitized copy of Wilcox’s memoir is available free here. Text for this broadcast has been edited for content.
courtesy of the DAR
public domain
Oak Hill Cemetery, Washington DC
photo by David McInturff
Oak Hill Cemetery, Washington DC
photo by David McInturff
Mary’s mother, Andrew Jackson’s niece & acting First Lady
public domain
Mary’s father, Andrew Jackson’s ward & private secretary
Library of Congress
painted by Thomas Sully
public domain
Music featured in this episode included
“Christmas Homecoming”
Episode 50 Mary Donelson Wilcox
free download
“Christmas Village”
Episode 50 Mary Donelson Wilcox
free download
“Misha’s Merry Melody
Episode 50 Mary Donelson Wilcox
“Canon and Variation”
Episode 50 Mary Donelson Wilcox
free download
“We Wish You A Merry Christmas”
Episode 50 Mary Donelson Wilcox
free download
“Church Bell Celebration”
Episode 50 Mary Donelson Wilcox
free download
“Deck the Halls”
Episode 50 Mary Donelson Wilcox
free download
“Angels We Have Heard on High”
Episode 50 Mary Donelson Wilcox
free download
“Waltz in C”
Episode 50 Mary Donelson Wilcox
free download
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