History That Doesn't Suck
171: Christmas Special VIII: Festivities in the Jazz Age
Dec 2, 2024
Explore the vibrant Christmas celebrations of the 1920s, from the lavish Hotel Commodore to impactful charity efforts like Herbert Hoover's Invisible Guest dinners. Discover how Calvin Coolidge inaugurated the National Christmas Tree lighting, marking a shift from candlelight to electric cheer. Relive the festive music of the Mount Holyoke Carol Choir and Knoxville's first Santa Claus parade, capturing the spirit of generosity during a time of great change. As America enjoyed prosperity, it also began to navigate a more economical festive season after the Crash.
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Quick takeaways
- Herbert Hoover's 1920 fundraising dinner highlighted the significant impact of philanthropy in America, raising nearly $3 million for starving European children.
- Calvin Coolidge's introduction of the National Christmas Tree lighting in 1923 marked a pivotal shift towards communal Christmas celebrations in America.
Deep dives
Herbert Hoover's Invisible Guest Dinner
In December 1920, a fundraising dinner aimed at helping starving children in Europe was hosted by Herbert Hoover, featuring an empty chair symbolizing the invisible guests—these needy kids. Nearly a thousand wealthy individuals attended the dinner at the Hotel Commodore, each contributing a considerable $1,000 to partake in a modest meal, echoing the frugal fare provided to the children abroad. Hoover passionately highlighted the food and prosperity disparity between America and Europe, prompting an unexpected surge of generosity from the attendees. Ultimately, the dinner and subsequent donations generated nearly $3 million for the European Relief Council, showcasing the impact of philanthropy in America during this time.
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