In 1935 my wife's grandmother, Althea Swinford Hutton, published a book of poetry dedicated to her daughter, Virginia. Her husband, Hubert Hutton worked as an assistant to the honorable Fred M. Vinson who served in all three branches of the government, eventually becoming Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. One of the poems from Althea's book memorializes Virginia's participation in the Easter Egg Roll on the Whitehouse lawn. Virginia just turned 94 this year. She vaguely remembers participating in the event when she was about 5 years old, maybe 1928. She has given me permission to reprint the poem here in honor of this long-standing White House tradition. EASTER ON THE WHITE HOUSE LAWN by Althea Swinford Hutton When the President entertains us Upon the White House lawn, With his Easter party We're awake before the dawn, In joyful anticipation Of this gala, gay occasion. Our gay beribboned baskets Filled with eggs of brightest hue Vie for favor with our bonnets Now so saucy, crisp and new-- Which we don with proud assurance For this special day's occurrence. We pass through the gates historic Where kings have passed before, And our own beloved statesmen Pass today; and those of yore Whose noble spirits seem to linger Adding welcome to our Childhood ever eager. Bright balloons float about And the lawn is ours. Bands sweet music make While we spend the sunny hours, Rolling eggs in fashion gay to see On a land that's truly free. |
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