The First Christmas Celebration on the Square

The Christmas season on the Square has been special for a long time, but is there a beginning; a seminal moment we can point to and ask, "THIS is when it began?"  Yes.  December 23, 1914.

At an early December meeting of the Commercial Club, the subject of erecting a municipal Christmas tree in the center of the square was discussed. Municipal Christmas trees were gaining in popularity, but only in the largest cities. Washington was fresh off the elimination of alcohol a few years prior, which had completely changed the town's attitude. With the city's subsequent push for growth, expansion, and credibility, the club saw this as an opportunity to "keep up with the Joneses."

A committee was formed from the Commercial Club, and meetings with the Ministerial Association followed to plan the big event.

Executive Committee: John Wrenn, Benjamin Streid, Calvin Brady

Committee for securing the tree: John Wrenn, Dan Minch, Emmanuel Garber

Committee for lighting the tree: George Stimson, Harley Kingsbury

Elizabeth Reyburn was in charge of the Christmas carols that the children sang.

After scouring the area for the perfect tree, a 30-foot evergreen was selected from the Danforth property southwest of the city.  It was reported that several wagons and teams were required to move the tree to the square on Saturday, December 19.

The tree was erected on the west side of the center of the square, decorated with tinsel and ornaments from top to bottom. 500 colored electrical lights adorned it. In addition, a star with sixty lights topped the large tree. It was tested on December 22 and described as "scrumptious and grand."

On Wednesday, December 23, the children met at Elizabeth Reyburn's home and marched to the square for the program. The children circled the tree and sang Christmas carols to the enjoyment of the large crowd.

After the children sang, the Myers' Band performed multiple songs, followed by scripture readings by Reverend Miller and a short sermon from Reverend Trower.

The tree stayed illuminated each night from the 23rd through the end of the year.

Christmas celebrations have continued on the square since its inaugural event in 1914. The decorations have evolved, but the community sing remains a consistent feature.