Long-time Cold Spring resident and doll artist, Betsey Baker, was recently asked by White House Social Secretary Capricia Marshall to make a doll of a historical figure to be used as an ornament on the Blue Room Christmas tree. This is the official Christmas tree of the First Family.
Betsey chose to make Eleanor Roosevelt to represent the Hudson Valley area. A visit to the Roosevelt estate provided pictures of Mrs. Roosevelt, one showing her in between sessions at the U.N. while she was serving as the U.S. delegate. Betsey chose that picture to work from. The figure had to be of cloth, not to exceed 15 inches in height and to weigh less than 16 ounces. It took a month to complete the figure, down to her jewelry, leather bag, shoes and glasses. The doll was shipped and shortly afterwards, Betsey received an invitation to a special "White House Holiday Tour." Betsey and her husband Ray traveled to Washington to join with the other artists who participated in the creation of the holiday decorations. Each room of the White House was decorated with beautiful trees, wreaths and garlands trimmed with velvet ribbons and fruit. The Blue Room tree stood 20 feet tall and was covered with historical figures, tin and wood ornaments. Mrs. Roosevelt, in her blue jacket and dress, was placed near the bottom of the tree. It was an honor and a pleasure for the Bakers to be asked to participate in this year’s Holiday Treasures at the White House. All of the figures and ornaments become part of the White House archives.
