The original site of the Easter Monday Egg Roll was the grounds of the United States Capitol. By the mid-1870s, the egg rolling activities had gained notoriety as the children turned the Capitol grounds into their Easter Monday playground.
The egg roll activity of 1876 took such a toll on the grounds, Congress passed a law forbidding the Capitol grounds to be used as a children's playground. The law was to be enforced in 1877.
On Easter Saturday of 1878, a small announcement in the local press informed the egg rollers the new law would be enforced. President Rutherford B. Hayes, taking his daily walk, was approached by a number of young egg rollers who inquired about the possibilities of egg rolling on the South Lawn of the White House. President Hayes issued an official order that should any children arrive to egg roll on Easter Monday, they were to be allowed to do so. That Monday, as children were being turned away from the Capitol grounds, word quickly spread to go to the White House!
The Easter Egg Roll at the White House tradition continues today. Here are two Easter at the White House posters, in fine mint condition.We also have a fine inventory of historically important paper Americana and artifacts including documents of the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, slavery, early photography, World’s Fair Items, advertising, posters, and sports-related items.
Please feel free to contact George at 800-717-9529.
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