Special to 1808Delaware
As part of the “Adopt-a-Memory” program of the Delaware County Historical Society, the “Adopt an Egg” is an opportunity for the public to “adopt” one of the colorful wooden or glass eggs from the Society’s collection of White House Easter Eggs. Twenty-five eggs have been hand selected for adoption from the Society’s rare collection of 107 colorful wooden eggs and 43 glass eggs which are dated from 1981 to 2014. This collection is believed to be the largest publicly displayed assemblage and was given to the Society anonymously in honor of President and Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes, who initiated the first event for children in 1878.
The eggs are available for only $20/year and come in a wide variety of colors. Most wooden eggs are signed by a President and First Lady or other famous person such as Rock Hudson or Dolly Parton. Alternatively, the Commemorative glass eggs recognize various Agencies or Service Units. They range from 2001 to 2014. They come in a variety of colors and date from 1996 to 2014. “Your” egg will remain at the Historical Society under the expert care of our curators, however, you are encouraged to come and see your adopted egg.
Adoptions are exclusive and available on a first-requested, first-adopted basis, and make a perfect Easter gift. Those adopting an egg will receive a fact sheet about their egg, an adoption certificate, a listing in our next Annual Report, and many other benefits.
The selection of eggs available for adoption can be found at https://delawareohiohistory.org/adopt-a-memory.
History of the Egg Roll – In the 1870s, Capitol Hill had become a popular spot for children to roll eggs – and themselves – down the hill on Easter Monday. As the event grew more popular, the toll on the grounds was noticeable. In 1876, Congress passed a law forbidding the Capitol grounds to be used as a children’s playground. In 1878, President Rutherford B. Hayes issued an order that if any children should come to the White House to roll their Easter eggs, they would be allowed to do so. The tradition has been carried on since.
For more information, email Director@DelawareOhioHistory.org or call 740-369-3831, extension 3.
The Delaware County Historical Society is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, preserve and sustain interest in the history of Delaware County. The Barn at Stratford is operated by DCHS as an event venue for weddings, corporate meetings and other special occasions. To learn more, visit the venue and society web sites at barnatstratford.org and delawareohiohistory.org.
