The arrival of the White House Christmas Tree has always been considered the official start of the holiday season in the Nation’s Capital.

This year was not an exception.

For southern-born Ellen Axson Wilson, it was a time of joyful exuberance.

Washington was at its Winter’s glory.

Snow had fallen over the nation’s capital. It blanked the nation’s seat of power not only in a sea of white, but in a surreal landscape of calmness. The hustle and bustle came to a halt and the denizens were able to really take time to absorb the beauty of their surroundings. L'Enfant’s Greek Revival plan of an imposing capital, wide boulevards, majestic malls and public spaces took on an even more elegant appearance when covered in the snow. Throughout the City, the seasonal evergreen boughs, red plaid ribbons and pineapple inspired door wreaths seemed to become more pronounced against the wintery background.

There were three letters that day.

Two arrived at the same time. One came a little later. It was sent by special courier.

The first two were from the young men’s mothers. Franklin Wilder’s was sent from China Berry Farm in Savannah. It had been forward from his school address at Cornell. Sebastian De’Alba’s came from the Cuban Embassy in Washington.

There were a few remarkable times in Professor Johnathan Wilder’s life that he could feel his breath taken away when it came to his daughter, Addison.

Today, he was remembering the first.

“It must be that time!” Addy exclaimed as she walked into the kitchen of parent’s home.

It was a sight that Addy Wilder had experienced since she was a small girl. Actually, it was one of her earliest memories.

They were planted by the birds.

Along the banks of the creek that ran behind the Greene Farm on the outskirts of Savannah were stands of Melia Azedarach, or better known as Chinaberry trees. Their fragrant light purple flowers provided a delicate counterpoint to the Georgia Pine that dominated the area.

Everyone was there. Well, almost.

Savannah was a city particularly affected by the War. Troops were based out of Fort Stewart with the Third ID and Hunter Army Airfield’s Mighty 8th Division. The Southeastern Shipyards were in full production building over 88 Liberty Ships. An endless cavalcade of troop trains departed and arrived at the Savannah Railroad Terminal.

It was a quiet and lazy Sunday summer afternoon in New York.

At least that is what Franklin Wilder and Sebastian De ’Alba thought as they sat in the courtyard of their Gramercy Park home. They were wearing off white linen suits but had shed their vests and ties once they were home from mass at St. Patrick’s. Their clothes were wrinkled. But, then again, that is what linen does as soon as it dons the body.

As with everything, Addy Wilder was in command of the day.

The morning began early for Addison and her family. All were with her in Staunton for her graduation from Mary Baldwin College. She represented the fourth generation of young women to walk across the school’s commencement stage.

The field hospital in which “Doc” Wilder was assigned was on the move.

After the sustained and deadly battle of Hurtgen Forest, at the German front, the medical unit had to be relocated. Casualties were severe. By the end of this four-month engagement, over 33,000 American troops died. It was considered one of the bloodiest events in the European theater during WWII.

Since Franklin Wilder was a boy, he loved making boats.

He and his family lived on the outskirts of Savannah. The 900-acre farm was a kingdom to him. It contained vast areas of fragrant pine trees that were harvested for timber. There was a lumber yard and verdant horse paddocks. But the most beguiling aspect of the farm was the fast-running stream that ran across a large portion of the property. Franklin spent many of his early years at the stream and exploring the surrounding woods.

The little Arts and Crafts cottage on the 200 block of Maupas Avenue in Savannah had been owned by the Wilder Family for generations. It was a home of beginnings and of transition.

“Why sir most ladies consider it rude if you stare. But, I take it as a complimentary”. She said it with a charming southern yet aristocratic drawl. “Now don’t you dare apologize,” she laughed.

Franklin Wilder was caught dead to rights.

Nothing was wasted.

Scraps of food were placed into compost bins. Foil was used, washed and reused. Butter wrappers were saved to coat baking pans. Frugality was not just a fad but a way of life. Neighbors shared. The war and the Depression before had left many destitute. It was not uncommon for a housewife to hear a knock at her back door and encounter someone in need of food.

Not many times does a dress have such resonation with a young woman, that she can see herself getting a lifetime of wear from it. However, this is exactly what happened to Addison Wilder.

Franklin Wilder had remained in New York for his Spring Break from Cornell, but he was missing his family. It would the first time he had not attended the Independent Presbyterian Church for Easter service since he was born. And truth be known, he was missing his mother’s cooking. Easter was always a day when all the family gathered and Mrs. Wilder would make the holiday dinner table groan.

Addy had a passion. Actually, she had several. One of them was hats.

Since she could remember, Easter was the time that a new spring hat would come her way. They always made her feel “so grown up.” It started when she was christened.

Addy had a passion. Actually, she had several. One of them was hats.

Since she could remember, Easter was the time that a new spring hat would come her way. They always made her feel “so grown up.” It started when she was christened.

“Momma, why do those boys have lipstick on their cheeks?”

St. Patrick’s Day for the Wilder family was a day of celebration with friends and family. However, they did have an advantage when it came to watching the parade. Addy’s Godfather, Adam Benson owned a spectacular home on the southwest corner of Abercorn and Gwinnett.

“Next in our catalogue is Item #437.

Faberge Walking Stick, 1896. Once owned by the Duke of Windsor. Ebony, 14K gold, diamonds, rubies, Prussian Blue enamelware and rock crystal.

“We will start the bidding at $50,000.”