Arlene Johns
CNHI News Service
Johnstown, Pa.
December 08, 2008 02:35 pm
—
George Griffith has seen presidents come and go. Regardless of whether he agrees with their politics, the Johnstown, Pa., florist decorates their home every time he is asked.
Griffith recently spent eight days with other florists readying the White House for the holidays. It's a task he has undertaken for more than 30 years.
“The florists come from all over the country, and (we) work very hard,” he said. “The pressure is always there.”
They labor 12 and 14 hours a day and are not paid for their services.
“It gives you tingles,” Griffith said of working in the executive mansion. He has served 10 presidents, beginning with Dwight D. Eisenhower.
"It is always humbling to go into that house," he said.
This year’s theme was “A Red, White and Blue Christmas." Two 13-foot statues of Uncle Sam greet guests, in a display with eight poinsettia arrangements in red drums.
The official White House Christmas tree – an 18 1/2-foot Fraser fir – is in the Blue Room, adorned with 369 hand-decorated ornaments. Artists from around the country designed the decorations.
Griffith said he and the other decorators often found themselves working in historic settings. “Here you are,” he said, “and Lincoln is looking down at you (from his portrait.)”
When the work is done, the decorators are invited to a reception with President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.
"It was pretty special," said Griffith, who found the president different from the man he sees on television. “He had such warmth and charisma and that does not seem to come across to the public.”
But Griffith says he does not labor for the personality in the Oval Office.
“It is not so much for the person, but for the office,” he said.
Arlene Johns writes for The Tribune-Democrat in Johnstown, Pa. She can be reached at ajohns@tribdem.com
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