Joliet Day Trip for Christmas at the White House

Did you know the White House didn’t have a Christmas tree until 1889? Or that it takes up to 200 people to put up the decorations each year? Your Plus 60 Club has arranged a day trip on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 to the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate in Joliet, Illinois. Club members will enjoy a turkey entrée festive holiday luncheon followed by a beautifully illustrated presentation given by historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., who will discuss the traditions that bring Christmas alive inside America’s most famous residential address!

Few American homes enjoy as lavish a holiday season as the White House. Learn the history of the gingerbread house tradition, the National Christmas Tree, and the thousands of ornaments created by artists around the country over the years.

We will travel non-stop from the Quad Cities on a chartered Tri-State Travel restroom-equipped deluxe motorcoach to Joliet with free parking and motorcoach boarding locations provided in Davenport (7:45 am) and Moline (8:15 am). An itinerary schedule will be sent to confirmed registrants attached to an email for registrants providing an email address, or sent alternatively by mail to the first person listed on the trip registration form if an email address was not submitted or legible.

Upon arriving in Joliet at about 11:00 am, we will be welcomed into the estate’s Gathering Hall for a plated lunch, featuring traditional seasoned turkey, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry walnut compote, steamed vegetable, fresh garden salad, warm rolls, whipped butter, water, coffee and tea. Of course, a festive lunch wouldn’t be complete without a wedge of apple pie ala mode for dessert! And perhaps you’ll be tempted to wander over to the cash bar to purchase spirits, wine or a soft drink while engaging in conversation and enjoying lunch.

Following lunch and the conclusion of Leslie Goddard’s program at about 2:00 pm, there will be time for Club members to walk across the courtyard to take a self-guided tour of the Jacob Henry Mansion, built in 1873 and known for its Victorian charm as a National Landmark. The first floor is handicap accessible, but the optional second floor areas require visitors to use stairs.

After touring the Mansion, we will board our motorcoach around 3:00 pm for the non-stop return to Moline (about 5:30 pm) and Davenport (about 6:00 pm).

The cost of the trip is $120 per person and includes all gratuities. To register, Click HERE to view, print and fill out the accompanying registration form, make your check payable to Quad-City Plus 60, and mail in an envelope addressed to Plus 60 Joliet Day Trip, PO Box 455, Bettendorf, IA 52722-0008.

Registrations must be postmarked by Monday, November 7, and are accepted up to a maximum of 48 passengers. Upon confirmation, registrations are non-refundable unless the Club can substitute from members on a “wait list” to accommodate a registrant’s cancellation request.

This is a members’ event! Not already a Club member, you or your spouse are age 55+, and you desire to attend? Print “Applied” on the Membership number line when completing your event registration form with your check payment to Quad-City Plus 60 for the day trip. Before mailing, also enclose an additional separate check payable to the Club for a 3-year membership in the amount of $10 for an individual or $15 for a household couple. You’ll receive a separate Welcome letter and your new membership card(s) within 4 – 6 weeks.

If you have questions, leave John a text or voice message at 309-738-6826 for a response.

This day trip is a Club-planned event for its members.