Growing up, Jo-Ann Glendinning wanted to be a police officer.
However, her plans changed and she ended up working as a Secret Service agent before later becoming the director of the Fruitland Park Library.
Now, years later, Glendinning keeps a collection of White House Christmas ornaments for memories of her days at the White House. She got her first ornament several years ago after her husband Jim Glendinning, who she met when they were both in training for the Secret Service, bought it for her in 1986.“While stationed at the White House, I learned of the White House Historical Association and about the Christmas ornaments they provide for sale as a fund-raising effort for the Historical Association,” Jo-Ann said. “I think Jim bought me the ornament because he knew how much I love the Christmas season and all that it stands for. The ornament was different and unique.”
Each year, she gets a new ornament, which becomes her favorite for the year.
“I love opening that new, shiny and perfect ornament each year,” she said.
While she may get a new favorite each year, she has one in particular that she likes a little more.
“I keep going back to my 1999 ornament, which honors President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, who served from 1861 to 1865,” she said. “The ornament features a depiction of his official White House portrait by George P.A. Healy. The portrait was commissioned by Congress in 1869
and still hangs today over the fireplace in the state dining room.”
In 2021, Glendinning brought her collection to the Fruitland Park Library.
At first, it was something just to put in the display case, she said.
“Who knew that the turnout of people to see these ornaments would have been so wonderful,” she said. “Visitors, young and old, who come to the library are amazed by the ornaments.”
She said each ornament is a like its own miniature history lesson.
“That’s why I created the brochure to go along with the display,” she explained. “The brochure tells you a little something historically about each ornament.”
She hopes guests are able to have the same sense of pride she feels when looking at the ornaments.
“I’m hoping people are learning a little history about our great nation while viewing these ornaments,” she said. “Sometimes, I just see visitors looking at the ornaments and some are smiling and some are more concentrated at what they are looking at. Maybe they are remembering an event during the year they are looking at, or maybe the president and the history of the nation during that time.”
While the ornaments may have been on display for a short time at the library, Jo-Ann said she packs them up to take back home to decorate her home with for the holidays.
“I love the Christmas season and it shows with my holiday Christmas trees and decorations,” she said.
“One of the trees is my White House Christmas Tree with all of the White House ornaments. There are other ornaments that can be purchased from the Historical Society, which show the different rooms of the White House and other special ornaments showing different historical events.”
The ornaments will return to the Fruitland Park Library in July 2025 to be on display for the library’s “Christmas in July.”
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
