ROCKEFELLERTREETRAGEDY

Archivist's Note: -Although primarily written by Virginia herself, the final draft of "Virginia in Wonderland" does contain words and phrases provided by her legal guardian for clarification. -Construction of the Rockefeller Center began in early 1930, when pre-existing buildings in the area were demolished to provide space. The Center's original Christmas tree, raised by its own construction workers, was first seen by J.D. Rockefeller toward the end of this period of demolitions. Inspired, Rockefeller handpicked three trees for the next three Christmases (1931, 1932, 1933). The Special Tree would make its first appearance at the Center on the fourth year (1934).