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Remembering the Denby Christmas Tree: A Look Back at a Formal Christmas Celebrated by Secretary of the Navy Edwin Denby and His Son

Take a look back at a formal Christmas celebrated by Secretary of the Navy Edwin Denby and his son. See the photo of the Denby Christmas tree and learn the tragic story of Edwin Denby, Jr.
The Dunbar Hotel, located on 15th street between U and V streets NW. Designed by Clement A. Didden, Jr. the hotel had 485 bedrooms. Demolished in 1974. Automobiles are shown on the street, pedestrians on the sidewalk, and a gas station with a "Texaco / Amoc / Sinclair" sign. "Ansco Safety Film" edge imprint. Negative uncaptioned.
young women exercising with dumbbells at Western High School
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The family below is celebrating, what appears to be, a very formal Christmas. Look how stiff the father is … he happens to be Edwin Denby, Secretary of the Navy. The 10-year-old boy in this photo — super excited to get the rifle — is Edwin Denby, Jr. On February 11th, 1942, he was killed when his submarine, the USS Shark, was hit by a depth charge and sunk.

Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "Denby Christmas tree." Junior remembers this as the best Christmas ever! His gun-giving dad is Secretary of the Navy Edwin Denby. National Photo Company glass negative.
Washington, D.C., circa 1922. “Denby Christmas tree.” Junior remembers this as the best Christmas ever! His gun-giving dad is Secretary of the Navy Edwin Denby. National Photo Company glass negative.
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