"We're going to the White House!" Diane Chapman exclaimed as ribbons were presented and pictures taken at NCTA's 20th biennial convention in Asheville, North Carolina last August.

Jim and Diane Chapman, who own and operate Silent Night Evergreens in Endeavor, Wisconsin, exhibited a Grand Champion Balsam Fir at the convention and won the honor of presenting a Christmas Tree to First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. This was the fifth time that a Wisconsin Christmas Tree was selected to stand in the Blue Room of The White House since the National Christmas Tree Association program began in 1966.

A DREAM COME TRUE

Taking a tree to the White House has been a long-standing dream of the Chapmans. They accompanied Diane's parents, Irv and Alyce Daggett to the White House in 1988 when the Daggett's presented a tree to Ronald and Nancy Reagan. So, as this young couple went into the Christmas Tree business for themselves, the standard of excellence was set high.

Jim Chapman planted his first trees in 1977. "I was naive," he recalls. "It looked like a great life... plant a few trees, work hard a couple of months, and go hunting the rest of the year. I was very naive."

While the Chapmans may have an enviable lifestyle, being full-time farmers, with a beautiful farm and five lovely children, they certainly don't take it easy. With 600,000 trees, and a wholesale business that spans 11 states, they employ 50-60 seasonal workers, most of whom return year after year.

THE PERFECT TREE

Asked for his definition of the perfect tree, Jim replies, "There's a tree out there for everyone. Some people want fat trees, others want tall and skinny trees, thick branches, long needles, short needles, you name it. There's a tree out there for everyone."

The trees grown at Silent Night Evergreens, though, come very close to Jim's idea of the perfect tree. And that opinion is apparently shared by many. Indeed, the Chapmans have 3 Wisconsin State Championships under their belt, in addition to the national championship.

The kids get to pick the tree at the Chapman house. Daughter Rachel picked out the tree last year. Jim tried to steer her toward one particular tree, but Rachel decided on a nice fat one. "Someday," Jim says wistfully, "I'm going to get to pick the tree." By the way, the Chapman house was designed with the tree in mind, with wide doorways to accommodate big trees.

A DAY AT THE WHITE HOUSE

The weather was perfect the first day of December when the Chapmans presented their tree to the first lady. Jim and Diane, accompanied by their children Daniel, David, Julia, Laura and Rachel, were graciously greeted by The White House Chief Usher Gary Walters, and treated to a tour of the grounds by The White House Grounds Superintendent Irvin Williams, both of whom had earlier visited the Chapman's farm to select the tree.

The Chapmans were introduced to Mrs. Clinton, and presented her with two balsam firs -- an 18 1/2 foot tree for the Blue Room of the White House, and a 12-foot tree for the Clinton family's private residence. They also had a chance to chat with Mrs. Clinton over tea and cookies (some shaped like Christmas Trees!).

The first lady said that 23 real Christmas Trees would decorate the interior of The White House in 1998, but would not reveal the decorating scheme.

President Bill Clinton also stopped in to thank the family for their gift. A private tour of the White House followed, which was rich in history, and even included a chance for everyone to pet the "first dog" Buddy. After few short hours, it was time to leave, but the memories for the Chapmans and their children will go on for a lifetime.