1890- Thomas Edison published a small, 28 page promotional brochure/catalog that included within its pages what might well be the first commercial mention of the use of electrically lighting a Christmas tree. On page 14, the brochure reads:

"There are few forms of decoration more beautiful and pleasing than miniature incandescent lamps placed among flowers, or interwoven in garlands or festoons; for decorating Christmas trees or conservatories..."

This may be the oldest catalog in American History. Rock on Edison.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/brochure | 02/06/07