Harry Truman actually said...
The several executive departments, independent establishments, and other governmental agencies in the District of Columbia, including the General Accounting Office, the Government Printing Office and the Navy Yard and Naval Stations, shall be closed one-half day on Wednesday, December 24, 1947, the day preceding Christmas Day;
Context
Executive Order 9907—Excusing Federal Employees Rom Duty One-Half Day on December 24, 1947
12/01/1947