Avner Eisenberg Performs at Diplomatic Children's Party, 1985

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 9, 1985, vaudevillian clown Avner Eisenberg, also known as "Avner the Eccentric," performs during a Christmas party in the East Room hosted by First Lady Nancy Reagan for the children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C Here, Mrs. Reagan watches from the audience next to child actor Emmanuel Lewis, and a costumed Santa Claus, portrayed by NBC "Today" show weatherman Willard Scott. Also seated among the children in the audience is White House social secretary Linda Faulkner.