Christmas in Madison County
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS - 1858
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, December 30, 1858
Saturday was a beautiful - a model Christmas day, with a crisp,
cold, bracing air, partially frozen ground and bright sun. The shops
and stores were generally closed, except the saloons, cigar stands,
and toy shops, and the streets were filled all day long with crowds,
in the enjoyment of the grateful holiday. The pyrotechnic
celebration of the day was wanting in the deafening detonations,
explosions and big noises that generally characterize the occasion.
Gun powder scarcely entered into young Alton's plans of
jollification; and the streets were unexpectedly and delightfully
quiet. Within doors, around bright fires, was the chief field of
festivity, and we hope all our readers enjoyed themselves to their
hearts' content.
We have not heard that public religious services were held anywhere
in town, except in the Catholic Cathedral, where - as is always the
case in churches of that denomination, upon Christmas Day - the
services were of the most impressive and imposing character. We have
heard of no accident having occurred to mar the enjoyment of the
occasion, and no exciting incident occurred during the entire day -
except the burning of a small switch house on the Terre Haute, Alton
& St. Louis Railroad, towards Hunterstown, which did no material
damage, and gave our gallant firemen a good excuse for a jolly run.
THE CHRISTMAS FAIRY - 1864
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 01, 1864
Your local Fairy had an opportunity of being present at the
unmasking of a Christmas tree, planted in the hospitable mansion of
Amasa Stetson Barry, Esq., prepared by the members of the Unitarian
Church for the little folks, and the bestowal of gifts of friendship
and affection for all present.
Being
spiritually inclined, I made my way through the keyhole, and was
soon safely ensconced in the topmost boughs of the tree, with my
face peeping through the wreath that surmounted the beautiful
evergreen – impatiently waiting (like all childish spirits) for the
play to begin. I learned from conversation below me, that they were
waiting the arrival of dilatory, if not Duettants bachelors, who
proverbially never make good time. But the world does move, and it
was at last announced that “all was ready.” The doors were thrown
open, and the long expected Christmas tree blazed forth, and blinded
by its hundreds of lights, the eyes of the impatient little ones –
anxious to catch the full expression of delight, on the countenances
below, and stretching a little farther than was prudent from my
topmost bough, I came near being blown from my elevated perch by the
loud exclamations of wonder and delight that followed from old and
young at the exhibition of a tree so richly and heavily laden with
“fruit” for all. After the amazement had subsided, picking the gifts
and calling out the names (which somewhat mysteriously had grown on
each) commenced. Being a youthful spirit, and an impudent, I climbed
a little higher, into the crowning wreath, to see fair play, and
that the right present went straight to the right person – when lo!
My flaxes wig, which I always wear, as you wear your overcoat to
keep off the cold, took fire, and there was nothing left for me but
to slide out of it to the body of the tree, until the conflagration
was over and quietly restored – fortunately the little folks were so
much alarmed lest their gifts would all “end in smoke,” I remained
undiscovered.
Again, an attack was made on the tree by the distributors, and here
the laugh and shout came in, as some bachelor received a miniature
baby, or a mitten, or something to remind him of his miserable,
solitary, selfish life. There were gifts for all – many received
more than one, some half a dozen. The gentleman in black, who from
his benign and interested expression, might have been the father of
them all, was quite partially dealt with, to judge from the number
of presents he had to stow in his pockets and bestow around his
neck.
There were gifts which your sprite could not make, but has eyes,
being already somewhat confiscated by the myriad lights around him,
were now completely dazzled by a display of articles of antique
shape, made of a white metal, which our Forefathers are said to have
made into cartwheel shapes and circulated as money. But all of which
must have been moulded into such forms as ice pitchers, tea sets,
&c., as mortal eye rests not on such circulars in these days – at
least so say those who are of the earth – earthy!
There were books for the studious; bookmarks for those who cannot
remember the page; watch holders for those who depend on their
levers to pry them out of bed in time for breakfast; slippers for
the lovely Cinderellas; pincushions for the industrious; baskets
dainty enough for Ariels’ marketing; hoods for the good, whom all
kind hearts yearn to make comfortable; collars for the Choterless;
napkin rings for those whose napkins are found on the floor after
dinner; perfumes gathered from Eastern flowers, “sweet to the
Sweet;” candy bags in such profusion as to induce the belief every
“tooth” present was a “sweet” one; and a thousand other gifts, which
I lost sight of in admiration of the beaming countenance and
gratified smile of the kind hostess, whose heart is large enough to
make a dozen ordinary ones!
Young and old were now invited to partake of creature comforts,
presented to great variety and profusion of cake and fruit, which
melted away like snow drifts in a thaw.
At this time my perch was shaken as if with a blast of winds, or as
if moving through the air, and I soon found myself and the tree
disposed of in a corner to make room for the merry dancers. Then a
strain of music “which had a dying fall,” and incontinently they
fell to and whirled about, until I became so giddy, I found it
necessary to descend from my position and threading the mazes of the
dance unseen, escape through the same keyhole, by which I had
entered, having taken notes for you of the merriest entertainment I
ever had the good fortune to overlook. And in closing, let me say to
you, if not sub rose, then enter arbor vitae, that I saw heads,
white as if they had not been brushed since the last snowstorm,
dancing around with childhood, as if they had forgotten to mark
their scores, and were trying to renew a youth long passed!
May old and young live to enjoy a Merry Christmas in 1864!
Signed “Ariel”
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 03, 1868
Santa Claus – the good old soul! – in his annual round, called at
our town. In each of our three churches, he planted a Christmas
tree, upon who’s branches hung most marvelous fruits – all designed
for the gratification of the numerous men, women, and children, who
had gathered around the wonderful tree. The old gentleman first
began his gratuitous distribution of gifts at the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
From a large and beautiful tree, he picked present after present –
some of
which were very costly – which he, with his usual
liberality, gave to saints and sinners alike. In witnessing the
distribution of presents, and in listening to the beautiful singing
and the fine pieces so nicely spoken by the young Masters and
Misses, the afternoon passed very quickly and pleasantly, so that
before we were aware of it, Santa Claus had given his last present
to the Methodist people, closed up his sack, and started post haste
(he has to go in a hurry in order to visit all his friends in the
world before the next morning) for the Presbyterian Church. Here,
the old gentleman entertained and was entertained. Beautiful and
impressive tableaux gave as especial inducement to the old gentleman
“to shop awhile.” The tableaux representing, “Angels watching beside
a deathbed,” “The anxious mother,” “Vanity,” and “Despair,” were
especially deserving of commendation. The beautiful tree was very
attractive, but the principal attraction was the magnificent supper,
which had been prepared for the occasion with the greatest skill
known to the culinary art. Among the many presents given, was a fine
silver cake basket – the gift of the Sunday School to its worthy
Superintendent, Mr. T. R. Murphy.
As there was to be a wedding at the Baptist Church in connection
with “the other festivities,” the old gentleman had to tear himself
away from the nice supper and company at the Presbyterian Church,
and rush pell-mell over to see his good friends, the Baptists. As he
entered, his ears were greeted with that glorious old song, “Glory
Be to God in the Highest,” sung by Prof., Mrs., and Miss Haight, and
Miss Joslin. As the last sweet notes were dying away, the doors were
opened, and up the aisle came the bridal party.
Dr. Bulkley and lady, and Mr. Titterington and Miss Leverett,
preceded Mr. Isaac Newel and Miss Grace Bartlett, the bridegroom and
bride, following them were Mr. Bartlett and Miss Bulkley. Upon
reaching the terminus of the aisle, the pair who were about to be
united in the Holy bonds of matrimony faced the audience. Dr.
Bulkley then delivered a short, but very appropriate address, after
which he duly tied the matrimonial knot. Prayer was then offered by
Dr. Read. Upon its close, the singers struck up, “Hail Oh! Hail the
Happy Bridal Pair.” Following the song, was the presentation by Dr.
Bulkley of a large, elegant Bible to the bridal pair. We wish them a
joyous life here, and a glorious one hereafter. As the bridal pair
took their seats, Miss Susie B. Rodgers ascended the stage, and
seating herself before the piano, performed thereon an exquisite
instrumental piece. After which the eyes of the audience were
completely dazzled by the array of beauty which entered, in the
persons of Misses Laura and Martha Batchelder, Dora Bostwick, Sarah
Stell, Gertrude Smith, Mary Willis, Mollie Summers, and the Mrs.
Barber and Hews, all of whom were attired in unique and beautiful
costumes. Three of the young ladies represented Spring, and ascended
the platform and crowned Miss Susie B. Rodgers as queen. She
received her crown in a very fitting manner. Three of the ladies
representing Summer then ascended the stage, and laid their gifts in
the lap of their queen. Then followed the three other ladies
representing Winter, who paid their tribute to queen Sue. Just then,
Santa Claus, Mr. S. V. Proudfit, on this occasion, made his
appearance, accompanied by a jingling and a tinkling and a ringing
of bells. Then the beautiful representations of the seasons began
flitting about through the audience, distributing the presents
handed to Santa Claus …. [unreadable]…and by him given to the
seasons who gave to all some token from the old gentleman. If it was
nothing more than a card upon which were a couple of raisins having
cloves stuck into them in such a way as to make them look like
turtles; intended, perhaps as a hint to the recipient. The
Superintendent of the Sunday School, Prof. E. Marsh, Jr., received
something more substantial in the shape of a silver pitcher, a very
appropriate gift to the right man.
Our Christmas festivities went off as merry as merry could be, and
we hope next year to be favored with another call from the old
gentleman. Upper Alton sends a “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New
Year’s” greeting to all the readers of the Telegraph.
CHRISTMAS IN EDWARDSVILLE – 1875
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 30, 1875
The pupils of our public school, under the management of Professor
Keabler and his able and popular corps of associate teachers,
entertained a l
arge and admiring audience in Kinder’s Hall last
Wednesday evening. After the theatrical part of the exhibition was
over, it was announced that Santa Claus had been around, and that as
a result, a large number of presents were in waiting, that every
pupil of our public school would receive a present, and those of
them who had not been absent from school nor tardy with their
lessons during the term would receive an extra present as a slight
token of the high regard and esteem felt for them by their teachers.
The curtain then being raised, a large and beautiful Christmas tree,
heavily laden with all manner of rare and elegant presents, was
brought to view, each article was already labeled with the name of
the intended recipient, and as the presents were removed from the
tree, the names of the pupils were called, and each one went forward
and received his or her present. The distribution required
considerable time, during which joy and mirthfulness seemed to be
depicted on every countenance.
Everything was quiet in town on Christmas Day, that if Rip Van
Winkle or some other luckless wight had visited us, he would have
been impressed with an idea that it was Sunday. It is true that
dealers in toys seemed to manifest a desire to turn an honest penny,
but judging from appearances, we are of the opinion that
considerable stock will have to be sacrificed or what is about the
same carried over until another season. However, St. Nicholas is
expected soon, and he may have enough silly patrons to carry off a
large proportion of the worthless trash known as Christmas goods.
CHRISTMAS ACCIDENT AT MONTICELLO SEMINARY
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 30, 1875
While Miss Haskell, Principal of the Monticello Seminary, was
personating the character of Mr. Santa Claus on Friday evening last,
her costume came in too close proximity to a burning taper on the
Christmas tree, which immediately took fire, and but for the
presence of mind of Miss Haskell and the timely assistance of some
of her attendants, serious injury might have resulted. A slight
scorching on the hands and face is the extent of her injuries, all
will be glad to learn. To the credit of the personation, it is
elated that it was so near perfect that many thought the last scene
a part of the play.
BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS SCENE AT DR. ROHLAND HOME
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 6, 1887
One of the most unique of Christmas trees was the one at the
residence of Dr. Charles B. Rohland [dental surgeon] on Prospect
Street [Alton], and merits something more than passing mention. The
scene occupied one entire end of the parlors, and represented a
typical Pennsylvania farmhouse and barn, with their appropriate
grounds and outbuildings. All those buildings were made by Dr.
Rohland’s father, who is now over seventy years of age, for his
granddaughter, the little Miss Constance Rohland, and were executed
with a skill and fidelity to details most remarkable. The barn is
very
picturesque, and the practical doors and windows were used to
effect in laying out the scene. The house, with its lawn, occupied
one end of the platform. Its lilliputian occupants looked out the
windows, sat on the porch, and strolled about the lawn. A flock of
geese might be seen flying across the lawn, pursued in hot haste by
the house dog, while old mother Tabbyskins, who happened to be in
the way, showed her fright with arched back and bristling tail. In
the lane, leading to the “hired man’s” house, were a flock of sheep.
The barnyard was filled with cattle; the pigpen with pigs; the
chickens had forsaken their house and were to be found on fences, on
straw stacks, on the trough at the pump, and everywhere; while from
the half-open doors of the barn, other cattle might be seen looking
out on the scene. The chain pump that rattled so naturally; the corn
crib; the hayrack left nothing wanting to make the farm complete. As
a background to all this was a scene painted by Neff, which
harmonized admirably with the foreground, the whole being arched and
festooned with evergreens. When lit up with the candles and Chinese
lanterns, with which it was ornamented, and the full moon glowing in
the background, it is safe to say no prettier Christmas scene could
be found anywhere than that which greeted the astonished vision of
little Constance on Christmas morn.
It must be a great gratification to her grandparents to know how
much their handiwork was appreciated and admired by the hundreds who
were privileged to see it, and how much it was set off by the taste
and skill in arranging it. There may have been some inconsistency in
good cattle and chickens not being in bed when the moon rose, but it
was the night before Christmas, when as the legend has it, the
cattle all stay awake; and then too, perhaps, Santa Claus, as he
came “made such a clatter that they sprang from their beds to see
what was the matter.” At any rate, the inconsistency was easily
excused by the beauty of effect.
CHRISTMAS IN FOSTERBURG - 1896
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 31, 1896
The dance given by the Fosterburg Social Club on Christmas Eve was a
most enjoyable affair, it being the first of the season. There was
quite a large attendance, there being about forty couples present.
The music was furnished by Bunker Hill talent; and at twelve
o'clock, Mrs. Pfaff furnished a splendid supper for the
merry-makers. It was the small wee hours of morning when the last of
them left the hall. We understand the club will give a ball every
two weeks at Pfister’s Hall.
The three Sunday schools had Christmas trees last Christmas eve, and
it is useless to say the hearts of the little ones were made glad.
A REAL CHRISTMAS FOR A WANDERER
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 27, 1921
Thomas Miller of State Street entertained a homeless man at
Christmas dinner, and demonstrated the truth of the greater
blessedness of giving, than in receiving. The family were eating
dinner when a poorly clad man applied for something to eat. His
clothes were far too scanty to protect him from the wintry weather,
and he was evidently in a bad way. He was invited into the house,
was fed as much as three men ordinarily would eat, and afterward was
provided with an old overcoat of Mr. Miller and some other garments
and was sent away. Neighbors say that when the man who had slouched
into the Miller house walked away after dinner, he was moving head
erect, shoulders back, with military step, satisfied that Christmas
was real in some human hearts.
