On this New Year’s Eve, we’ll take a look back at New Year’s activities circa 1880-1920. In 1879. the National Brass Band, of Willimantic, gave a grand concert and social on New Year's Eve. The music was furnished by the National Brass Band full orchestra, with Henry Wheeler as prompter. On that same night, innkeeper Samuel Hughes hosted a “grand ball” at Scotland’s “Central House” on the Green (this week’s photo). On New Year’s Day,1880, the Congregational Church members hosted a “fine turkey dinner” for over 100 poor children. After dinner, there was entertainment and each child was given,” a temperance tract, an orange and a bag of candy to take home”. On the same day, there was a New Year’s ball at the Hooker House. And, in Scotland, the  Rev. A.A. Hurd “quite unexpectedly gave the largest New Year’s reception in town, sixty-four of his friends presenting themselves in the evening, to his complete surprise.” Rev. and Mrs. Hurd were showered with gifts and wished that, “all ministers have as kind and thoughtful parishioners. The surprise visit of New Year’s night, when over sixty friends came to the parsonage, will be cherished forever as a pleasant memory.” At the Hebron parsonage, the annual social and Christmas tree took place on New Year’s evening, and “was much enjoyed by both old and young. The presents for the tree had been carefully selected by Mrs. Bryant, in New York, and each pupil in the Sunday school, and also the teachers, were remembered with a present. A very tempting supper was prepared by the ladies of the society. It was estimated that 75 persons were present. Before the party broke up, the Rector, Rev. H. Bryant was presented with a purse containing something of $30.” On New Year’s evening, 1881, there was a gathering at the Linen Company’s boarding house. “Every branch of two large trees was laden with New Year's gifts for the assembled company, and a candy pull had been arranged for their amusement.”. In 1884, the Baptist Church held a “Christmas Tree event”.  “There was a crowded house, and the program, which was quite varied, passed off unusually smooth. The venerable Santa Claus, who played his part in a very efficient and amusing manner. The distribution of presents was completed at a reasonable hour, and all went home satisfied with the fruits of Christmas borne to them on New Year’s.” Over in South Coventry, the Congregationalist Sunday School had an enjoyable time at their Superintendent's home on New Year’s evening. The Chronicle, in 1881, made mention that, “We have not heard that the custom of New Year's calls was observed to any extent in this place on New Year’s. Nothing particular marked the day as being a legal holiday, other than the closing of the banks--who wouldn't be a bank man!” On New Year’s Eve,1900, the Chronicle editorialized that,” The advent of a new century hasn’t seemed to affect Willimantic people with any particular seriousness, although there is every prospect that the city will witness the beginning of a new prosperity which will be both permanent and flattering”. New Year’s services were common at almost all local churches. The Methodist Church and the Lutheran Church each held both a “watch meeting” on the Eve and then a morning and evening service on the Day. The Catholic Churches held New Year’s Day High Masses. The Baptists held a “roll call service and the Congregational Church hosted special services consisting of a choir program and a sermon. According to newspaper headlines, 1913 was welcomed in with “laughter, dancing, prayer and reflection”. The Thread City Cyclers held both a reunion and a dance at the Town Hall. Another dance was to take place at Washburn Hall. As was the custom, the manufacturing establishments were closed and those merchants who did open, closed their shops by noon. The skating area at Recreation Park was also a gathering place for hundreds of skaters. An interesting note is that the years from 1914-1918 were quiet ones with few activities. An editorial said, ”Willimantic was exceptionally quiet.” On New Year’s Day,1919, however, things were not so quiet as the Elks Club began their New Year’s “Frolics” at the Center Street Armory. Over 100 people attended and the three floors of the Armory were decorated. There was dancing, a bowling tournament , toasts and a luncheon. By New Year’s Day, 1922, a Sunday, the Elks celebration was being held at the new State Armory and over 1,000 people attended. The twelve piece Peerless Orchestra gave a concert for an hour and then played dance music for the rest of the evening. There was also entertainment by the singers of the Rialto Harmony Four of New Haven and the Lyric Hawaiian Five. At 11 P.M., Grand Exalted Ruler James F. McGlone gave the customary “Elks Toast”. At midnight “there was a great deal of mirth with all kinds of noise-makers”. Refreshments were then served. Later, during an intermission of the entertainment program, dinner was also served.  For several Year’s, the Elks “Frolic” was the city’s premier event for ushering in the New Year.