Christmases Past (2021)

“Christmas is near at hand, and everybody is busy preparing for the world wide holiday of the year. The Sunday school is especially busy preparing for a Christmas tree and its accompanying festivities. The (North Windham) school is being very generously aided by the villagers generally and no doubt Monday evening next will prove a pleasant and profitable one to all who may attend. The children give recitations, and the singing led by the superintendent W.C. Burdick is always fine and spirited. It is hoped that our resident jubilee singers may again favor us at that time, with some of their sweet melodies. All are welcome.” (From “The Chronicle”, 1882).

Last year, I wrote about Christmases from 1900-1940. This year we'll take a look at newspaper stories from 1870-1890. No matter what the year, however, for most people, the season and especially Christmas Day, heightens the emotions be they of joy or sadness. As for the latter, an especially poignant  "Chronicle" story was published in 1879. "Christmas brought the deepest sorrow instead of joy to the household of Mr. J.J. Kennedy, by the drowning of his oldest child Frank, a lad nine years old. Frankie was a very promising child, and it is the severest blow that could have fallen upon his parents. Many Christmas visitors had just arrived, and Frankie was entertaining them while his parents were at church, but upon their return he slipped out to play, and directed his steps towards the river, which was frozen over. The boy went out a short distance to try the ice and got on to a weak spot, which gave way and he went down. He clung to the ice and cried to a boy to go for help, but before it arrived he had gone under. There being no current, he sunk directly to the bottom, and was taken out as soon as possible by a man named Hall, and every effort was made to resuscitate the lad, but to no avail. He had been in the water about seven minutes, which was a sufficient time to chill him through. At the request of his teacher, he had written the following beautiful Christmas greeting to his parents :
'St. Joseph Parochial School. Willimantic, Dec. 23d, 1879.
My Dear Parents: It is with feelings of love and gratitude that I write this letter to wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. When I kneel before the Crib I will not forget to ask the Infant Jesus to grant you a long and happy life. He will not refuse us anything we ask of Him on the Feast of His Nativity. May the coming New Year be one of the happiest years of your life! May your peace and prosperity daily increase! Feast for many years; and may God pour His choicest blessings on you. Accept dear Parents these fond wishes from Your Loving Child Francis.'" 

On a happier note, many announcements proclaimed that churches, societies and individuals were going to, “have a Christmas tree”. If one was invited to a “have a Christmas tree”, it meant there would be a gift giving event as noted in this late 1800s announcement. “The Christmas tree at the church on Thursday evening, was a success. The tree was loaded with presents for young and old. Twenty-five dolls were on it for the little girls, and the boys had tops, balls, musical instruments, etc. “. It was also common for individuals and families to host a “Christmas tree. “ Mrs. L. Potter had a neighborhood Christmas tree which was much enjoyed by the little folks.” People in Scotland,CT hosted several. “There was a neighborhood Christmas tree at M. Luther Barstow's and several family trees about town.”  Besides the opportunity to attend Christmas worship services and programs at their churches on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, people in Windham and surrounding towns had a multitude of balls, dances, and festivals to choose from along with other activities.” A grand carnival and illumination is advertised at the skating rink for Christmas evening”. As always, the Post Office was busy. “Never in the history of this post-office was so much mail distributed here. Postmaster Walden informs us that twelve extra sacks were necessary to contain the Christmas matter.” So too were the merchants. “James Walden, the popular stationer, is making a fine display of attractive and valuable goods, and he is able to suit everybody, because his experience in getting up holiday shows has enabled him to select just such goods as will please. Visit his store and examine those Christmas cards, writing desks, backgammon boards, and the best selection of photograph albums in town, games of all descriptions for the children.” Finally, the real spirit of the holiday came through in hundreds of notices such as this: “Mr. Don F. Johnson's residence on Bellevue street was the scene of a very pleasant family gathering on Christmas day, at which nearly all the near relatives were present. Mr. Johnson's original wit shone out on that occasion with very pleasant effect, and the attentions of his good wife made the day one which will be memorable to that family”. Christmas Day then…as now…memorable. Today’s photo reflects a timeless greeting courtesy of the Willimantic Fire Department.

Click on photo for larger version