A lot going on today! After my weekly Saturday routine and breakfast, I pinned (literally) myself into 4 layers of 18th century clothing. It paid off, because other than my hands, I stayed warm enough to be outside in small increments. My task was to take the small group for each designated tour from the education center to the 1700s presentation (thus the 18th century clothing). I spent a few minutes taking about Hanna’s Town and what they would see on the tour. There were 3 tours scheduled for today.
Joanna and Belsnickel explained the traditions and celebrations that would have been observed during the late 1700s, including food and music. And if you don’t know, Belsnickel is a crotchety, fur-clad Christmas gift-bringer figure in the folklore of southwestern Germany and in Pennsylvania Dutch communities.
Once that was done, Belsnickel led the group across Forbes Road to the new LeFevre house displaying the 19th century (1800s). Lisa and Claudia shared information about their celebrations and traditions. At the conclusion, Santa led the group back over to the Steele house for the next two centuries.
Kathy and Lilian each took half of the century (1900s) and explained celebrations. Lilian explained that the ornaments on the little tree were her family’s personal ornaments (brought over from Germany and France) – which she lovingly and carefully preserved from Christmas to Christmas in secure wrappings. I was particularly taken by the little wooden farm set, and by the tiny bisque doll in the buggy.
It was only a walk across the hall to the 21st century, which was of course more familiar to most of us. I not only had some of those decorations, but still have a few that I put out every year.
The gift shop was filled with beautiful crafts and items celebrating the season, and it was a good thing I left my purse in the car. Several of the little decorations on the shop tree were calling my name. Thankfully I could resist them.
After the tour and shopping, there was a ‘Christmas Past’ self walking tour on the paths among the buildings. Each sign gave details about a tradition related to our holiday celebrations. It was fun to walk around and find out when and who sent the first Christmas cards (can you believe Hallmark was eventually involved in the U.S.???), which President had the first Christmas tree, and how the term HOLIDAY came into being. So much fun information! Did you know that Christmas was the second most important and celebrated holiday? EASTER was first, Thanksgiving 3rd, and Halloween and July 4th tied for 4th. Just some facts…
It was a beautiful, sunny (if not chilly) day, and all of our groups thoroughly enjoyed the tours. Several stopped to chat with me afterwards and asked interesting questions. I was glad to interact. A few specifically mentioned the Civil War and I – of course – plugged my book and handed out business cards! An added bonus! Glad to have had the opportunity to be part of the program.
Memory book – December 4th: Were you ever in a life-threatening situation? “When your father & I went for a buggy ride & the horse, Dusty, got spooked. He upset the buggy with me under it. If Dusty would have run off he would have dragged me along with the upset buggy. I was very sore and lots of scratches but no bones broken.” (And you wonder why I preferred my Chevy to the horses!!!)
Not much of interest happened on this day – Dennis Wilson (Beach Boys) was born in 1944. Here is a quote from the history page: He drowned while swimming in Marina Del Rey, California; he should have stayed on the beach. (Poor Dennis….)
TOMORROW December 5 is:
I DID have a cookie today – they provided lunch for us at Hanna’s Town, which included cookies. I also stopped at the open house at L&L Fleatique, and am going to a Candlelight Christmas tour at a local museum later. I will report on that tomorrow. Have a happy Sunday! God bless…
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