Christmas in Branford in the 1890's

The following is adapted from Ted Braun's book "The Barkers of Branford: Life in America Through a Local Lens". For details see www.BarkersOfBranford.com

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Among his diary entries a few days before Christmas "At half past 11 went over to New Haven on the train with Dell & Venia to get some things for Chrismas. We came home on the 3 o'clock train. I got a present for Dell, carpet sweeper & book"

Not to be outdone by her husband, in the "snow & wind" Dell "went to New Haven with Geo. Beach in a carriage. Dell couldn't get the stage man to bring her from the station so she walked through the snow and brought the Christmas things"

Later, hopefully thawing out around the fireplace hearth, Llewellyn reports that."Dell is making dolls cloths for the children" and she "finished the dress for Venia". Llewellyn also prepared for the holidays: "I killed 4 cocks".

On the day before christmas,"Venia, Olive, Martha (three daughters) & I went on Pisga hills (local area) to cut a Christmas tree. We got a pine one and it looks fine with the children's things on it. The children are popping and stringing corn. We fired the tree." That evening, "Venia Dell & I went to the Christmas Eve service at the Congl Church. The music was very good"

On Christmas Day, "The children got up before light to see the Christmas tree". Even on Christmas Day, there were chores, "I split wood & cut". "Calling" on neighbors was traditional. "Dell & I road our wheels (bicycles) a little way... too cold. Miss Edna Hoadley made a call. We went to Mr Hegelheimer, Mr Nagles, & Tom Wards to see their trees". Later, Llewellyn "went down to the mill to see Adams about taking the children and us to the Christmass annual. We all went in a sleigh."

He reported the modest gift exchanges. "The children had a few things within stockings which they enjoyed very much. Dell got a gold pin & holder & a clothes wringer . I got a pair of gloves, match box, etc"

After Chrismas, what to be done with the unwanted gifts? The answer was the same as today. "I went over to New Haven. Got me a diary & exchanged Dells gold pin for another".

Christmas in the 1890's seems less complicated than now. The "season" lasted a week. The tree was cut out from just beyond the back door the night before Christmas and decorated with items made by the children. The gifts were simple, practical and often handmade.

However, like today, Christmas was also an opportunity to pause, be thankful, and celebrate with family and friends.

Merry Christmas and Holiday Best Wishes To You And Yours!
Ted Braun

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Ted Braun's book "The Barkers of Branford: Life in America Through a Local Lens" is available for $30 at the Blackstone Library in Branford. Details at www.BarkersOfBranford.com