Christmas 1873

What do you think Christmas was like 150 years ago? Compare your vision to the account, excerpted below, from the Helena Weekly Herald.

Any surprises? I was struck by how communal Christmas was, with public balls and presents (even friend to friend) distributed from trees at various churches. I was also surprised that people were shopping on Christmas Day. Finally, I was surprised by the expectation of Christmas Eve mischief. (Things were much worse in 1868, when the newspaper reported excessive drunkenness, fights with "many torn garments, black eyes, bloody noses," broken windows, and people who threw lit firecrackers under dancers' feet at a local hurdy-gurdy house.)

"Christmas Times," Helena Weekly Herald, January 2, 1873

Christmas eve found the citizens of Helena with good sleighing and moderate weather to begin with, and from the continual jingling of sleigh-bells, we are of the opinion that every had his wife, and every bachelor his "girl' out riding. At the different churches assembled the teachers and children of several Sabbath Schools, and all were made happy by presents from off the respective "Christmas trees."

At the Bazaar hundreds flocked in and out during the evening, feasting the eye upon the many beautiful things wrought by the hands of Helena's fairest daughters for this special occasion....

No fights or unduly boisterous merriment were indulged in ... yet some mysterious changes of signs ... were made during the night, causing confusion ...

Long before noon [on Christmas morning] the streets were full of life. ... Past all pedestrians [shopping] go whizzing jolly parties in cutters, bob-sleds, and long sleds, the most of whom are recipients of numerous snow balls from the many mischievous urchins posted at convenient distances.

The Bazaar was not forgotten by any means; for at the dinner hour there appeared score upon score of men, women and children to partake of the good things there set forth.

Delicious egg-nog was set out at the principal hotels and saloons ... The Helena Brass Band was out in the forenoon, dispensing enlivening music on every corner. The new "Cornet Band" was also out...we must say that the noise was terrific--a cross between an earthquake and a Chinese New Year. ...

On repairing to the Broadway M.E. Church at an early hour in the evening, we found that edifice densely crowded with the Sunday School scholars, their parents and friends. The services were opened with singing and prayer, and then from the branches of two gigantic Christmas trees were dispensed innumerable gifts, to gladden and make light-hearted the one hundred or more children of the school. Many of the presents, gifts from friends to friends, were elegant. Later in the evening our reporter visited the Ladies Bazaar, at the Masonic Temple, and found the ball crowded. Business was lively... Many of the fancy articles were disposed of at private sale, and the balance were sold at auction. 

Looking Ahead to 2024

Teaching Montana History won't come out during the week between Christmas and New Year's, so I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone happy holidays. I hope your Christmas plans don't include throwing firecrackers at anyone's feet! But I do hope you'll sign up for Finding Primary Sources Online, our January 8 Monday Meetup. Join us online from 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. to earn one OPI Renewal unit. See you in 2024!