Virginia Village Is Believed World's Holly Wreath                                                                             Capital 

PROVIDENCE FORGE, Oct 22- You'd think that the Christmas holly wreath business would be a seasonal fair, but a look at the lone little factory in this New Kent County hamlet will show it's not. The biggest production comes in the months after New Year's, and it's all due to a preserving formula concocted by a local man.

Providence Forge is a crossroads village, population under 200 on Route 60 and the C&O, but it may well be the holly wreath capital of the world. Its one industry, housed in a two-story 100-foot square cinderblock building alongside the railroad tracks, annually produces 100,000 holly wreaths, from pie-plate size to some almost too big to get in the door. And  even though only 50 people are ever employed in the plant at one time, the cash benefits of this agricultural are go a great deal further.

About 150 residents of New Kent and Charles City Counties gather native holly near their homes eight months out of the year. Then, between farm, fishing or trapping chores, they make neat wreaths which are preserved and painted by several processes in the plant of 

Providence Forge's hotel, orchard, coal pile and wreath factory owner, Charles Evans Hughes.

` Name is Accident

Mr. Hughes, who says his name "just happened," and has no connection with his famous namesake*, is more generally know as the  proprietor of the only rural general store which carries English Spode china, along with fly-paper and horse collars. The fact has frequently impressed passengers on the Richmond-to-Williamsburg buses, which stop at the store, more than anything else on the trip.

"This preserving formula is my own," explained tall-gray-haired and balding Mr. Hughes, looking wisely over his glasses, "Worked out over the years. Got glycerin in it."

Whatever's in it does the job, because Providence Forge wreaths last as long as four years.

"What I can't figure out," Mr.. Hughes said as he made his way past piles of wreaths stacked on the first floor of his low-ceilinged plant, "is why these wreaths are so popular up north for funerals. Down here we celebrate with 'em, but up there they mourn with 'em, too."

  Steady Trade

It's this gloomy demand that keeps a trickle of preserved wreaths moving from storage all year around, although the bulk shipping season is from August to December for the celebrant trade.

"I'll sell 'em a 41-incher, double faced, if the undertaker wants it," Mr. Hughes confided. This model is the B-29 or Big Bertha of holly wreaths, and it costs him $2 each. Preserved, painted, berries added, boxed and shipped to the wholesale market, he sells them for $90 a dozen.

First step in the process is the making of wire metal hoop, in eight sizes (from 14 inches to 42 inches in diameter) which are taken out the piece-workers in the rural areas. Holly can best be picked from August to the following April, since it changes leaves during the Summer. Once made, the wreaths are picked up by Mr. Hughes' truck and paid for at the rate of 7 cents to $1, for single-faced wreaths.

Once in the plant, they're dipped in the preserving solution and hung up to dry for several days. Then comes the final dip into dark green enamel- and after another three days they're ready for artificial red berries, bought from a New Jersey plant, to be tied on.

The wire-strung ceilings of the plant, from which the wreaths are suspended in storage, are now half bare, as the shipping demands eats up last Spring's production. By Christmas they'll almost all be gone.

What amazes Mr. Hughes about the business is the abundance of holly.

                           Ample Supplies

"The supply seems to be increasing, he said, "after 30 years' of taking it, we've found that holly trees will put new branches out for broken ones every years. The pickers say it's everywhere."

Natural berries are relatively rare in the wreath brought into the Providence Forge factory, and Mr. Hughes has found addition of the artificial berries a necessary part of standard production.

He's be told by his buyers who are located in every principal city in the United States, and some in Canada, that his output is the largest of any one holly wreath manufactury. Asked for the name of the plant, America's No. 1 holly wreath tycoon scratched his head in a puzzled manner.

"Dunno," he said "Never thought of a name for it. I guess you'd call just call it Hughes Factory."

-Richmond Times-Dispatch, Oct 23, 1946

Charles Evans Hughes died in 1987 at the age of 94. He had lost most of his businesses after a series of legal issues in the late 1950's.

* This is a reference to Charles Evans Hughes the Republican presidential candidate who lost to Woodrow Wilson in the 1916 election.

Bachelor Musings, Brandy, & Babies- Christmas 1916

 From the West Point News of December 22, 1916

ROXBURY

 I wonder who will think of me? This is the question uppermost in the minds of everyone as Christmas, the happiest of all days, draws near. I heartily agree with the editorial in the last issue of the News entitled “Christmas Gifts.” Who is going to remember in some small way the poor widows, orphans and the sick and afflicted in their neighborhood? This has been a prosperous year with Those who give cheerfully, [        ] be made happy. As to this writer in my little bungalow alone with little snookums, I will be happy with good health and plain food. To see  others happy, always makes me happy.

 Brother Peters* has played havoc with his prohibition law. Not [     ] that Baltimore quart can be de[    ] to the man unless he have a [                 ] like he was trying to force the bachelors to marry whether we wish to or not. Man can manage the quart, if not good, he can throw it away, but; when he is tied to the apron strings of a woman, he has to keep her; no one else will. He can’t throw away or trade her off for other live stock. So we bachelors stand between Hades and the deep blue sea. As for this scribe, I never tasted ardent spirits in my life. I would not know the taste of brandy from sauerkraut, yet it seems free America is at last unkind people. He says he is growing fat on fine oysters, ducks and other good things to eat from the kind people of Gloucester. Brother McNeil and family, I send through the columns of the News congratulations. God bless your labors in your new field. We sadly miss you but our loss is another’s gain. Brother McNeil, remember oysters do not grow up here so if you have more than you can manage, send some to your old friend, Truthful Jeems. 

 If one gossip is on straight in this neighborhood some of the pretty teachers have decided to remain permanently in New Kent and it is said they do not expect to live alone.  

The stork visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Bailey Tuesday night and left a beautiful little baby boy with Mrs. Ida Carey as a Christmas present. Mr. and Mrs. Cary are being congratulated by their many friends.

 Mr. H. C. White and Roy Bailey were visitors at Wrights bungalow last Sunday.

 Young George Crump, who through mistake shot a deer for a rabbit, was tried by Justice Wright† Friday and was fined $5.00 and costs which George paid with a smile. The deer was a three year old doe and weighed 105 pounds. On the market in season, the deer would have sold for $30. The strict game law has caused an abundance of all kinds of game.

TRUTHFUL JEEMS.

* I assume 'Brother Peters' is the first Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Prohibition, J. Sidney Peters. Statewide prohibition had been approved by a referendum of Virginia voters in September of 1914. 

† 'Justice Wright' and 'Truthful Jeems' were one and the same. 

Christmas in the South - 1870

 From the Christmas edition of Harper's Weekly 1870

Christmas in the South - Egg-Nog Party -12/31/1870

Explosive Sounds of the Holidays

 (Originally posted Christmas 2013)

Holiday shooting? Christmas guns and "shooting in the New Year". . . it's older than you think.

We have quite a merry Christmas in the family; and a compact that no unpleasant word shall be uttered and no scramble for anything. The family were baking cakes and pies until late last night, and to day we shall have full rations. I have found enough celery in the little garden for dinner. 

Last night and this morning the boys have been firing Christmas guns incessantly- no doubt pilfering from their fathers cartridge boxes. There is much jollity and some drunkenness in the streets, notwithstanding the enemy's pickets are within an hour's march of the city

- From A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, John Beauchamp Jones, 1866

I gathered my corn, and then set out for my Fall's hunt. This was in the last of October, 1822 I found bear very plenty and indeed all sorts of game and wild varments, except buffalo There was none of them. I hunted on till Christmas, having supplied my family very well all along with wild meat, at which time my powder gave out; and I had none either to fire Christmas guns, which is very common in that country or to hunt with.

- Life of David Crockett: The Original Humorist and Irrepressible Backwoodsman - Davy Crockett

 1804.
 Robert Mitchell, Mayor, to the Governor
 Dec. 25, Richmond

Having a moment of time to spare, I take that opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your letter enclosing the advice of our Council of State, bearing date the 3rd of last November, and yours of the 19th of same month. It did not come to hand at that date or for many days after. I have done all in my power to prevent that evil of unlawful Gaming within this city pointed out by you; besides it encourages the unguarded youth in Idleness vice and Immorality. You may depend on my doing all in my power to prevent such violation of our laws, and punish them when detected. 

Your favor of the 24th Inst. came very late to hand on the evening of that day. Had I rece'd it early in the day I might have had it more in my power to have its contents put in execution more compleat in order to comply with your wish and my own desire. On the 23rd Inst. I wrote Maj'r Wolfe to furnish a Serg't Guard out of the militia, in order to aid our city Patrol to patrol the city and its Jurisdiction during the Christmas Holydays, which has been complyed with, but it does appear to me to be impossible to prevent firing what is called Christmas Guns, being an old established custom, although there is an ordinance of the city police fixing a fine of 5s. for every offence of firing Guns within this city. The addition of the militia to the city patrol may prevent in part the evil pointed out to me in your letter.

 I am &c                    

- From Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts: ... Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond, Virginia- Volume 9, Henry W. Flournoy, 1890

We have had frequent accounts of cannon firing about Norfolk for three or four days past, and which occasioned many conjectures, but last night we learned that the ships were only firing Christmas guns. I should have but a poor stomach for such mirth were I in their situation, which must be distressing. Indeed, I have heard from very good authority that Dunmore has been drunk and they say mad since his defeat at the Great Bridge.

 -Letter of Maj. Leven Powell, Loudon County Militia,  written December 1776, Williamsburg

March 1655-6    6th of Commonwealth  

                                                           ACT XII 

WHEREAS it is much to be doubted, That the comon enemie the Indians, if opportunity serve, would suddenly invade this collony to a totall subversion of the same and whereas the only means for the discovery of their plotts is by allarms, of which no certainty can be had in respect of the frequent shooting of gunns in drinking, whereby they proclaim, and as it were, justifie that beastly vice spending much powder in vaine, that might be reserved against the comon enemie, Be it therefore enacted that what person or persons soever shall, after publication hereof, shoot any gunns at drinkeing (marriages and ffuneralls onely excepted) that such person or persons so offending shall forfeit 100 lb. of tobacco to be levied by distresse in case of refusall and to be disposed of by the militia in amunition towards a magazine for the county where the offence shall be comitted.

- From The Statutes at Large: Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619, William Waller Hening,ed. 1823

You will notice they made to sure to exempt weddings and funerals from the ban.

It should be noted that there was also the tradition of the "Christmas gun," a specifically childhood exercise, that consisted of boring a hole into a particularly stout log, filling said hole with gunpowder, and then setting it off.

A Christmas Tail - 1915

 Is this a feline version of a shaggy dog story? 

Or perhaps a cat owners big fish tale? 

Here find an odd animal tale of Christmas a hundred years ago. The writer places the scene in New Kent, as they often did with odd strange stories of that time; New Kent was a lightly populated, swampy, forested locale of great antiquity yet only a half hour from Richmond by train.

(edited for content and length)

USING TAIL AS BAIT TABBY CATCHES FISH 

Faithful Tomcat Outstrips Collie Dog That Gave Its Life to Be Near Place Its Master Was Last Seen— Charlie’s “Marster,” Ill, Was Provided For

                                               (By J. M. Bell.) 

As Christmas comes around again. Good stories follow in its train. 

With the advent of Christmas there will often arise recollections of former holiday seasons, where all was good cheer and where stories were told that linger in the memory of those who sat around the blazing log fire and festive board. The writer was one of a party who enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. S -— last Christmas. All went "merry as a marriage bell.” The apple toddy from the stone jug, the ten-year old Bumgardner from the generous cut glass decanter and the egg-nog from the jovial bowl were all sampled moderately and judiciously during our stay under the hospitable roof. The Christmas dinner was enjoyed to such an extent by all that no crevice were left to be Ailed as the gay company of ladies and gentlemen arose from the festive board and repaired to the large drawing room, hence it could be plainly seen that ail the company, well dined and well wined, were in a humor for an evening of real old-time Jollity. The shades of night were closing in, the snow, driven by a bitter northwest wind, was swirling outside. We could tell that the elements were at war, and that the turbid waters of old "Jeems” River were being disturbed, for once and awhile we could hear the Co-honk of a "v" of wild geese as they winged their rapid flight over the house, seeking a roosting place in a quite creek or estuary.

Music and Legends

 We had settled down do a Christmas evening. our host had thrown another big long on the fire. Myriads of sparks went dancing up the chimney only to die as they met the north wind.

 Our hostess opened the piano and we all stood to sing Christmas carols and old-time plantation melodies.

 A cut glass pitcher of apple toddy flanked by little pot-bellied glasses occupied the center of a side table. Dr. M., a guest and an important government official, but a fiddler withal, was drawing a good bow and when-the chorus of “Auld Lang Syne” was sung he fairly made his violin tell the story of Bobby Burns' famous poem.

 Singing makes the throat of an East Virginian dry. Apple toddy is even better than the most approved patent rough remedy on the market and especially where hoarseness must be gotten rid of, when singers are needed to blend their voices with the general chorus.

 Our host made the motion, the ladies declined, or only sipped, as the humming bird culls the sweetness from the heart of a blossom, but the gentlemen stood by to a man and with glasses raised and beaming looks drank cheerfully to all present and, to mankind in general.

 Here Dr. M., listening a moment to the hurtling blast outside, put down his empty glass and facing the assembled company, asked their undivided attention for a few moments. Gaining this, he recounted a pathetic story of a dog that had shown such devotion to its master that he had spent live years In front of a bank in which his master had entered, had been paralyzed and taken to a hospital, and there died. The doctor’s language was pathetic, graphic and altogether impressive. The dog, he said, lingered about the bank until the kind-hearted president, taking pity on him, had fed him regularly but one bitter cold night the mow fell and the north wind chilled to the bone. Nest morning a mound of snow at the bank door told the story Of the faithful collie’s supposed trust, and that he had been faithful unto death. 

Dr. M. stopped, his tale was told. All were impressed. tears glistened in the eyes of the more tender-hearted. 

         Our Host Tells His Cat Story,

 Nuts, fruits and Candy were passed around. The jovial company was somewhat subdued by the pathetic narrative of the doctor. An icy blast of wind, hail and snow flailed the north side of the brick mansion. All present naturally drew their chairs closer to the log fire which now threw out a cheerful glow, and at the same time the pitcher of apple toddy on the little side table still stood guard, for its contents were by no means depleted. The evening was young as the clock on the mantel had just struck the hour of ten.

"Ladies and gentlemen," said our jovial host, "The story just told by our guest Dr. M, I doubt not, touched the hearts of all present, setting forth as it does the well known and beautiful devotion so often evinced by the dog for his master. Now, if you will give me a few moments will tell you a true and simple story of how a cat saved his Master's life.” There was ready acquiescence on the part of all the company, so our host told the tale as follows: “Some years ago there I lived in New Kent county an old bachelor whom we will call "Uncle Nat.’ He was only possessed of most scanty means; His little tract of poor land and his small frame domicile being about the extent of his worldly goods (if you will except his Tom cat, Charlie.)

"Living alone and eking out a very precarious living, the old man led a very unobtrusive life.

"The little farm was isolated. Few neighbors called. The old man had been down in bed and sick with chills and fever for ten day a but his neighbors were unaware of his condition. He laid in his bed most of the time, alternately chilled and later  too hot to hardly breathe. 

"One day he, murmured to himself; that if he could get a nice meal of white perch he felt that he would get well. Charlie was curled up on the hearth, apparently fast asleep, but all of a sudden he rose, stretched himself and crossed the little room to his master's bedside, mewing and purring and  making every cat sign that he wanted to get out. 

"Painfully the old man dragged himself from his bed. hobbled across the room, opened the door and leaving it ajar, reached his bed and drew the faded coverlet over him. 

"Exhaustion brought on a troubled sleep from which he presently awoke. His fever-disturbed mind almost reeled. When, opening his eyes, he sow his oat enter the room with two fine white perch which, after depositing on the hearth, he jumped on his master’s bed and began to fondle him. Tears sprang in the old man's eyes as he realized this act of perfect devotion on the part of Charlie, for all of us know that it takes some sort of a cat to resist eating a fresh fish.

"Slowly Uncle Nat arose from his bed. built a small fire cleaned, cooked and ate the fish. (Charlie getting the heads, trimmings and bones).

"That night the old man slept very quietly. 

"The next morning, In fact every day for a week, Charlie brought a couple of big white perch. His owner was perfectly astounded, but he was, at the same time, recovering very rapidly.

The Mystery Solved

‘On a beautiful autumn morning the old man was sufficiently strengthened to admit of his going out for a walk, but first he cooked the last two perch that Charlie had brought him. These, with a strong cup of coffee and a hot corn pone, set him up.

"After his meal he laid down on the bed and Charlie went out. stealthily his owner followed at a distance, but always keeping his cat In view. Charlie went on down the little path which lead from the house to the Chickahominy River. His owner keeping in sight and this is what greeted his bewildered eyes as he neared ever the bank from behind a big pine tree. Charlie was seen walk out on a log that stretched far into the sluggish waters.  He seated himself on the log, allowing his tail to hang in the water. Suddenly he flirted a big perch out on the land, the fish having grasped Charlie's tall for bait, soon another perch was landed to like manner and Charlie strolled leisurely to the shore, took up the two fish by their tails and proceeded up the path home. Here was the explanation of the two perch each day for ’Uncle Nat,’ ” 

“Oh! what a beautiful story,’’ exclaimed the ladies in one voice. 

“Oh, dear, what a wonderful cat.” carolled another sweet feminine to the men. 

"Well I'll be dog-gone.”, chorused the men.

"I have never heard of such a thing," ejaculated Dr. M; "tops the dog story all round. Bless my soul, what a cat."

 The clock on the wall chimed 11:30. The fire was now only a mass dying embers. The pitcher of apple toddy which had stood on the side table was empty and the call to bed was imperative. As we severally fell asleep puzzling ideas floated our sleepy brains as some tried to study out just how that cat caught the perch with his tail for bait, how he understood in the beginning his "marster's" plea for fresh fish.

-The Richmond Evening Journal, 22 December 1915

The Christmas Chase

 This a reposting from 2014

A Hot Chase With a Big Pack in New Kent.

(Special to The Times-Dispatch.)

ROXBURY, VA., December 27.- One of the most exciting fox chases in New Kent for some time took place Christmas day, when Mr. Lee Jenk Boze and his brother, Joe Boze, of Highland Springs, with thirty-six hounds; Willie and George Ellyson, of Quinton; W.H. Graves, of Seven Pines, with fifty-four dogs, as fine as can be found in Virginia. The day was an ideal one-cool, clear and calm. After leaving Dispatch Station Mr. Joe Boze's Little Ruby, struck a hot trail, and was soon followed by her companions, Storm and Fleet. They soon had old Reynard on his feet, and without a hitch for forty minutes the sweetest music in all the world rolled over the hills from the red mouths of forty hounds, which, mingled with the shouts of many happy riders, could be heard for many miles out on the soft morning breeze.

The old fox, being hotly pursued, used every trick known to his kind to elude its pursuers, but alas, poor Reynard, with brush down, tongue protruding and all heart gone, headed for a hog lot and sought protection among the hogs. Here he found no friends, for soon the hogs had the fox cornered and was making short work of him, and when the boys came up it took seven huntsmen to get dogs, fox and hogs separated. In a moment old Reynard was cold in death, swinging from the saddle of Mr. Graves.

-The Times-Dispatch(Richmond), December 28, 1905

I assume the Ellysons mentioned above are William T. Ellyson (1866-1944) and George Washington Ellyson (1875-1960) brothers, the sons of Richard Abner Ellyson.

Twelve Days of Christmas in Colonial Virginia

From,  "Another Look at Christmas in the Eighteenth Century," By David DeSimone in The Colonial Williamsburg Interpreter, vol. 16, no. 4, winter 1995-96.

            "How long was the Christmas season? 

The holiday, or more accurately the holy days of Christmas/Epiphany, fall into a forty- day cycle. This cycle was (and still is) a commemoration of the infancy narratives found in the Gospels of Saint Luke and Saint Matthew. Four major events involving Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are commemorated in the forty-day cycle. They are:

December 25: The Nativity of Jesus

January 1: The Circumcision of Jesus (Eight Days after Christmas)

January 6: The Epiphany of Jesus (Twelve Days after Christmas)

February 2: The Purification of the Virgin (Forty Days after Christmas)*

Some of the most sacred holy days are observed within the octave of Christmas. The octave week (an eight-day observance) began on Christmas Day and included December 26-- Saint Stephens Day; December 27--Saint John the Evangelists Day; and December 28--Holy Innocents Day. The octave week festival ended with the Feast of the Circumcision on January 1. It cannot be emphasized enough that amid the joy of the season, the holy days of Saint Stephen and the Holy Innocents were a solemn reminder of the darker side of humanity. In fact, Saint Stephen and the Holy Innocents were martyred because of Christs coming. 

 . . . 

While the observance of these sacred days was over, it did not signal the end of the liturgical season of Christmas. Eight days after Christmas, January 1, was the celebration of the Circumcision of Christ. Twelve days after Christmas was the Feast of the Epiphany, or the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. Finally, forty days after Christmas was the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary."

*Also know as Candlemass and celebrated in a popular sense in the United States as Groundhog Day.

 

That Holiday Popping Sound . . .

(Originally posted Christmas 2013)




Holiday shooting? Christmas guns and "shooting in the New Year". . . it's older than you think.

We have quite a merry Christmas in the family; and a compact that no unpleasant word shall be uttered and no scramble for anything. The family were baking cakes and pies until late last night, and to day we shall have full rations. I have found enough celery in the little garden for dinner. 

Last night and this morning the boys have been firing Christmas guns incessantly- no doubt pilfering from their fathers cartridge boxes. There is much jollity and some drunkenness in the streets, notwithstanding the enemy's pickets are within an hour's march of the city

- From A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, John Beauchamp Jones, 1866

 1804.
 Robert Mitchell, Mayor, to the Governor
 Dec. 25, Richmond

Having a moment of time to spare, I take that opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your letter enclosing the advice of our Council of State, bearing date the 3rd of last November, and yours of the 19th of same month. It did not come to hand at that date or for many days after. I have done all in my power to prevent that evil of unlawful Gaming within this city pointed out by you; besides it encourages the unguarded youth in Idleness vice and Immorality. You may depend on my doing all in my power to prevent such violation of our laws, and punish them when detected. 

Your favor of the 24th Inst. came very late to hand on the evening of that day. Had I rece'd it early in the day I might have had it more in my power to have its contents put in execution more compleat in order to comply with your wish and my own desire. On the 23rd Inst. I wrote Maj'r Wolfe to furnish a Serg't Guard out of the militia, in order to aid our city Patrol to patrol the city and its Jurisdiction during the Christmas Holydays, which has been complyed with, but it does appear to me to be impossible to prevent firing what is called Christmas Guns, being an old established custom, although there is an ordinance of the city police fixing a fine of 5s. for every offence of firing Guns within this city. The addition of the militia to the city patrol may prevent in part the evil pointed out to me in your letter.

 I am &c                    

- From Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts: ... Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond, Virginia- Volume 9, Henry W. Flournoy, 1890

March 1655-6    6th of Commonwealth  

                                                           ACT XII 

WHEREAS it is much to be doubted, That the comon enemie the Indians, if opportunity serve, would suddenly invade this collony to a totall subversion of the same and whereas the only means for the discovery of their plotts is by allarms, of which no certainty can be had in respect of the frequent shooting of gunns in drinking, whereby they proclaim, and as it were, justifie that beastly vice spending much powder in vaine, that might be reserved against the comon enemie, Be it therefore enacted that what person or persons soever shall, after publication hereof, shoot any gunns at drinkeing (marriages and ffuneralls onely excepted) that such person or persons so offending shall forfeit 100 lb. of tobacco to be levied by distresse in case of refusall and to be disposed of by the militia in amunition towards a magazine for the county where the offence shall be comitted.

- From The Statutes at Large: Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619, William Waller Hening,ed. 1823

It's Older Than You Think . . .

(Originally posted Christmas 2013)




That Holiday shooting? It's older than you think.

We have quite a merry Christmas in the family; and a compact that no unpleasant word shall be uttered and no scramble for anything. The family were baking cakes and pies until late last night, and to day we shall have full rations. I have found enough celery in the little garden for dinner.

 Last night and this morning the boys have been firing Christmas guns incessantly- no doubt pilfering from their fathers cartridge boxes. There is much jollity and some drunkenness in the streets, notwithstanding the enemy's pickets are within an hour's march of the city

- From A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, John Beauchamp Jones, 1866

 1804.
 Robert Mitchell, Mayor, to the Governor
 Dec. 25, Richmond

Having a moment of time to spare, I take that opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your letter enclosing the advice of our Council of State, bearing date the 3rd of last November, and yours of the 19th of same month. It did not come to hand at that date or for many days after. I have done all in my power to prevent that evil of unlawful Gaming within this city pointed out by you; besides it encourages the unguarded youth in Idleness vice and Immorality. You may depend on my doing all in my power to prevent such violation of our laws, and punish them when detected. 

Your favor of the 24th Inst. came very late to hand on the evening of that day. Had I rece'd it early in the day I might have had it more in my power to have its contents put in execution more compleat in order to comply with your wish and my own desire. On the 23rd Inst. I wrote Maj'r Wolfe to furnish a Serg't Guard out of the militia, in order to aid our city Patrol to patrol the city and its Jurisdiction during the Christmas Holydays, which has been complyed with, but it does appear to me to be impossible to prevent firing what is called Christmas Guns, being an old established custom, although there is an ordinance of the city police fixing a fine of 5s. for every offence of firing Guns within this city. The addition of the militia to the city patrol may prevent in part the evil pointed out to me in your letter.

 I am &c                    

- From Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts: ... Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond, Virginia- Volume 9, Henry W. Flournoy, 1890

March 1655-6    6th of Commonwealth  

                                                           ACT XII 

WHEREAS it is much to be doubted, That the comon enemie the Indians, if opportunity serve, would suddenly invade this collony to a totall subversion of the same and whereas the only means for the discovery of their plotts is by allarms, of which no certainty can be had in respect of the frequent shooting of gunns in drinking, whereby they proclaim, and as it were, justifie that beastly vice spending much powder in vaine, that might be reserved against the comon enemie, Be it therefore enacted that what person or persons soever shall, after publication hereof, shoot any gunns at drinkeing (marriages and ffuneralls onely excepted) that such person or persons so offending shall forfeit 100 lb. of tobacco to be levied by distresse in case of refusall and to be disposed of by the militia in amunition towards a magazine for the county where the offence shall be comitted.

- From The Statutes at Large: Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619, William Waller Hening,ed. 1823

Christmas 1904- "The blowing of the fox-hunter's horn."

Christmas in New Kent.

(Special to The Times-Dispatch.)

ROXBURY, VA., December 26- The Christmas of 1904 was one of the most quiet ever observed in New Kent, not a gun fired or firecrack was heard to remind of the happy event. 

The blowing of the fox-hunter's horn or the cry of the dogs can be heard on every hand, however. 

The pound party and ball to be given at Liberty Hall Friday night, is looked forward to with much pleasure. City music has been engaged for the occasion.

-Times-Dispatch, December 27, 1904

Christmas Sounds of New Kent

(Originally posted Christmas 2013)




That Christmas shooting? It's older than you think.

We have quite a merry Christmas in the family; and a compact that no unpleasant word shall be uttered and no scramble for anything. The family were baking cakes and pies until late last night, and to day we shall have full rations. I have found enough celery in the little garden for dinner.
 Last night and this morning the boys have been firing Christmas guns incessantly- no doubt pilfering from their fathers cartridge boxes. There is much jollity and some drunkenness in the streets, notwithstanding the enemy's pickets are within an hour's march of the city

- From A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, John Beauchamp Jones, 1866

 1804.
 Robert Mitchell, Mayor, to the Governor
 Dec. 25, Richmond

Having a moment of time to spare, I take that opportunity of acknowleging the receipt of your letter enclosing the advice of our Council of State, bearing date the 3rd of last November, and yours of the 19th of same month. It did not come to hand at that date or for many days after. I have done all in my power to prevent that evil of unlawful Gaming within this city pointed out by you; besides it encourages the unguarded youth in Idleness vice and Immorality. You may depend on my doing all in my power to prevent such violation of our laws, and punish them when detected.
 Your favor of the 24th Inst. came very late to hand on the evening of that day. Had I rece'd it early in the day I might have had it more in my power to have its contents put in execution more compleat in order to comply with your wish and my own desire. On the 23rd Inst. I wrote Maj'r Wolfe to furnish a Serg't Guard out of the militia, in order to aid our city Patrol to patrol the city and its Jurisdiction during the Christmas Holydays, which has been complyed with, but it does appear to me to be impossible to prevent firing what is called Christmas Guns, being an old established custom, although there is an ordinance of the city police fixing a fine of 5s. for every offence of firing Guns within this city. The addition of the militia to the city patrol may prevent in part the evil pointed out to me in your letter.
 I am &c                    

- From Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts: ... Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond, Virginia- Volume 9, Henry W. Flournoy, 1890

March 1655-6    6th of Commonwealth  

                                                           ACT XII 
WHEREAS it is much to be doubted, That the comon enemie the Indians, if opportunity serve, would suddenly invade this collony to a totall subversion of the same and whereas the only means for the discovery of their plotts is by allarms, of which no certainty can be had in respect of the frequent shooting of gunns in drinking, whereby they proclaim, and as it were, justifie that beastly vice spending much powder in vaine, that might be reserved against the comon enemie, Be it therefore enacted that what person or persons soever shall, after publication hereof, shoot any gunns at drinkeing (marriages and ffuneralls onely excepted) that such person or persons so offending shall forfeit 100 lb. of tobacco to be levied by distresse in case of refusall and to be disposed of by the militia in amunition towards a magazine for the county where the offence shall be comitted.

- From The Statutes at Large: Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619, William Waller Hening,ed. 1823

Running with Little Ruby

A Hot Chase With a Big Pack in New Kent.

(Special to The Times-Dispatch.)

ROXBURY, VA., December 27.- One of the most exciting fox chases in New Kent for some time took place Christmas day, when Mr. Lee Jenk Boze and his brother, Joe Boze, of Highland Springs, with thirty-six hounds; Willie and George Ellyson, of Quinton; W.H. Graves, of Seven Pines, with fifty-four dogs, as fine as can be found in Virginia. The day was an ideal one-cool, clear and calm. After leaving Dispatch Station Mr. Joe Boze's Little Ruby, struck a hot trail, and was soon followed by her companions, Storm and Fleet. They soon had old Reynard on his feet, and without a hitch for forty minutes the sweetest music in all the world rolled over the hills from the red mouths of forty hounds, which, mingled with the shouts of many happy riders, could be heard for many miles out on the soft morning breeze.

The old fox, being hotly pursued, used every trick known to his kind to elude its pursuers, but alas, poor Reynard, with brush down, tongue protruding and all heart gone, headed for a hog lot and sought protection among the hogs. Here he found no friends, for soon the hogs had the fox cornered and was making short work of him, and when the boys came up it took seven huntsmen to get dogs, fox and hogs separated. In a moment old Reynard was cold in death, swinging from the saddle of Mr. Graves.

-The Times-Dispatch(Richmond), December 28, 1905

Christmas Revels- Richmond 1863

Accidentally shot.

--At an early hour last Friday morning, a party of boys assembled at the east end of the city, to fire Christmas guns and otherwise celebrate the day. They had been together but a short time when one of them fired a horseman's pistol loaded with powder, the load from which struck Peter Kenny, a lad, on the left shoulder, inflicting an ugly and painful wound. As the wounded boy pronounced his injuries to be the result of accident, the police made no effort to arrest any of the party.

Drowned.

--On Saturday last, a lad named Andrew Allen, was drowned in the Dock. With two other boys young Allen was at play on the ice, which was very rotten, when the party broke through and disappeared. Two of the lads soon arose at the opening through which they fell, and succeeded in getting out, but Allen went under the ice, and drowned before any assistance could be rendered him.

The Mayor

--on Saturday had a good sized army of white men before him, all with violating the rules of decency, he laws of the State by getting drunk on Christmas beverages, annoying sober people, fighting each' other, kicking doors, breaking windows, and crying fire.

A party of young men, after imbibing freely, made Broad street hideous with their yells — alarmed the residents by kicking at doors — and crying fire at the top of their voices. After a few potations of the distilled damnation now served to the worshippers of Bacchus, it is not to be wondered at that they forgot all sense of propriety and became turbulent and disorderly. The Mayor held them to bail to keep the peace.

A soldier, after seeing the elephant, ran his head through a window, breaking the glass and cutting his face in several places. When he came into Court he was well marked with blood and bruises, the fruits of his charge on the old king's fortifications, which have never yet been carried by storm. He was sent to the Provost.

A white woman, for wearing men's apparel in the streets, and a white man for accompanying her, were held to ball; and two women, for hair-pulling and cat-scratching, were put in limbo.

Two men, for interfering with the police, were locked up to answer hereafter, and scores of negroes, for minor offences, were punished with stripes.

-The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Va.) December 28, 1863

Sounds of the Season

That Christmas shooting? It's older than you think.

We have quite a merry Christmas in the family; and a compact that no unpleasant word shall be uttered and no scramble for anything. The family were baking cakes and pies until late last night, and to day we shall have full rations. I have found enough celery in the little garden for dinner. 

 Last night and this morning the boys have been firing Christmas guns incessantly- no doubt pilfering from their fathers cartridge boxes. There is much jollity and some drunkenness in the streets, notwithstanding the enemy's pickets are within an hour's march of the city

- From A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, John Beauchamp Jones, 1866

 1804.
 Robert Mitchell, Mayor, to the Governor
 Dec. 25, Richmond

Having a moment of time to spare, I take that opportunity of acknowleging(SIC) the receipt of your letter enclosing the advice of our Council of State, bearing date the 3rd of last November, and yours of the 19th of same month. It did not come to hand at that date or for many days after. I have done all in my power to prevent that evil of unlawful Gaming within this city pointed out by you; besides it encourages the unguarded youth in Idleness vice and Immorality. You may depend on my doing all in my power to prevent such violation of our laws, and punish them when detected. 

 Your favor of the 24th Inst. came very late to hand on the evening of that day. Had I rece'd it early in the day I might have had it more in my power to have its contents put in execution more compleat(sic) in order to comply with your wish and my own desire. On the 23rd Inst. I wrote Maj'r Wolfe to furnish a Serg't Guard out of the militia, in order to aid our city Patrol to patrol the city and its Jurisdiction during the Christmas Holydays(SIC), which has been complyed with, but it does appear to me to be impossible to prevent firing what is called Christmas Guns, being an old established custom, although there is an ordinance of the city police fixing a fine of 5s. for every offence of firing Guns within this city. The addition of the militia to the city patrol may prevent in part the evil pointed out to me in your letter.

 I am &c                    

- From Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts: ... Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond, Virginia- Volume 9, Henry W. Flournoy, 1890

March 1655-6    6th of Commonwealth  

                                                           ACT XII

WHEREAS it is much to be doubted, That the comon enemie the Indians, if opportunity serve, would suddenly invade this collony to a totall subversion of the same and whereas the only means for the discovery of their plotts is by allarms, of which no certainty can be had in respect of the frequent shooting of gunns in drinking, whereby they proclaim, and as it were, justifie that beastly vice spending much powder in vaine, that might be reserved against the comon enemie, Be it therefore enacted that what person or persons soever shall, after publication hereof, shoot any gunns at drinkeing (marriages and ffuneralls onely excepted) that such person or persons so offending shall forfeit 100 lb. of tobacco to be levied by distresse in case of refusall and to be disposed of by the militia in amunition towards a magazine for the county where the offence shall be comitted.

- From The Statutes at Large: Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619, William Waller Hening,ed. 1823

Christmas 1904

December 27, 1904