The tale of St. Nicholas is an old fable from mid-Europe that was popular in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. St. Nicholas was the patron saint of children, merchants and sailors and the patron saint of Amsterdam and was brought by the Dutch to the new world, which for the Dutch was Nieuw Nederlandt (New Netherland). Many of the American traditions on Santa Claus originated in the Dutch settlement of New Netherland along the Hudson River between New Amsterdam (New York City) and Oranje (Beverwyck-Albany). The other colonies were English. [Read more…] about A Short History of Christmas for New Yorkers
Christmas
A Christmas in Kingston in the 1880s
“I went out after a Christmas tree and some laurel, through seas of mud,” Jervis McEntee of Kingston wrote on Christmas Eve 1881, “to the place where I always go on the cross road between the Flat-bush and Pine bush roads. It rained a part of the time and turned into a snow storm on our return.”
Another year, McEntee’s usual places for a tree were so wet that he settled for a small hemlock on the side of the hill where he lived. It was a hill that offered a panoramic view of the entire village as well as the Rondout Creek and the Hudson River. His father James, an engineer who had helped build the nearby Delaware and Hudson Canal, had built the first house on the hill and the family still lived there. [Read more…] about A Christmas in Kingston in the 1880s
Remembering The Christmas of 1945 in Northern NY
Among the finest Christmas seasons in America’s long history took place in 1945. We’re constantly bombarded with how special the holidays are, so it’s tough for any one year to stand out as extra special, but 1945 makes the list.
Events across the Adirondacks that year epitomized the nation’s attitude. Surprisingly, it wasn’t all about celebrating, even though the most destructive war in history had just ended a few months earlier. We often mumble mindlessly that we’re proud to be Americans. But the first post-World War II Christmas was the real deal, worthy of the word “pride.” [Read more…] about Remembering The Christmas of 1945 in Northern NY
The Life of St. Nicholas
This week on The Historians Podcast, hear Wayne Van Der Wal, author of the historical fiction novel, The Gospel of Santa Claus – Inspired by the True Story of Saint Nicholas.
You can listen to the podcast here. [Read more…] about The Life of St. Nicholas
1700s Mohawk Valley Holiday Traditions, Music Event
Colonial America was a melting pot of people from varied nations and traditions. The Puritans of New England did not celebrate Christmas at all. The early German and English immigrants to the Mohawk Valley were more accustomed to celebrating the holiday. In combining elements from various cultures, America developed its own unique traditions.
The Rome Historical Society – Friends of the Fort and Fort Stanwix National Monument are set to host a look back at holiday music and winter traditions of the Mohawk Valley on December 21st, at 5:30 pm. [Read more…] about 1700s Mohawk Valley Holiday Traditions, Music Event
Trinkaus Holiday Lights Were Once A Tradition
For over 30 years light displays were a cornerstone of the holiday celebration at Trinkaus Manor in Oriskany. Starting in 1955 the Trinkaus brothers began their holiday tradition and added new features each year: angels, snowflakes, Santa’s village, elf workshops, a carousel, and more. So lavish were the displays, they could be seen by planes passing overhead.
The Trinkaus Manor restaurant could seat nearly 700 patrons and attracted people from across the country including celebrities and politicians. Tour buses were a regular sight at the Manor to see the elaborate decorations. Tragically, a fire destroyed Trinkaus Manor in April of 1992, but the Christmas lights and displays had been stored in a separate area and survived. [Read more…] about Trinkaus Holiday Lights Were Once A Tradition
Blue Coal for Christmas: 1930s Glens Falls Radio
Are you getting Blue Coal for Christmas?
You might have asked Santa Claus that question, when he took to the air on WBGF radio 1370 of Glens Falls at 6:30 pm Dec. 6, 1930, sponsored by Merkel & Gelman department store.
But to be certain, you would have wanted a second opinion, because only “The Shadow knows!” [Read more…] about Blue Coal for Christmas: 1930s Glens Falls Radio
Holiday Season Events At Clermont
The holiday season is in full swing at Clermont State Historic Site. Events have been set for every weekend in December leading up to Christmas.
A Child’s Christmas is set for December 7th and 8th and is recommended for children ages 3-10 and their families. Drop in from 10 am to noon for a stocking-foot tour of the decorations, then stop to read a story with the family’s nursemaid at the foot of the Christmas tree in the oak-paneled library. Each child will receive a special Christmas gift. Hot cider, cookies, and fruit will be served in the kitchen. Tickets are $4 per person. No reservations necessary. [Read more…] about Holiday Season Events At Clermont
‘Christmas Truce’ Peace Carol in Utica
The Christmas Truce was a ceasefire between German, French, and British troop on the western-front on Christmas Eve in December 1914. Both sides informally agreed to stop fighting for a few hours and joined together for food, carols, and companionship.
The 5th Annual Peace Carol, an evening honoring the Christmas Truce of World War One, on Tuesday, December 10th, at 4:30 pm. This celebration features carol sing-alongs led by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Utica choir, a performance by members of the Proctor Senior Choir, the Procter JNROTC Color Guard, a presentation on the truce by Joe Schmidt, light refreshments, and more. [Read more…] about ‘Christmas Truce’ Peace Carol in Utica
Fort Plain Museum’s Christmas at the Fort
The Fort Plain Museum is set to hold its annual Christmas at the Fort holiday event on Saturday, December 7th, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Back this year is the local author book fair featuring local authors from the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region. Authors will sign and discuss their books on Mohawk Valley history, the American Revolution, the Civil War, Science Fiction/Horror, Politics, and more nonfiction/fiction works. [Read more…] about Fort Plain Museum’s Christmas at the Fort