History, Natural History & the Arts
Call it an antiquarian newspaper holiday miracle.
“Rather a peculiar thing happened a few days ago,” Lieutenant Howard Smith of Hudson Falls wrote his mother from a military hospital in France on December 26th, 1918. “One of the orderlies of this ward found a picture of me in The Post-Star while he was in another ward. It was an account of my getting a Boche.” [Read more…] about A First World War Holiday Miracle
The morning of December 25th this year will be a lot less cheery unless the World Health Organization gives Santa a free pass on COVID-19 restrictions so he can hand out presents to billions of kids on Christmas Eve night.
As it is, many people feel like cheer is at low ebb. Local authorities in my area strongly recommend we celebrate the holidays in our respective households; no visitors. Yikes! Looks like Christmas 2020 will have to run on memories – bad news for me, as I forget where I put the keys two minutes after setting them down. [Read more…] about An Arborist Considers Christmas Trees, Evergreen Traditions
While the demand to rename Columbus Day continues to gain traction in other parts of the country, here in New York State it remains an official state holiday.
In New York State, the fourth Saturday of September is designated Native-American Day, one of 40 days of commemoration in New York State Law. These include: [Read more…] about History On The Calendar: Commemoration Days In New York State
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
The Historical Society of Rockland County has announced the 44th annual holiday exhibit, The Dollhouses and Miniature Art of Catherine Cooke, is on display until March 1st, 2020.
This year’s Holiday Exhibition features a selection of Catherine’s Small Wonders: custom dollhouses decorated and furnished down to the tiniest details, from period wallpaper, area rugs, and lamps to food in the kitchen. [Read more…] about Dollhouses, Miniature Art Exhibit in New City
Rogers Mansion in Southampton, NY, is set to host self-guided tours of the mansion on Saturday, December 14th, and Saturday, December 28th.
Guests will be able to see a 20 room home as it was in the 1920s filled with holiday decorations. Also, the exhibit “High Style in the Gilded Age: Southampton 1870-1930” will be on display showing ball gowns worn by Southampton women along with their stories from that era. Some of the women featured will be Consuelo Vanderbilt and Millicent Rogers. Refreshments will be served. [Read more…] about Rogers Mansion Candlelight Tours in Southampton
This winter break, Boscobel House and Gardens is set to offer activities for parents and their children while they are off school. Winter Break takes place on Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27.
On each day at 9:30 am and then again at 1 pm, Museum Educator Lisa DiMarzo will give families a fun flashlight tour of the mansion. Kids of all ages can enjoy hunting for gingerbread kids throughout the Historic House Museum, then join in a craft activity geared toward the season. [Read more…] about Winter Break for Families at Boscobel
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
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
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