Yuletides of Yesteryear Lantern Tour

Recently we attended "Yuletides of Yesteryear" at Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio.

We traveled by trolley to four different locations within the village.  Blankets were provided on the trolley for warmth and the teapot snuggled right in.

The first home we visited was the Witmer-Roth Home.  We learned about foods associated with the holiday in 1850 - Spiced Cider, Pea Soup, Braised German Cabbage, Corn Bread, Roast Goose, Rival Noodles, Baked Squash, Mincemeat Pie and Compote Dessert.

The guide explained how shoes were filled with treats instead of stockings.

Participants helped set the table.  Notice the Betty lamp in the middle of the table.

Cooking over the hearth

Our second visit was at the Peter Stuckey home and Christmas in 1880.  

Santa Claus was first depicted in Harper's Weekly December 24, 1881.  Thomas Naas based his drawing on the description of Santa in 'Twas the Night Before Christmas".

Trees were decorated with lighted candles.  A bucket of water was kept by the tree to prevent fires.

Guests made their own popcorn covered star.

The last home we toured was the Grime Homestead and Christmas in 1928.  We sang Christmas carols around the player piano - "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear", "Silent Night", and "Joy to the World".  Several of the people in our group had beautiful voices.

Electric lights adorned the tinsel decked tree.  An electric train was running under the tree.  Trees were tall and wide and decorated with store bought ornaments in the 20's and 30's.

Christmas cards were sent during this time period.  A picture graced one side and the back had a note and the address.

This Putz village was available from Sears & Roebuck.

We decorated Christmas cookies during this stop.

Our last stop was the District 16 Schoolhouse.  The teacher handed out parts for the poem "'Twas The Night Before Christmas".  Eight volunteers did the sound effects for clattering on the rooftop, St. Nick's twinkling eyes, prancing and pawing, dry leaves, as well as a handler of a little stuffed mouse, and a Ma and Pa.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

 And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

Several of the stores and shops were open for purchases.  The herb shop had this tree decorated with a tea theme.

Another tea tree

After the Lantern Tour, we drove through the light display in Archbold's Ruihley Park.  They were one of the first towns in our area to put up such a display.

Swimming Swans

Santa playing golf

Another area village with a unique light display is the village of Bluffton.  The "Blaze of Lights" includes many decorated homes and yards, the college football stadium, a holiday folk art display and a light show entitled "The Gift of Giving".

The dialogue for "The Gift of Giving" is played through a channel on your radio.  All of the Christmas trees in the forest dream of being a Christmas tree.

When one little tree is left behind, the animals comfort her by telling her all the things she does for them, from building their nests in her branches, to the bears using her to scratch their backs. She finds true joy in the gift of giving.  This screen of lights dance and sparkle to the music as the story is told.

After all the festive lights, it was time for the teapot to experience some lights of her own.  We had a cup of flaming oolong. . .

and our own little light party.

Sips and Smiles,

Teresa