Christmas Customs of Sixties Past in Southeast Mossoon
Residents recall Christmas celebrations a century ago in Southeast Mossoon and nearby areas. Tales recount rough Civil War days, log houses, no trees, big family dinners with up to fifty or more, hunting for sustenance, and stockings for Santa as communities gathered for warmth and shared meals.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sikesion Fight
Lewis Esker
Dresder
Morehouse
J W. Baker Sr
Baker
Christmas Memories From Farm Families and Norway
In reminiscences from Sikeston and nearby farms, Mrs Kate Kornegger recalls a simple Christmas with popcorn, candles, and church programs, while C C Buchanan nods to a thrifty holiday with firecrackers and homemade gifts. Betty Matthews and others recount stockings, rag dolls, and side saddles, highlighting how joy came from small comforts and family traditions despite hard winters. Norwegian customs feature Christmas Eve family gatherings, candlelit trees, no Santa, and the Poor Man’s Cookie, with children drawn to the glow and shared meals.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kate Kornegger
Santa Claus
Christmas in Germany Forty Years Ago
Emanuel F. Schorle recalls German Christmas customs from his youth in Germany. A simple improvised tree, Kris Kringle as an angel, and children kneeling before gifts. The Belsnickels outside threatened a whipping for misbehavior, a stark contrast to American commercialization.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Emanuel F. Schorle
Germany
Hussar Cavalry
Christ
America
Mr. Schorie
Mr. Schorte
Kris Kringle
Santa Claus
Belsnickels
Christmas Tree Memory in Sikeston 1871 Recalls Shared Gifts
Mrs Laure Smith and Mrs Jennie Sikes recall the first glimpse of a Christmas tree in Sikeston on Christmas Pay, 1871, set up in the Methodist church later used by St Francis Xavier parish as a recreation hall. A wagon ride from near Sikeston brought families to see the candle lit tree, gifts for all, and a rare social gathering. Among attendees were Judge W S Smith, Dr Handy L Smith, Mrs E P Crow, and Frank Smith, with childhood tales of festive customs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Laure Smith
Jennie Sikes
St Francis Mavier Catholic Church
W.S Smith
Handy L. Smith
Sikeston
EP. Crow
Denter
Frank Smith
Jefferson City
Sikes
Straighter Candles Take Clear Varnish To Stand Steady
A clear varnish coats candles so they stand straighter in holders even in heat and can be wiped clean more easily. The coating helps maintain neat appearance and durability in warm rooms.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Mossoon
Kate Harris
Harris
Irs
Haerris
Jno Lo Tenner
Benton Tn
Dro Ane
C CC Harris “Wei
Frx
Munch
Steing
Mrs. Tanner
C C Bucnanan
Sihesion
Golconda
Missouri
Bettie Matthews
James McMullin
McMullin
J M Klein
Jane Mills
J J. Hunter
Cape Girardeau
Chas F. McMullin
Jon P MecMulln
John E Marshall
O. E. Kendall
L. O. Rodes
Sarah Wilson
George Dye
Effingham
Ill
Samuel Parks
Norway
Hans H. Baasch
Christ-Child
Elren
Florence
Ernestine
Tiny Beauty Salon
Wissoun
Angora
VOGUE
Phiilco
Philco
Transitone
Spinet
Mystery Control
Center Street
Labr Company
Sikeston, MO
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!