Newsletter of
The Maryland State Archives
Vol. 15, No. 23
December 10, 2001
www.mdsa.net
CHRISTMAS IN ANNAPOLIS: Newspaper Articles, 1865-1894 
by Pat Melville 

As we approach Christmas in the 21st century, we can gain a different perspective on the holiday by looking at past celebrations, as revealed through local newspapers. The following collections were used: Annapolis Gazette, SC4144, for December 28, 1865 and December 23, 1873, and Evening Capital, SC2733, for December 26, 1884 and December 26, 1894. 

The 1865, Christmas was summarized in one paragraph:  "The great festival of this day was celebrated in Annapolis by a general cessation of all business pursuits, and by religious rejoicings appropriate to the occasion. Although the day was rather wet and disagreeable, yet the Churches were all well attended -- more so than has been usual on former occasions; and although every one seemed to enjoy the day to the utmost, it was also to be noticed that few if any, could be seen who were intoxicated or noisy, save in the harmless way of gunpowder, fire-crackers, drums, tin horns, &c., with which our young gentry tried to out-do each other." 

In 1873, the Gazette recommended several business places in Annapolis for holiday shopping. The article was based on advertisements appearing elsewhere in the newspaper. At C. Boessel's jewelry store at 33 Main Street, one could "find a beautiful assortment of watches and jewelry selling at panic prices...." Those looking for more 


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The Archivists' Bulldog 
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RECORD TRANSFERS 

BALTIMORE CITY CIRCUIT COURT 
    (Domestic Information Papers) 1992-1993 
          [MSA T3352] 
    (Election Returns) 1896-1975 [MSA T3346] 
    (Fiduciary Reports, Trust Clerk) 1946-2001 
          [MSA T2666] 
    (Non-Support Papers) 1992-1993 [MSA 
          T3353] 
    (Partnerships and Dissolutions Record) 
          1972-1982 [MSA T3349] 
    (Partnerships and Dissolutions Record, 
          Index) 1904-1982 [MSA T3350] 
    (Paternity Papers) var. dates [MSA T3351] 
    (Transcripts) 1968-1987 [MSA T496] 
    (URESA Papers) 1983-1997 [MSA T3354] 

BALTIMORE COUNTY REGISTER OF WILLS 
    (Estate Papers) var.dates [MSA T679] 

CARROLL COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT 
    (Zoning Maps and Plans) 1981-1998 [MSA 
          T3399] 

CARROLL COUNTY REGISTER OF WILLS 
    (Estate Papers) 1974-1981 [MSA T3169] 
    (Wills, Original) 1967-1979 [MSA T2838] 

CHARLES COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT 
    (Civil Papers, Equity and Law) 1984-1996 
          [MSA T3246] 

HARFORD COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT 
    (Plats) 1828-1893 [MSA T2813] 

HARFORD COUNTY REGISTER OF WILLS 
    (Estate Papers) 1984-1989 [MSA T2757] 

HOWARD COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT 
    (Agency Record) 1956-1986 [MSA T3380] 
    (Charter Record) 1895-1979 [MSA T3377] 
    (Charter Record, Index) 1895-1979 [MSA 
          T3378] 
    (Civil Papers) 1984-1985 [MSA T408] 
    (Criminal Docket) 1891-1922 [MSA T1037] 
    (Equity Docket) 1842-1867 [MSA T3295] 

    (Equity Record) 1842-1976 [MSA T3379] 
    (Federal Tax Lien Index) 1934-1963 [MSA 
          T3383] 
    (Land Commissions) 1852-1899 [MSA 
          T3382] 
    (Marriage Record) 1865-1886 [MSA T3384] 
    (Plat Book) 2000 [MSA T2466] 
    (Recognizance Docket) 1947-1969 [MSA 
          T1028] 
    (Test Book) 1907-1941 [MSA T3381] 

KENT COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT 
    (Plat Book) 1999 [MSA T2186] 

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT 
    (Civil Papers) 1986 [MSA T763] 

QUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT 
    (Manumissions) 1787-1865 [MSA T3374] 
    (Manumissions, Index) 1787-1865 [MSA 
          T3375] 


NOTICE:  The next issue of the Bulldog will appear on January 14, 2002.