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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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