The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-12-27
CHRISTMAS DAT.
How it was Observed-Muggy Weather
The Blowing OF Horns-The Church,
es--Turkey Dinners, SC.

If the question were submitted to any en-
| lrhtened jury, empanelled With the proper diSre-
gard of race, color or previous condition, "what
was the predominating feature Of the celebration
of Christmas. 1869, in Charleston:" the certain
| verdict we take il would be "HoRN BLOWING y
The festival was ushered in with drizzle, and the
weather all day was decidedly damp. musey ana
uncomfortable. In the evening, to brighten mat
ters. dense fog arose which hung over the city
until some hours after nghtfall, when the rain set
in. But in spite OF the discouraging aspects OF
the elements
THE footing OF HORNS
which had been begun with remarkable vigor on
Friday evening" was maintained with unAagglng
energy and in one continuous roar varying only
in volume and intensity, from early morn until
the very dewy eve. Nor was this ALL The invest
ments of the youngsters in fire-crac&ers, squios
torpedoes, and the like, had been made apparent
ly regardless OF expense ; and the result was
running fire OF petty explosions which formed
rather queer Commentary upon the proclamation
of Mayor Pillsbury.
The police both saw and heard the fiery demon
stratons without any remonstrance, and it was
only in rare instances that any attempts to ar
rest were made. The rain seemed not to nave
dampened in the least the enthusiasm Of the ris-
ing generation; for there was decidedly more
noise and more reckless disregard OF law and
order than on any previous occasion. This was
especially noticeable along King street, which was
filed during the day with crowds OF men and
boys, many Of whom were under the potent In
fluence of Bacchus. Most Of the latter class were
colored. and it was evident, from their appear
ance, that they had been taking it ''red hot."
Ia Parker Pillsbury. ..
THE CHURCHES
were not crowded, as the weather prevented the
attendance OF ladies, and the other sex are not
so remarkable for their church-going proclivities
on Christmas, especially when they too can adj
vance the rain as an excuse. The Episcopal
churches were. all decorated in honor of the day,
each church being ornamented with wreaths and
garlands Of evergreens and moss.
Midnight mass was celebrated at st. Patrick's
Church during the first hour OF the twenty-four,
the altar being brilliantly Illuminated, and Father
Schachte being the celebrant. The church
was densely crowded. the alsles rs well as the
pews being filled by the congregation.
At ST. Johns Lutheran Church, confirmation
services were held; two persons were confirmed
on Christmas and ten yesterday morning.
The Rev. Mr.. vedder, the pastor Of the French
yHuguenot Church, in addition to many tokens Of
remembrance from his own people, was surprised
by the gift Of two handsome silver goblets OF
beautiful workmanship from the congregation OF
the First Baptist Church Of this city, as recog-
milton OF his sympathy and services for them
when they were without pastor
THE CHRISTMAS DINNER
was this year, as far as we have heard, prepared
with the solemnity and eaten with -the zest be-
fitting so venerable and popular an institution.
We need not say aught Of The wholesale slaughter
OF turkeys which has been going on for week
past in all the country round about, or OF the
plum puddings and mince pies which were for
the nonce common dishes. These and hundred
other good things which make up the rich cata-
logue of Christmas cheer were duly discussed at
thousands OF happy boards. And when twilight
dropped her sombre curtain, without deigning to
pin it even with single star, there were happy
family gatherings around the hearthstone, and
the day was closed in a round OF quiet but merry
social pleasures.