The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1889-12-26
OUR CHRISTMAS.

We Walk Among Evergreens While
Scores of American Flags Float
Above Our Heads-We Witness the
Performance of the First Minstrel
Troupe Ever Organized in This
PrisOn-A Merry Christmas.
We had green Christmas in pr son. one that
will ever remain green in the memory of those
who were compelled to spend the day within the
walls of this institution. Never before such
day known here. Last Thanksgiving was far
ahead of all previous holidays. but this Christmas
eclipsed it and all former holidays combined.
The morning opened bright and clear, the sun
shining out as bright as midsummer. Just pre-
vious to eight a m rustic of expectancy
noticeable throughout the cell room. When the
doors were unlocked and the bars thrown there
was general helter-skelter of the boys looking
for their intimate acquaintances. Groups formed
in all parts of the building and merry chatting
and hand shaking were incessant for time.
Sounds of musical instruments and ''juba pat
ting regned supreme. Coteries were
formed for stag" watzes in different
parts and of the cell building
The news had already spread that we were to have
an entertainment out Of the ordinary line at some
part of the day, and as but very few knew just
good topic of conversation for the expectant au-
ditors. Time gded rapidly by until twelve O'Clock
when the glory of the cell room, the dinner bell,
sent forth its inviting zeal. The men then formed
in line and marching around took their wel.flled
dinner platters to their or a friends CELL
there to It, drink and be merry after their own
fash The following is what each man had in
abundance:
BILL OF FARE.
Roast Turkey with Dressing and Cranberry Sauce
oyster Stew.
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy.
Sweet Buns. Pumpkin Pie.
Coffee. Milk. Sugar.
At l:3O the men were all out in the corr-
doris more. All were in decidedly good spirits
after getting outside of their tasty dinner and half
plate of the farfamed New England
PUMPKIN PIE.
Durngthe afternoon a large number of visitors
thronged the corridors mingling with the inmates
without the slightest fear of injury loss of
valuables.
About o clock some one noticed musical in
struments being brought into the chapel hall, and
from that time forth the eastern end of the build
ing was the objective point of all. But they were
little previous, the show did not start for an
hour afterwards and until that time the doors
were kept firmly closed none but the performers
be ng W thin.
At O'Clock the doors of the chapel were thrown
open, the hall was soon filled to its utmost capac-
ity, every seat being full ami standing room was
! at a premium. About sevents-fve visitors from
the outside were present The stage arranged
in regular theatr cal stvle. curtains and dressing
rooms being fitted up for the occasion. The en-
tertainment was of the negro minstrel and spe-
| ciaty order. Previous to the opening of the min
strel show, C. NJ. Morton. an inmate gave hum
orous impersonaton of the typical clergyman. in
terspersing his sermon and readings with local
wtticisms that were well received by the audience.
Mr.. Youngs Orchestra OF fcur pieces was present
and opened the ente rtainment with selection,
after which the following program per-
formed.
CHRISTMAS 1880.