The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1916-12-15

smaller farms, and even In the negro
k~ quarters So all get their full measure
H00 of gifts and turkey.
Perhaps the first sign of Christmas
Ii the killing of the fat hogs, which have taken
flesh rapidly since they were put up and hard
ened good sound ear corn Hog-kllling time
means a generous supply of "fresh," In other
words sausage sparerib, chine, cheese-souse, pigs
feet, and, of course that fresh pork ham baked
during Christmas week. This is hanked by
baked ham two years old and sugarcured 1t
will all furnish mighty good eating for visitors
who drop In for Il little while, but have not time
to stay to the regular dinner.
Those who have spent years on a tidewater Vir-
ginia. plantation know just what hog-killing time
means to host and hostess All through the
tryside from the humbest negro holding to the
largest river estate, preparation for Christmas
begins with hog killing time for then the Is
gathered. the woodpile is ready, and farm work in
general is In such condition that nll in pretty
good shape for the holidays.
That Christmas GobbIer.
Two weeks before Christmas the turkey gob-
bier generally of the years raising) Is singled
out from the flock, put up in Slated coop In the
back yard fed on shelled till he Is in proper
condition. killed the day before Christmas hung
up on the north side of the porch and next day
when cooked in the od-tme kitchen by an old
time negro Kitchen queen" forms the pece-de-
resistance for the big dinner. The Christmas
menu rcjoices in roast turkey stuffed with oysters
bread crumbs, etc. A sugarcured ham (from
to two years old), crisp celery, Irish and sweet
potatoes (the latter candied), satisfy and spinach
Gall grown IN the home "gyardn,') macaroni,
and. Of course, cranberry sauce for the turkey.
dhe dessert consists of Jelly (plenty of wine for
eeasoning) blanc mango, both white and choco-
(Ate, meringues. fruits, such Malaga grapes,
rusy-cheeked apples, bananas and oranges Wine
u served at table and toddy Of whisky, sugar
and water. with dash of nutmeg, will most likely
be taken by the gentlemen beforehand at the side
board. Roquefort cheese and coffee end the feast
This menu is indicative of n typical plantation
dinner; others will be in proportion to the taste
and means of the diners but it can be safely as
serted that nowhere would a guest stranger
sit down to meager feast on this day for even
the negroes have prepared most literally for the
great occasion.
Christmas Decorations.
The good old custom of decorating the houses
for Christmas still obtains, and the generous
supply of holly, running cedar and pine growing
in the Virginia woods is used Mansion. farm
house and cottage are all decorated. Mantels.
halls, and bedrooms witnesses to the sea-
son of joty. Family portraits of ancestors now
long laid at rest, are honored with wreath of
green and the red berries of the holly, Christmas
greeting from the stern canvas.
What the social customs that emphasize this
season in Tidewater, Virginia? On Christmas
morning glass of eggnog or toddy is taken by the
gentlemen they go into breakfast. After this
meal the company will separate 1t Is possible
that some of the party will go to the Colonial
church in the neighborhood for morning service.
The ancient brick editce will always have been
decorated by loving hands for this season.
Wreaths of evergreen intertwine on walls, chancel
and pulpit.
The morning service over the congregation ex-
change Christmas greetings outside. Some pres
ents are taken to church for neghbors VINO lve al
a distance happy, inexpensive reconecuons OF ehe
season. but apprecativey indicative OF the mo-
mentous occasion. Back from church, home folks
and guests ready for dinner
Hunting Parties.
The east Virginians have ever shown penchant
for hunting and chasing the fox behind a good
mack Of hounds has always been a sport par ex-
cellence This sport still exists in the country dis
tricts. and in spite Of wire fences, now almost