The Idaho recorder. [volume] (Salmon City, Idaho) 1886-1927, 1916-12-22

~ IA and are regularly Observed not only
y SAI the large plantations, but on the
b smaller farms, and even in the negro
E3T quarters. So all get their full measure
z<-<A0 of gifts and turkey.
Perhaps the first sign of Christmas
is the killing of the fat hogs which have taken
on flesh rapidly since they were put up and hard
ened on good, sound corn. HOg-killing 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 fanked by a
baked ham two years old and sugarcured. 1t
will all furnish mighty good eating for visitors
who drop in for a little while, but have not time
to stay to the regular dinner.
Those who have spent years on tidewater Vir'
ginia, plantation know just what hog-killlng time
means to host and hostess. All through the coun-
tryside, from the humbest negro holding to the
largest river estate, preparation for Christmas
begins with hOgkilling time, for then the corn Is
gathered, the woodpile is ready, and farm work in
general is in such condition that all In pretty
good shape for the holidays.
That Christmas GobbIer.
Two weeks before Christmas the turkey COB
bier generally one of the years rasing) 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
I'D on the north side of the porch and next day,
when cooked in the old-time kitchen by an old
time negro Kitchen queen" forms the piece-de-
resistance for the big dinner. The Christmas
menu reoices in roast turkey stuffed with oysters,
bread crumbs etc. sugar-cured ham urom one
10 two years old), crisp celery Irish and sweet
potatoes (the latter candied), satisfy and spinach
TALL grown in the home "gyardin,D macaroni,
and, OF course, cranberry sauce Tor the turkey
The dessert consists of jelly (plenty OF wine Tor
seasoning), blanc mango, both white and choco-
late meringues, fruits such as Malaga grapes
rosy checked apples bananas aT'd oranges wine
ia served at table and toddy OF WHISKY sugar
and U,Bter. with dash of nutmeg, will most likely
no +aken nv the gentlemen beforehand at the side
hoard Roouefort cheese and coffee end the feast
This menu is indicative of typical plantation
dinner. others will be In proportion to the taste
and means of the diners, but 1t can De saIely as
aarted that nowhere would guest OF Stranger
qit down TO a meager feast on TINS Gay. lor even
the negroes have prepared most hOer"iiS Aoi ''o
great occasion.
Christmas Decorations
Tho GOOD old custom of decorating the houses
for christmas still obtains, and the generous
.,,,,r,Ir of holly running cedar and pine, growing
~ tbo VIRGINIA woods is used. Mansion farm
h,,,so and cottage are all decorated. MahteS
halls and even bedrooms are witnesses 10 lle sea.
con Of iolliry. Family portraits 81 ancestors, 10"
-, Iojd AZ rest are honored with q wreath OF
oreen and the red berries OF the h''l'' ~I''
greeting from the stern cah'aS'
What are the social customs that emphasize TINS
~ Tgdawarer Virginia? On Christmas
morning p glass of eggnog or teddy is taken by ihs
rantIemen as they go into breakfast Al'e' I t'
,,rrany will separate. II is possible
meal some ,Ir Of the party will "a TO the Colonial
church in the neiehborhood for morning ser hnn
rba ancient brick edifce will always nav
Inc an nv loving hands for this season.
Gecora,su ~ evergreen ntertwne on walls chancei
and pulpit ,- tho congregation ex-
Inc iuo' .--satfnrs outside. Some pres
shans are taken to church for nesoors who f f ,s a.
snf distance happy inexpensive TeG4lse Of the % mo-
season. out mp Rack from church. home folks
~, tests are ready for dinner
anu Hunting Parties.
-, vfrriniaus have ever shown pehcL laI,
The east Va 7l rb.sinr the fox behind a soOo
for huHu hennds has always been sport par , sa,
ai ence This sport still exists in the 1 1oW almost
r T-lI and in spite OF wire FENCES INV