Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1916-12-19

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49, HE visitor to an old plantation in tide
f. water Virginia, at Christmas time VIII
"A no doubt be agreeably surprised to ma
~ that many of the old customs survive
gY-TD and are regularly observed not only
EP'-sSst1I on the large plantations, but on the
b smaller farms. and even in the negro
k3E-T quarters. SO all get their full measure
AAr0 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 hardl
ened good, sound ear corn. Hog-killing time
means a generous supply of fresh" in other
words sausage, sparerb, chine, cheese-souse, pigs
feet, and, of course, that fresh pork ham baked
during Christmas week. This is lanked by
baked ham two years old and sugar-cured. 1t
viii 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 tidewater Vir-
ginia plantation know just what hog-kiling time
to host and hostess. All through the coun-
tryside from the humblest negro holding TO the
largest river estate, preparation for Christmas
begins with hOgkilling time, for then the corn is
gathered. the woodpe is ready, and farm work in
general is in such condition that all are in pretty
good shape for the holidays.
That Christmas GobbIer.
Two weeks before Christmas the turkey COB
bier Generally of the years raiSing) is singled
out from the flock, put up in Slated coop in the
back yard, fed 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 odtme 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. A sugarcured ham (from one
to two years old), crisp celery. Irish and sweet
potatoes (he latter candied), satisfy and spinach
Tall grown in the home "gyardin,'0 macaroni,
and of course, cranberry for the turkey.
The dessert consists of jelly (plenty of wine for
Seasoning), blanc mango, both white and chOco-
tate meringueS, fruits, such rs Malaga grapes,
rOsy-cheeked apples, bananas and oranges. Wine
is served at table and tOddy of whisky, sugar
and water, with Il 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 a 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 guest a 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 rqnp Ag cedar and pine, growing
in the Virginia woods, is used. Mansion, farm
house and cottage are all decorated. Mantels
son of jotity. Family portraits of ancestors, now
long laid mt rest are honored yith wreath of
green and the red berries of the holly Christmas
greeting from the stern canvas.
What are the social customs that emphasize this
season in Tidewater. Virginia? On Christmas
morning glass of eggnog or toddy is taken by the
gentlemen as they 90 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 edifce will always have been
decorated by loving hands for this season.
WreathS of evergreen intertwine on walls chaneel
and pulpit.
The morning service over, the congregation ex-
change Christmas greetings outside Some pres
ents are taken TO church for neighborS who live at
. a distance happy inexpensive recollections of the
season, but appreciatively indicative of the mo-
mentous occasion. Back from church, home folks
snd guests are ready for dinner
Hunting Parties.
The east YirginanS have ever shown penchant
for hunting and chasing the fox behind a good
mack of hounds has always been sport par ex-
celIence This sport still exists in the country dis
tricts. and III spite of wire fences, now almost