Rocky Ford enterprise., 1916-12-15

H|NI on the large plantations, but on the
+ smaller farms, and even in the negro
E1~I quarters So all get their full measure
~ of gifts and turkey.
Perhaps the first sign of Christmas
Ii the killing of the fat hogs, which have taken
on flesh rapidly since they were put up and hard
ened on good; sound ear corn. Hog-killing time
means 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 n
baked ham two years old and sugar-cured. 1t
will all furnish mighty good eating for visitors
who drop In for II little while, but have not time
to stay to the regular dinner.
Those who have spent years n udewater vir-
sinia. plantation know just what hog killing time
means to host and hostess All through the coun-
tryxide. from the humblest negro holding to the
largest river estate, preparation for Christmas
begins with hOg-kiling time. for then the corn is
sathered the woOdpe Is ready. and farm work In
general Ia In such condition that all In pretty
good shape for the holidays
That Christmas GobbIer.
Two weeks before Christmas the turkey COB
bier (genernily one of the years raIsng) singled
out from the flock. put up in Slated coop In the
hack 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 oldtime kitchen by an old
time negro Kitchen queen" forms the piece-de-
reslstance for the big dinner The Christmas
menu rcjoces in roast turkey stuffed with oysters,
bread crumbs, etc. sugar-cured ham (from one
to two years od), crisp celery, Irish and sweet
potatoes (the latter candied). satisfy and spinach
tan grown in the home "gyardin.") macaronI,
and. Of course cranberry sauce for the turkey.
IAe dessert consists of jelly (plenty of wine for
seasoning). blanc mango, both white and choco-
Ate. meringues fruits, such Malaga grapes,
ruaycheeked apples, bananas and oranges Wine
b 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
hr,r rs1 Rpnn and cpffa end fha fpaSf
This menu is Indicative of typical plantation
dinner; others will be in proportion to the taste
and means of the diners, but 1t can be safely as
serted that nowhere would guest or stranger
SIT down to n meager feast on this day. for even
the negroes have prepared most liberay 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 all decorated Mantels.
halls and even bedrooms witnesses to the sea-
son of jollity. Family portraits of ancestors now
long laid at rest, honored with 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 a glass of eggnog or toddy is taken by the
gentlemen they 20 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 neghborhood for morning service.
The ancient brick edifice will always have been
decorated by loving hands for this season.
wreaths of evergreen intertwine on wallis chancel
and pulpit
The morning service over, the congregation ex-
change Christmas greetings outside. Some pres
ents are taken to church for neghbors who live at
a distance; happy inexpensive recollectons of the
season. but appreciatively indicative of the mo-
,nentous occnsion Back from church, home folks
and guests are ready for dinner.
Hunting Parties.
The east Virginians have ever shown n penchant
for hunting, and chasing the fox behind Il good
pack of hounds has always been u sport par ex-
ceIlence This sport still exists in the country dis
tricts and In spite of wire fences now almost