Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1916-12-14

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cmo HE visitor to an old plantation in tide
water Virginia, at Christmas time will
} no doubt be agreeably surprised to find
~ that many of the old customs survive
TAI and are regularly observed, not only
" -lSal on the large plantations, but on the
T. smaller farms, and even in the negro
k1Syy quarters. SO all get their full measure
~@-a-~ 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 good, sound corn. Hog-killng time
means a generous supply of fresh" in other
words sausage, sparerb, chine cheesesouse pigs
feet and of course, that fresh pork ham baked
during Christmas week This is fanked by
baked ham two years old and sugar-cured 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-
gnia, plantation know just what hog-kng time
means to host and hostess. All through the cOun-
trysde, from the humbest negro holding to the
largest river estate, preparation for Christmas
begins with hogkilllng 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 rasing) is singled
out from the flock put up in a Slated coop In the
back yard, fed shelled till he is in proper
condition, killed the day before Christmas, hung
up 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 piece-de-
resistance for the big dinner. The Christmas
menu rejoices In turkey stuffed with oysters,
bread crumbs, etc. sugar-cured ham (from one
60 two years od), crisp celery Irish and sweet
potatoes (the latter candied), satisfy and spinach
,
and, of course, cranberry sauce for the turkey.
The dessert consists of jelly (plenty of wine for
seasoning) blanc mango, both white and choco-
late, meringues fruits such as Malaga grapes,
rosy-cheeked apples, bananas and oranges. Wine
is served at table and toddy Of whisky, sugar
and water with dash OF nutmeg, viii most likely
be taken by the gentlemen beforehand at the side
board. Roquefort 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 it can be safely as
serted that nowhere would guest or 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, running cedar and pine growing
In the Virginia woods, is used. Mansion, farm
house and cottage are all decorated Mantels'
nails and even bedrooms are witnesses to the sea
son Of jollity. Family portraits of ancestors now
long laid ut rest. are 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
seuson In Tidewater Virginia? On Christmas
morning a glass of eggnog or toddy is taken by the
gentlemen as they go into breakfast After TINS
neal, the company win separate. II is possible
that some Of the party viii go TO the Colonial
church in the neighborhood for morning service.
The ancient brick edihce 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
eats are taken to church for neighbors who live at
distance hsppy. inexpensive recollectons OF the
season, but approximately indicative of the mo-
mentous occasion Back from church, home folks
and guests are ready for dinner.
Hunting Parties
The east yirginians have ever shown penchant
ier hunting and chasing the fox behind good
Pack of hounds has always been sport par ex-
telenee This sport still exists in the country dis
h1rts and III spite os wire fences, now almost