Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1916-12-15

1A-<S@ 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 ear 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 danked by a
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 a tidewater Vir-
gina, plantation know just what hog-killing time
means to host and hostess All through the coun-
tryside from the hunblest negro holding to the
largest river estate preparation for Christmas
begins with hog-killng time, for then the corn is
gathered the woodpile's 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 of the years raising) is singled
out from the flock put up in Stated coop in the
back yard, fed on sheed corn till he is in proper
condition, killed the day before Christmas, hung
up on the MOrth 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
rejoices in roast turkey stuffed with oysters
bread crumbs etc. A sugar-cured ham from one
to two years old, crisp celery, Irish and sweet
potatoes (the latter candedl, satisfy and spinach
Gall grown in the home "gyardin,'') macaroni,
lnd, of course, cranberry 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, will most likely
be taken by the gentlemen beforehand at the side
board. Roquefort cheese and coffee end the feast.
Of
dinner; others will be in proportion to the taste
and means Of the diners but it can be safely
serted that nowhere would guest stranger
sit down to meager feast on this day, for
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 are witnesses to the sea-
son of jollity. Family portraits of ancestors now
long laid at rest, are honored with a 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 they go into breakfast After this
meal, the company will separate. 1t is possible
that some of the party will so 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 wallis chancel
and pulpit.
The morning service over, the congregation
change Christmas greetings outside Some pres
ents are taken to church for neighbors who live at
distance happy, inexpensive recollectons of the
season but appreciatively indicative of the
mentous occasion Back from church, home folks
and guests are ready for dinner.
Hunting Parties
The east Virginians have ever shown penchant
for hunting, and chasing the fox behind good
mack of hounds has always been a sport par
.ellence This sport still exists in the country dis
Sric7s ana in spite of wire fences, now almost