The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-11-23
CHRISTMAS DAY
IN MEMPHIS AND
IT'S MANY Joys
Happiness Reigned in big
House, and Slaves Quar-
ters--Day Universally CeIe-
brated by Rich and Poor.

brated by Rich and Poor.
BY JAMES GA6ELLE.
Stair Christmas fates be yours, n
Iocund lot,
the pot"
English Christmas Carol.
Christmas in Memphis before the
civil war was one of open handed
hospitality. The town prepared for
the event for weeks before. Stores
wore their gayest garlands and the
beaux and bellies of long ago spent
much time and earnest thought in
selecting gifts for one another From
the country surrounding Memphis
the Planters and their wives took
rooms at the hotels while they
shopped for all their dependents.
Among the pleasant customs of
those days was the dining" as it
was called, that various families
would give. This was the open house
Of English days, dirsct transplant
ing of q splendid custom At these
"dinings" a large number OF friends
and relatives would be hidden for the
time would pass in dancing, inter-
rupted only for a slight luncheon,
then to be resumed and continued
until the wee hours OF the morning.
Santa Claus was unknown in those
days, old settlers say, neither had
Christmas trees been introduced, but
children hung up their stockings and
loud were the shrieks of joy Christ
mas morning when the gifts were
discovered. Another pleasant feature
OF the day was the custom of crying
"Christmas Gift" The one that
called ont the salutation first ex-
pected-%and received-a gift from the
other It made no difference wheth-
er 1t was white person or slave.
This was great sport for the negroes
especially the pickaninnies-who
laid in wait for white guests and
bounced upon them from the most
unexpected places and never failed to
get q gift
Slaves Assemble.
This was in addition to the fact
that Christmas morning every slave
on the place was assembled in the
parlor with many happy SHOUTS of
merry Christmas! Merry Christ
slave on the plantation to the latest
brown baby, was given some token.
How their eyes would shine as they
came forward with deep curtseys and
returned with gifts of new dresses,
or little trinkets Nhat they would
prize throughout the coming year.
After the distribution of gifts came
the business of the day, which con-
sisted of preparing for the sumptuous
dinner. From in the morning
huge turkey would be turning on a
gspit in the yard with a slave bast-
ing II all day long. This was filled
with oyster dressing. In these days
when so much discussion goes the
rounds about H. C. L., 1t, Is interest
ltg TO note that the oysters for the
dressing were brought by steamboat
from New Orleans at the terrific cost
OF 20 cents a bhshel. When the price
went up to rs cents bushel house,
wives were very indignant, What
they would say to the present price
OF oysters is beyond imagination!-
Baltimore oysters were also imported
in large quantities. They were high
~ esteemed for their superior flavor
and brought slightly higher price
then the New Orleans variety.
When purchases were made for the
holidays the slaves were remembered
with all the dainties of che season,
and 1t was time Of feasting with |
them lust as 1t was in the big
house." No work was done all |
Christmas week. except by those who
were needed at the home of the own
or. The time was spent in feasting,
visiting the negroes on other planta-
tions, hunting fishing and dancing.
The dances in the quarters might
lack the grace and beauty possessed
by those that took place among the
quality folks" but they made up in
energy what they lacked in delicacy.
Wild Game.
Tables in those days had a plethora
OF wild game that could not be Sc
cured now. Deer and antelope were
plentiful, bear was found quite fire.
quently. Wild turkey, goose, ducks,
pigeons, quail, pheasant and reed
birds could be secured almost any
where. The rivers toemed with fish.
What would the modern housewife
think of venison and buffalo meat at
five cents q pound? Or wild turkey
at six cents? If you wanted vege-
tables and thought Memphis market
prices too high all you had to do was
20 drive out in the country and get
all you wanted for the asking.
There was little call for charity
in those days. While there were no
extremely rich, at the same time
there were no extremes Of poverty
either. Should anyone, by any I'M
toward act Of fate, need help, the
great, generous heart OF Memphis
Immediately saw TO It that the family
was cared for, not only on Christmas
day but on New Years day and
throughout their need as well. 1t was
q time of great hearts and generous
minds.
Should there chance to be snow ut
She Christmas season, the Joy was
Intensified. Then great sleighing
parties were organized with many
negro musicians and calls would be
made on friends in both city and
country. Prohibition at that time not
being heard of, generous punch bowls
flowed freely, bu. there was no
drunkenness. 1t was time Of dis
erection when all ate and drank both
wisely and wsll.
Customs introduced.
Memphis and Shelby county are in
QeDteu 70 I'LL ElE llbH NbL4ldH III A4lo
introduction OF many pleasant GUS
toms. This was Miss Frances Wright,
a rIc.l, talented ana exceeding &C.
centric character. who was one of
khe first won n sutfragtsts in Ten
nessee She adopted the costume In
vented by Tre. Glo0mer and played |
ca DIS for large sums with men-and |
invariably won, and when ii came TO |
sippling shs could put away as much |
As the strongest man and never show |
It. She Travelled extensively, lectur- |
Eng on woman suffrage and kindred |
topics. She had purchased a large