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German Christmas at the Tavern presented by Patti Kierys

2008-12-13T22:50:00Z

This year's "German Christmas", an educational and Christmas social, sponsored by the Barkhamsted Historical Society and presented by Christmas expert Patti Kierys was a huge success. The program was both educational and fun. Patti is well versed and well qualified on the subject of Christmas traditions and shared her vast wealth of knowledge with approximately 60 people who were in attendance.

(photo) Patti Kierys during her presentation of German Christmas at the Tavern.

Patti's qualifications include designing Christmas trees during the Weiker and Roland years at the Connecticut Governor's Mansion. She has designed ornaments for the Mark Twain Christmas Tree. Patti created two trees for the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Patti decorated the Connecticut Christmas tree for two years that was part of the National Tree ceremony on the Eclipse of White House. Patti also took part in the Wasdworth Festival of Trees for several years. In addition to her extensive experience, Patti is also a featured artist in the book Christmas in Connecticut.

(photo) Christmas in Connecticut - Examples of Patti Kiery's hand-made ornaments

Patti shared many stories about the origins of the Christmas tree, Christmas tree decorating, hand made ornaments, gingerbread and other Christmas traditions. It is widely believed that the Christmas tree tradition emerged in Germany in the 16th century. However, the Yule or winter festival celebrated on the winter solstice can be traced to Roman times and also involved the decorating of a tree.¹ The Egyptians, even though they did not decorate a tree, would bring a green date palm tree into their homes to symbolize life's success during the solstice.² One of the stories Patti shared was that during early colonial times, Christmas trees were actually outlawed because of their association with these earlier pagan rituals. The Puritans considered Christmas to be sacred and believed it should only be observed with a religious service.

(photo) The Christmas tree used during the German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

"The pilgrims' second governor, William Bradford, wrote that he tried hard to stamp out "pagan mockery" of the observance, penalizing any frivolity. The influential Oliver Cromwell preached against "the heathen traditions" of Christmas carols, decorated trees, and any joyful expression that desecrated "that sacred event." In 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts enacted a law making any observance of December 25 (other than a church service) a penal offense; people were fined for hanging decorations. That stern solemnity continued until the 19th century, when the influx of German and Irish immigrants undermined the Puritan legacy."³

John Ullmann, a former owner of the building we refer to as Squire's Tavern, was one of these immigrants. He and his family immigrated from Germany in 1884 and purchased the former Squire's farm in 1885.

(photo) Ullmann Family portrait. John and Augusta, Johanna-Oswald and thee girls.

"Most 19th-century Americans found Christmas trees an oddity. The first record of one being on display was in the 1830s by the German settlers of Pennsylvania, although trees had been a tradition in many German homes much earlier. The Pennsylvania German settlements had community trees as early as 1747. But, as late as the 1840s Christmas trees were seen as pagan symbols and not accepted by most Americans."⁴

(photo) Table top Christmas tree used during the German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

Patti explained that early American Christmas trees were very often small table top trees. These trees were placed in a room and kept off limits while being decorated. They would not be displayed until Christmas eve. The trees would have had hand made ornaments. Many were figures comprised of paper faces and cotton batting. Sweetmeats and gingerbread were baked and hung on the tree. Guests would have been invited to take these baked treats. Popcorn garlands would also adorn early trees. Some hand blown glass ornaments, imported from Germany may also have decorated these early trees.

(photo) Hand-made ornament used to decorate the Christmas tree during the German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

(photo) Hand-made ornaments used to decorate the Christmas tree during the German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

(photo) Hand-made ornament used to decorate the Christmas tree during the German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

(photo) Hand blown glass ornaments or Kugels, used to demonstrate German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

Another story Patti shared was about the origin of tinsel on a Christmas tree. The story goes something like this: A woman was cleaning her house in preparation for the Christmas celebration. She swept her house so well that the spiders had no place to hide. Somehow they ended up hiding in the Christmas tree and when the tree was lit, the webs shone in the candle light. Gold and silver tinsel are meant to represent the spiders web.

The lighting of the Christmas trees was not without risk. Early trees were decorated with candles and lit for only a short period. A bucket of water would have been kept on hand since the chance of a fire was a very real and a dangerous possibility.

(photos) Hand-made ornament collection used to demonstrate German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

Patti displayed and discussed her vast collection of Christmas ornaments. She also discussed the origins of our modern day Santa Claus and many other interesting facets of Christmas traditions. From Christmas trees atop of buildings and construction sites to the origins and purposes of both the greeting card and calling card.

If you missed this great and informative program, mark your calendars for next year. You can also head over to Squires Tavern to view the decorations and exhibits until the end of the year.

Thank you Patty, on behalf of the Barkhamsted Historical Society, for sharing your time and expertise to present a very informative and enjoyable program.

(photo) Gingerbread replica of Squire's Tavern (front view). Created and donated by Richard, Colleen and George English.

(photo) Gingerbread replica of Squire's Tavern (rear view). Created and donated by Richard, Colleen and George English.

The Christmas Tree was donated by Homegrown Farms, Route 44 in Barkhamsted. The wreath was donated by Aerie Mountain, Route 44 in Barkhamsted. Gingerbread houses created and donated by Richard, Colleen and George English, Barkhamsted.

Sources:

1. Wikipedia - "Yule".

2. Christmas Tree Farm Network - "Christmas Tree Tradition has Ancient Origins".

3. History.com - "Christmas, How It All Got Started".

4. History.com - "Christmas, How It All Got Started".

Open House at the Barkhamsted Center School

2008-09-29T01:19:00Z

On Saturday, September 20, 2008 the Barkhamsted Historical Society held an Open House at the Barkhamsted Center School. Historical Society member Mike Day was on hand to greet visitors and discuss a typical school day in the early 20th century and before. Mike had on hand a number of school text books and games used during this period. Over 30 visitors stopped in to see the building and the displays.

The Center School was one of 12 schools located in Barkhamsted during the 19th and early 20th century. In those days the town was split into this many districts, each with a school, so that children could more easily walk to class. The Center School was moved in 1980 by the Historical Society from its original site on the west side of the Barkhamsted Reservoir. The building was with a hundred feet of the edge of the reservoir, and had been used as a maintenance building by the MDC until the Historical Society moved it.

The schoolhouse was built in 1821 as a two story structure. In 1880, repairs were made and the building was converted into a one story structure. Most of the first floor was removed at that time. The current classroom had originally been the second floor.

Photo above - Historical Society volunteer Mike Day greets visitors to the Open House on September 20, 2008 at the Barkhamsted Center School.

Photo above- busy "students" at the Open House, Barkhamsted Center School.

The Barkhamsted Center School- it was a beautiful day on Saturday, September 20, 2008 for the Historical Society's Open House. Over 30 visitors stopped in to take a look at the building and exhibits.

Locally Grown History

2008-09-18T01:15:00Z

The Barkhamsted Historical Society is proud to be participating in the first annual, "Locally Grown History - It's In Your Backyard" program. The program is designed to promote historical resources as well as agricultural assets located within Litchfield County. The project is being led by Robert Forbes, an assistant professor of history at the UCONN Torrington campus. Forbes has organized a group of educators, directors, curators, and volunteers from many local historic and cultural organizations to collaborate on the event.

Since Litchfield County is geographically large, the project packages the area’s historical assets (historical societies, museums, historic sites, and traditional artisans) and agricultural resources (vineyards, orchards, farms, farmers markets, and farm stands) into a “trail” so that visitors can easily move from one to another as a day or weekend destination.

The idea is for participants to travel to the various venues with a "Locally Grown History Hunt Passports" and have the passports stamped after visiting the site. Visit 10 participating sites for a chance to enter a prize drawing. Visit 15 participating sites for a chance to enter the grand prize drawing. Prizes include: Bed and Breakfast getaways, Jewelry, Ski Passes, Fine Local Wines, Memberships to Historical Sites, Dinner for Two, Tickets to the Warner Theater and many more.

Locally Grown History Maps and Passports are available at Squires Tavern or any of the other participating sites. Stop by to have your passport stamped!

The program culminates at the UCONN Torrington campus on Sunday, October 19th, 2008 with a forum, "Locally Grown Stories: Context and Connections". A keynote address will be presented by Carl Nold, President of Historic New England and then move into concurrent forums focused on the following topics:

From Hills to Mills: The Power of Geography in Connecticut History
Religion's Role and Impact on Connecticut History
Immigration in Connecticut
Stories Told Through Letters

Between sessions forum attendees will be able to view table top displays from participating sites. The forum will conclude with a Round-table discussion, "Teaching with Local Treasures: The World In Your Backyard", moderated by Walt Woodward, Connecticut State Historian.

For more information please see the Locally Grown History Website. Be sure to check the events page for specially scheduled venue events and links.

Archaeology Volunteers Sought

2008-08-14T03:35:00Z

The Barkhamsted Historical Society in cooperation with the Colebrook Historical Society is actively seeking volunteers who are interested in working on an archaeological dig. The Revolutionary War era Richard Smith forge is of significant historical value because of its role during the Revolutionary War. The forge, built in 1771, was one of the first in the Colonies to produce steel. Steel was used to produce drill bits capable of drilling the barrels of canons used during the war. Production of steel was a British secret which Richard Smith carried with him from England. Iron was also produced at the forge.

The dig is being led under the direction of archaeologist Marc Banks and is being cooperatively financed by Barkhamsted Historical Society, The Colebrook Historical Society, The Colebrook Land Conservancy, and The Farmington River Coordinating Committee. The site is located just over the Barkhamsted line in Colebrook. The project is dedicated to the memory of Walt Landgraf.

If you are interested in participating please contact rich@barkhamstedhistory.org for dates and times.

Attached at the bottom of this post, as a PDF file, is the 2007 Archaeological Investigation Interim Report for more information.

Below are some photos of the artifacts recovered from the dig.

The Still River provided the power to turn wheels used to operate the hammers and bellows of the forge. A race on the other side of the rock outcrop in the right of the picture diverted water to wheels on the west side of the forge.

Lamp glass (upper left) and various bottle glass shards

Iron Fragments

Kaolin Pipe Fragments

Shoe buckle fragment

Cuff link

Wrought nails

Fleur-de-lis cuff links and base

This is not the actual coin found as it is still being cleaned. Marc Banks removed some of the dirt from the coin and while it is very corroded, it appears to be a variety minted between 1746-1754 (GORGVIS on obv.). This photo is of a British half penny of that vintage.

Historical Society Program on CCC and Visit to Camp White

2008-07-25T11:37:00Z

On July 19, 2008 the Barkhamsted Historical Society hosted a program on the Civilian Conservation Corp in Connecticut, and toured a CCC camp that was located in Barkhmasted. Marty Podskoch was the featured speaker. Marty is currently gathering information on the CCC program in Connecticut and gave a slide show and talk at the Barkhamsted Senior Center. About 30 people attended the program, which covered CCC life and the many CCC camps located in Connecticut. After Marty's program, we toured Camp White, located about a mile up the road from the Senior Center, in American Legion State Forest. There are still remnants of the buildings and parade grounds that can be seen at Camp White, which was opened in late 1933 and closed in early 1942.

Photo above- Marty Podskoch discusses the Civilian Conservation Corp in Connecticut on July 19, 2008 at the Barkhamsted Senior Center. Marty is currently researching the topic and plans to publish a book on the CCC. After the program the group toured Camp White, a CCC camp that was located in Barkhamsted and was active from 1933 to 1942.

Connecticut Open House Day - Saturday June 14, 2008

2008-06-05T22:22:00Z

Connecticut Open House Day - Saturday June 14, 2008
Connecticut Open House Day is a special state-wide event sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. On Saturday, June 14, 2008 a variety of cultural organizations and tourism attractions throughout the state will be open to visitors, inviting them to discover Connecticut's fascinating world of art, history and film. The Barkhamsted Historical Society will participate with special hours on June 14. The Squire's Tavern will be open from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. and will have a special exhibit of photos by Paul Kramarchyk. The photos are of historic houses from Pleasant Valley up to Riverton (mostly on West River Road). Our 1846 "friendship" quilt will also be on display. In addition we will have docents available to provide guided tours of the Squire's Tavern. Refreshments will also be available and there is no admission charge. Please include us on your visits to the variety of participating museums and organizations on Connecticut Open House Day!

2008 program series completed.

2008-05-01T22:20:00Z

2008 program series ended May 9, 2008. Hope you didn't miss them!
The Historical Society wrapped up our annual program series for 2008. Held on the second Friday of the month from February to May, the programs were well attended and we hope you were able to make it to at least some of them. The program were all at the Senior Center in Pleasant Valley, about a mile up West River Road from the bridge. This year topics included:

Friday, February 8, 2008
Colebrook Forge Archaeology. Dr. Marc Banks discussed the Colebrook Forge and the archaeology work done on the site located near Riverton. The forge was built in 1771 and operated for about 40 years. Pig iron was brought to the forge from an iron furnace in Salisbury. The iron was then further refined at the Colebrook forge and made into a variety of products including ship anchors. The site also was one of the first to produce steel in the colonies.

Friday, March 14, 2008
The Forgotten Town. Erik Landgraf presented the story of the community in Barkhamsted Hollow where farms, businesses and a small village were located before the Saville Dam was built, creating the Barkhamsted Reservoir. Those crossing the Dam can look to the north and wonderful scenery including water, trees and mountains. Erik will show us what was there before the water.

Friday, April 11, 2008
People of Wattunkashausep. Cynthia Griggs covered the culture of Native Americans living in the area of the Farmington River Valley. The Farmington River has been a wonderful resource over the years, drawing recreational users and providing water power for early mills. Cynthia discussed the residents of the river valley living there in an earlier time.

Friday, May 9, 2008
Colonial Herb Gardening. Mike Day used potted herb plants in a discussion of how they were used historically for a variety of purposes. Those attending had a chance to smell or taste the herbs and learn the many uses of these plants in the daily lives of colonial Americans.