I decided to pop in on some Idaho newspapers from the past to see what people were saying about Christmas.
In 1867 the Tremont Restaurant was opening for the first time on Christmas day in Idaho City, offering “the best of everything in the best style.”
In 1882, the Wood River Times noted that “The swift hand of time, in turning over the pages of days and months, has brought us around again to the joyful time of Christmas.”
On December 24, 1886, the Idaho County Free Press in Grangeville noted in a column called Sidewalk Prattle that “The stores look like the holiday season these days,” and that “A cold wave is naturally followed by a matrimonial wave.”
The next year, on December 24, the Idaho News in Blackfoot was wishing “A merry Christmas to all our brethren of the Idaho Press,” and noted that the temperature had hit 21 below on Wednesday.
In 1889, the Caldwell Tribune announced a Grand Masquerade Ball to be held in Emmett. “No disreputable persons admitted. Ball tickets including supper, $2.50; spectators $1.00. A grand time is anticipated and everything possible will be done to guarantee it.”
On December 20, 1890, the Ketchum Keystone reported that “Preparations are being made by Mrs. Dr. Ritchie and others for a Christmas tree. It will be erected in Union Congregational Church and the ladies desire that someone volunteer to procure the tree.”
In 1891, Miss Emma Edwards, who had lately designed the Idaho state seal, was selling Idaho Christmas cards “with a photo of some prominent feature of Boise, half concealed with sprays of natural grasses.” The Idaho Daily Statesman noted that the effect was “very pleasing.”
In the Coeur d’Alene Press in 1893 V.W. Sander & Co., a dry goods store, was wishing a Merry Xmas to all in its ad. They had “Holiday goods, including things useful and ornamental for our little ones.” They hoped that “Santa Claus will come in spite of the hard times and make the little folks happy!”
And a happy Christmas to you.
In 1867 the Tremont Restaurant was opening for the first time on Christmas day in Idaho City, offering “the best of everything in the best style.”
In 1882, the Wood River Times noted that “The swift hand of time, in turning over the pages of days and months, has brought us around again to the joyful time of Christmas.”
On December 24, 1886, the Idaho County Free Press in Grangeville noted in a column called Sidewalk Prattle that “The stores look like the holiday season these days,” and that “A cold wave is naturally followed by a matrimonial wave.”
The next year, on December 24, the Idaho News in Blackfoot was wishing “A merry Christmas to all our brethren of the Idaho Press,” and noted that the temperature had hit 21 below on Wednesday.
In 1889, the Caldwell Tribune announced a Grand Masquerade Ball to be held in Emmett. “No disreputable persons admitted. Ball tickets including supper, $2.50; spectators $1.00. A grand time is anticipated and everything possible will be done to guarantee it.”
On December 20, 1890, the Ketchum Keystone reported that “Preparations are being made by Mrs. Dr. Ritchie and others for a Christmas tree. It will be erected in Union Congregational Church and the ladies desire that someone volunteer to procure the tree.”
In 1891, Miss Emma Edwards, who had lately designed the Idaho state seal, was selling Idaho Christmas cards “with a photo of some prominent feature of Boise, half concealed with sprays of natural grasses.” The Idaho Daily Statesman noted that the effect was “very pleasing.”
In the Coeur d’Alene Press in 1893 V.W. Sander & Co., a dry goods store, was wishing a Merry Xmas to all in its ad. They had “Holiday goods, including things useful and ornamental for our little ones.” They hoped that “Santa Claus will come in spite of the hard times and make the little folks happy!”
And a happy Christmas to you.
Some Christmas gift-giving ideas from 100 years ago.
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