A glimpse into the Holidays for PA Soldiers’ Orphan School in 1898

In reviewing Annual Reports at the PA Soldiers’ Orphan School at Chester Springs from the historical archives, we recently came across these holiday descriptions from 1898.

“Thanksgiving passed quietly. A most excellent dinner of turkey and all that belongs to a dinner of that kind was given the children. It required 28 Turkeys and some chickens to feed all connected with the institution. Music and some exercises concluded the evening performance.

The dinner on Christmas day was a great event and was heartily enjoyed by all present. The commission had sent an abundance of candy, oranges, nuts and bananas from Harrisburg, and everyone was plentifully supplied with them both on Christmas and New Years. The New Years Dinner was quite an extra one too.

On Christmas evening a most delightful entertainment was given. The principle piece was a beautiful little operetta call “Jack Frost and His Army”. The little “Tots” of the primary also did exceedingly well. The music was good. A very large number of neighbors and friends had seen fit to attend. “

We find it interesting that the local neighbors attended on Christmas night.

Also, oranges and nuts were considered treats and usually filled Christmas stockings.  Oranges were not readily available so very special.  These were gifts as toys were not always available.  In later reports it was mentioned that the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic-a veterans organization) came at Christmas and gave dolls to the girls and other toys to the boys.  In archaeological digs completed on the property, pieces of dolls heads have been found as well as pieces from the game of jacks.

We love sharing these anecdotes from the past that provide a glimpse into past life at Historic Yellow Springs.

The Archives at Historic Yellow Springs are a treasure trove of stories from throughout our 300 year history.