Years Ago in Paulding County
By: MELINDA KRICK
Christmases Past
From the Antwerp Gazette, Dec. 28, 1871:
Christmas comes but once a year, but never before has “old Santa” presented himself in a more cheerful array than the Christmas just past. We picked up our old hat to start for home when the most musical voice, and cheeriest face presented itself before us. We were not alarmed, for it was Old Santa Claus himself, calling for our humble self to attend him on a “tour of observations.”
We sallied forth, and walked up and down the street, he giving us good advice all the while, when he broke out rather abruptly with “what do you intend buying?” He seemed to be making a stride for some particular point, when suddenly we entered the fine hardware establishment of Gordon Bros. Here the old fellow bought most lavishly of skates, tinware cutlery, notions, etc. remarking there was such a variety he would make no choice and he dumped them into his sack. We left and entered McDaniels drug store. Old Santa Claus threw done some greenbacks, filled up with toys, notions, perfumery, etc., and took his departure.
We ended our way down street and entered the exclusive store of J.J. Shirley. Here, said Old Santa, is what suits me. Plenty of calico and flannel to clothe the poor – and to our utter astonishment he threw down a roll of bills, all of which he invested for the poor.
Applegates was next visited, and oh! what a display of candy, candy toys, nuts, cigars, etc. Nice things for gentlemen. And oh, heavens! the little folks! Here he bought a basket full.
At Zuber’s Santa Claus seemed delighted, and took down a list of things as long as your arm, and wanted more.
After meandering all over town we returned to the office. Old Santa said he must bid us adieu, and left, but not until he had subscribed for the Gazette for 1872.
From the Paulding Democrat, Jan. 6, 1876:
Christmas and New Years days have passed, quietly in some respects, and in others not so quiet. The Odd Fellows had a supper at the Ellsworth Exchange for the purpose of replenishing their treasury.
On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the “young folks tripped the light (and heavy) fantastic toe” in Shirley’s Hall.
The usual number of drunken brawls occurred; Capt. Wilkison was knocked down and his face kicked out of shape by a worthless rough.
Antwerp Gazette, Dec. 21, 1876:
Christmas Centennial Party! At Shirley’s Hall, Antwerp, Monday evening, Dec. 25th. A cordial invitation extended to all who those who wish to “trip the light fantastic toe,” to attend a German and English ball at the above named time and place, in honor of the closing of the Centennial year. Refreshments will be served at the St. Cloud hotel. Tickets per couple, including supper, $2. Music by Prof. H. Thungmartin’s string band of Fort Wayne. Managers, O.S. Applegate, Jno. S. Snook.
Paulding Democrat, Dec. 23, 1880:
Do not fail to be present at the courthouse on Christmas Eve, to enjoy a good supper and see the grand Christmas trees; also, bring your presents that you want to give your friends.
The Christmas tree at Mrs. Pursel’s new store is splendid. Call and see it.
Paulding County Gazette, Jan. 1, 1885:
Mrs. A.B. Holcombe had a very beautiful Christmas tree for her daughter, Kitten.
Christmas night, Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Gasser were sitting by their parlor fire, thinking of the gratified look of surprise that had overspread the countenances of “the little ones” as they were taking an inventory of what Santa Claus had left them, when the door was opened and there, loaded down with the good things of this life, were Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Spring, Mr. and Mrs. E.I Prentice, Mr. and Mrs. A. Durfey, Mr. and Mrs. Seth Cullen, Mr. and Mrs. Gil Barnes, Mr. and Mrs.O.F. Kraner, Mr. and Mrs. V.V. Pursel, Mrs. G.A. Henderson, Mrs. C.W. Baughman and Mrs. W.A . Savage. A good time was had.
Paulding Democrat, Dec. 30, 1886:
The Christmas festivities of Hedges consisted of a grand ball given by Warren Omey at the Hedges Hall, supper at the Parrish House. A party of young men and ladies from this place went sleigh riding to Oakwood Christmas afternoon; also a sleigh load went to Dague in the evening.
Melrose, Dague and Antwerp had fights Christmas. All passed off quietly in Paulding.
Paulding Democrat, Dec. 29, 1887:
One hundred people skated on the creek east of Payne Christmas Day.
George Shields of Latty informs us that he sold almost $50 worth of turkeys, ducks, geese and chickens to be devoured on Christmas.
Paulding Democrat, Dec. 18, 1890:
Ryel Bros. will conduct a dance at Paulding Opera House Christmas night. Excellent music will be furnished for the occasion. All well behaved persons will be cordially welcomed.
The big store of E. Bell & Son at Broughton purchased 1-1/2 tons of candy for the holiday trade.
Antwerp Argus, Dec. 25, 1890:
Tonight Capt. Kaufman Camp Sons of Veterans will give a select hop at the opera house. Invitations are issued, and if you are not invited don’t go.
Christmas Weather Proverbs: A warm Christmas, a cold Easter. A green Christmas makes a fat graveyard. A wind on Christmas Day, trees will bring much fruit. If ice will bear a man before Christmas, it will not bear a man afterward. If the sun shines through the apple-tree on Christmas Day, there will be an abundant crop the following year.
Paulding Democrat, Dec. 25, 1890:
John Eibling, who lives in the extreme southwest corner of Benton Township, walked to town Monday, 17 miles, to pay his taxes, and returned home the same day. It was a pretty long trip, but Mr. Eibling is a stout, energetic young man, and didn’t seem to mind it much.
Paulding County Republican, Dec. 31, 1891:
The supper given by the Jackson Grange was attended by a large crowd of people that was anxious to view the Christmas tree and partake of the oysters, cake and pie. Boys, if you persist in drinking liquor, you will have to go somewhere else than the Grange hall, as the Grange has been annoyed long enough and will not tolerate it any longer.
Joe Reiniche gave the “sports” of Tate’s Landing a shooting match, Christmas. The weapons used, however, were not explosive.
They tripped the light fantastic toe at McGregor’s at Junction Christmas Eve. Dancing is now a popular amusement here.
Paulding County Republican, Dec. 27, 1900:
Richards Band serenaded the business houses of the town Christmas afternoon. It was pretty cold on the fingers, but the boys made good music just the same.
Paulding Democrat, Dec. 23, 1909:
Just received, a fine lot of holly, at Moore & Bashore’s.
Christmas trees, already mounted at Northrup’s grocery. Holly, only 15 cents per pound.
There will be a Christmas entertainment held at the M.E. Church, Junction, Saturday evening, Dec. 25; and also one at the Reformed Church, Junction, Friday evening, Dec. 24.
Bart Richards of Haviland is heeding the advice of the weather man by putting up a fine lot of ice during this month. J.R. Seiders is also picking a line lot of ice for retail trade.
Paulding Democrat, Dec. 25, 1913:
Christmas precautions: Paper, cotton and other inflammable materials should not be used on Christmas trees, as they make take fire from the candles and a happy Christmas may end in disaster. Do not use cotton to represent snow; if you must have artificial snow, use asbestos fiber.
Paulding County Republican, Dec. 31, 1914:
On Christmas Day, Drs. Fauster and Huston performed an operation on Mr. Edward Haines of West Harrison Street. Mr. Haines is getting pretty well advanced in age, being 84, but stood the trying ordeal very well.
There was a nice large crowd at the Lutheran Church on Christmas Eve to hear “The First Christmas,” a cantata, rendered by the choir. It proved rather surprising that a church with so small a regular congregation could render such a difficult selection in such a pleasing manner.
