Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 79, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 December 1916 — New Years Day In Grandfather’s Time [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

New Years Day In Grandfather’s Time

IN our grandfather’s time—and before him for a score of generations—New- Year's day was celebrated Lu a most delightful manner. It was really a field day for romance. Many a- troth lias been hastily plighted as a result of a seemingly formal .New Year's call, many a man and maid have seen each other for the first time on this day. Tlie old fashioned New Year's celebration— tlie normal, healthy, happy,

sane and delightful observances of the going of the old and coming of the new twelve month always started off with an informal social gathering on New Year’s eve. People divided themselves into groupsof friends. One year they would all go- to the house of one, the next year to the house of ah other. They used to gather about 9 o’clock. There

was nothing formal about these parties. They were there for a good old fashioned social time. Tlie women chatted together of home and babies. The girls chattered together of benTix and balls, and the men sat over mugs of toddy and, comfortable with their pipes, told stories. - Just before midnight the harpsichord was moved into the center of t he room

Tlie gin - ts gathered about arid s a ii g ; s o il gs. Hymns, ballads and old folk songs were enjoyed.' Then when midnight came the host, unless a clergyman was present, repeated a short prayer, giving thanks for favors of the past year and asking Providence to shower blessings upon them all during tlie coming twelvemonth “in accordance with thy divine will.” Another song, another drink in

which all stood and drank to each other, and they dispersed. And when they awakened on the following morning their heads w r ere clear ahd their hearts glad, for they had greeted the New Year and they had given thanks at the midnight hour to Providence. The celebration had then only begun. As early as 9 o'clock in the morning

services were held i n the (lurches, and every onejwent. It was a short service—a hymn, a prayer, a ten minute talk on making the most of the new year and then the people flocked homeward. After that came the round of New Year calls. People went afoot, on horseback, in their carriages, and some in coaches. The women remained in the home. They served the callers with cakes and wine. By nightfall ev-

ery one in town or city had called upon his friends and relatives. In the evening there were balls and parties, and a great New Year's cake, baked especially for the occasion, wa.<i always served. Today the paper boy does your paper up into a wad and tosses it up beside your front door. That is all. The let-

ter ca rrier makes his single holiday trip and hurries on. anxious to complete/ hi* work. But in the good old days, in the days when romanceand sail ity and real joy all went to make up an enjoyable New Year's day, the newsboys used to deliver an attractive" carrier’s address. This was a New Year’s poem of greeting. Sometimes it was from a well known poem, but more frequently it was written for the occasion. And the faithful car-

tier always received something at every house along his route. Boston Herald.

Many a Troth Has Been Hastily Plighted.

The Guests Gathered About and Sang Songs.

Every One Went to Church.

This Was a New Year's Poem.