IF THIS HOUSE COULD TALK - Blog Post #33 - First Christmas

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Christmas in 1883 was a sad one for Charles.  It was his first Christmas without his wife Sylvia who died in April of consumption. 

Things happened that reminded Charles of the past. He was at the Episcopal church service the first Sunday in December when he remembered how he and Sylvia planned for Christmas last year.  Not having his “dear loving companion to consult with for future pleasure and happiness” this year, Charles talked to his “dearest friend,” his sister Jane, and they concluded that everyone, including Sylvia’s brother John’s family, would pass Christmas Eve at Jane’s home.

In order to get things ready here for Christmas morning, he sent the children to his sister Jane’s house on December 24th.  Charles, somewhat lonesome, went around looking at mementos that reminded him of past happinesses with Sylvia.

Christmas morning was a happy one for the children.  Tinnie, Jennie, and Charlie wandered about with their toys and large dolls singing so sweetly.  The sound of merriment echoed as though there was or never had been any sadness here, Charles recalled. 

Charles had lockets made for Tinnie, Jennie, and Charles as Christmas gifts so that they would remember their dear mother.  The lockets had Sylvia’s picture and the children’s monogram set in diamonds.

The lockets gave Tinnie, Jennie, and Charlie sincere delight and they wore them all day long, They believed as told by Charles that their dear mother sent them by Santa Claus.  They spoke fervently and lovingly of their departed mother.  Thus ended a sad, though happy Christmas day.

In the 1885 photo above, Tinnie, Charlie, and Jennie wear the lockets given to them by Charles for Christmas in 1883 as a remembrance of their mother, Sylvia, who died on April 2, 1883.

 

 

 

Originally posted by Koester House Museum & Gardens via Locable