Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
CHRISTMAS (Pioneer)
CHRISTMAS (Pioneer). Christmas for Dubuque residents of 1855 was very different from celebrations currently known. While children still hung stockings on Christmas Eve, they found homemade objects the next morning including candy. Young men and women did not exchange expensive gifts. She might make him knitted mittens; he might present her with cloth for a dress. Church services were simple. (1)
The major feature of the celebration was the Christmas Eve Ball at one of the local hotels. A huge dinner would be offered preceding music and dancing. The last of these gatherings of the old settlers was held in 1866. (2)
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Source:
1. "Christmas Much Different Back in Pioneer Times," Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal, August 24, 1930, p. 45