Record #:

22845

Author(s):

Kammerer, Roger

Abstract:

Christmas was a lot different in the 1880s than it is today. In Greenville, merchants sold Florida oranges with other fruits, turkey, oysters and everyone's favorite--whiskey. Social activities of the day included the usual dances, balls, hops, and Germans, interspersed with late suppers, jousting tournaments, different religious celebrations, and bands with singers. In 1883, Col. Isaac A. Sugg, a local capitalist, bought all the fireworks in town and on Christmas Day gave them away to all the kids. There was a parade by the Rough and Ready Fire Company, serenaded by cornet and brass bands. The Post Office was even open for a short time on Christmas Day.

Source:

Greenville Times / Pitt's Past (NC Microforms), Vol. Issue , Dec 5-18 1990, p9

Subject(s):

Christmas--History--Greenville