December. A busy time of year for Santa and Mrs. Claus. On Saturday Dec. 2, 2023, the Christmas couple attended the Norwich Christmas Parade. They also participated in the annual Community Carol sing at Gore United Church at Norwich Museum on Wednesday Dec. 6, 2023. A well attended event with 35 people that the Curator, Matthew Lloyd, had to make more copies of the music sheets.
(Image from the Norwich Musical Society Band Facebook)
Norwich Museum Board Member, Ruth Story, an instrumental person for the museum making sandwiches and soups for the Lunch and Learn Program, was the head of the music cantata for the Beachville Church to name a few. She will be greatly missed when she and her husband embark on their new journey moving to Newfoundland next month. Ruth led the sing song accompanied by the Norwich Musical Society Band with conductor Henry who replaced Matthew Nace.
The band played “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” and few other Christmas carols. Afterwards, Curator Matthew read a story from the past. The first one was “Thoughts About Christmas” from Maurice Haley who was born in Springford, Ontario in 1901, who later wrote about his memoirs growing up in a traditional age of rural southwestern Ontario, describing family Christmas in Springford around 1910.”
The band played “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” and few other Christmas carols. Afterwards, Curator Matthew read a story from the past. The first one was “Thoughts About Christmas” from Maurice Haley who was born in Springford, Ontario in 1901, who later wrote about his memoirs growing up in a traditional age of rural southwestern Ontario, describing family Christmas in Springford around 1910.”
Maurice wrote that he enjoyed Christmas the most between the ages of
six and twelve. He had two sisters, one five years older than him and the
other five years younger. The family would alternate spending Christmas
with their Uncle Carl and Aunt Annie Wilcox and three children. Maurice’s
cousin Lloyd, who was around the same age, also had two sisters the same
ages as Maurice’s.
Maurice said the families were poor. The top of a tree was cut for the
Christmas tree where his sisters would make pop corn for decorations
and the star for the tree was cut out of cardboard. All the decorations for
Christmas were handmade. Christmas dinner consisted of home-grown
foods, followed by singing and eating applies and cracking nuts.
At four o’clock, the men had to leave to do chores. Uncle Carl took his
horse and sleigh, and Maurice and Lloyd accompanied him racing behind
the sleigh. Trying to be smart, the boys cut across the school to beat the
horses. However, Carl made the horses go faster and had past the boys.
Uncle Carl stopped a quarter of mile away for them to catch up. Maurice
wrote he didn’t feel so smart afterwards.
The boy’s chores were feeding the chickens and pigs while Uncle Carl
tended to the cows. Maurice recalled chores did not take long since the
cheese factories were closed during the winter and most farmers did not
do much milking. If there was much milk, the women churned it into
butter, some selling to the country stores what was not needed.
Following chores, the women would prepare an oyster supper. The one
food item that was not grown, was bought at the country store. Unlike
today, oysters were cheap and kept in large vats that were scooped up.
Maurice wrote one had to ensure the store owner did not give too much
water and not enough oysters.
Another store-bought item was a toy. Maurice would by a toy for Lloyd
but by the time it was given to him, it was worn out by playing with it.
Maurice always looked forward to next Christmas and the toys he could
buy next year.
six and twelve. He had two sisters, one five years older than him and the
other five years younger. The family would alternate spending Christmas
with their Uncle Carl and Aunt Annie Wilcox and three children. Maurice’s
cousin Lloyd, who was around the same age, also had two sisters the same
ages as Maurice’s.
Maurice said the families were poor. The top of a tree was cut for the
Christmas tree where his sisters would make pop corn for decorations
and the star for the tree was cut out of cardboard. All the decorations for
Christmas were handmade. Christmas dinner consisted of home-grown
foods, followed by singing and eating applies and cracking nuts.
At four o’clock, the men had to leave to do chores. Uncle Carl took his
horse and sleigh, and Maurice and Lloyd accompanied him racing behind
the sleigh. Trying to be smart, the boys cut across the school to beat the
horses. However, Carl made the horses go faster and had past the boys.
Uncle Carl stopped a quarter of mile away for them to catch up. Maurice
wrote he didn’t feel so smart afterwards.
The boy’s chores were feeding the chickens and pigs while Uncle Carl
tended to the cows. Maurice recalled chores did not take long since the
cheese factories were closed during the winter and most farmers did not
do much milking. If there was much milk, the women churned it into
butter, some selling to the country stores what was not needed.
Following chores, the women would prepare an oyster supper. The one
food item that was not grown, was bought at the country store. Unlike
today, oysters were cheap and kept in large vats that were scooped up.
Maurice wrote one had to ensure the store owner did not give too much
water and not enough oysters.
Another store-bought item was a toy. Maurice would by a toy for Lloyd
but by the time it was given to him, it was worn out by playing with it.
Maurice always looked forward to next Christmas and the toys he could
buy next year.
Following the reading, Ruth explained she had a ukulele group that met the first Saturday each month at the Burgessville Library and once a month at Norwich Museum. There were only three players including Ruth, who played “Deck the Halls” and “Jingle Bells” accompanied by the audience singing.
Ruth Story, standing, with two members of the Ukulele Club
Ruth then invited children from the audience to come to the front to ring bells for the singing of “Feliz Navidad”.
Sisters Becky & Lizzy and siblings Aryan with his sister Olivia ringing the bells
Matthew Lloyd read another story. This one was from Mary Yeoman Sweaburg Memories about the Sweaburg Nativity Pageant.
Walter and Gladys Foster Pullen built their home in Sweaburg in 1956.
Walter had a lifelong love of antiques and history. He began collecting
when he was eleven years old. When he and Gladys built their home,
Walter had established a museum full of objects from Canadian history.
Several of his artifacts made their way into the Norwich museum including
the famous horseshoe chair he made in the late 1960s as well as several of the figures from the nativity pageant that were painted by Gladys in the
1950s and ‘60s.
The nativity scene was created by Walter and Gladys in 1959 in their front
yard at Christmas time to bring joy to passersby on Sweaburg Road. They
built a stable with nativity scene and used live sheep, a donkey and heifers
from the barn, with cut out figures painted on plywood by Gladys for the
shepherds, the Wise Men, Mary and Joseph. When she was young, Gladys
took painting lessons in Woodstock from the artist Florence Carlyle.
That first-year people came from miles around, the next year more figures
were added, the Angel and three life like camels. In 1961, the Christmas
project was featured on television. A set was built, cutout figures were
replaced with local children and young people authentically dressed for
their roles. There were no spoken parts, but the nativity story was enacted
with suitable gestures while the blue gowned Sweaburg Choir provided
background music under the direction of George Thornton. The
performance lasted about forty minutes. The steep slope on the front lawn
and the effective lighting made a perfect setting for the drama.
Walter had a lifelong love of antiques and history. He began collecting
when he was eleven years old. When he and Gladys built their home,
Walter had established a museum full of objects from Canadian history.
Several of his artifacts made their way into the Norwich museum including
the famous horseshoe chair he made in the late 1960s as well as several of the figures from the nativity pageant that were painted by Gladys in the
1950s and ‘60s.
The nativity scene was created by Walter and Gladys in 1959 in their front
yard at Christmas time to bring joy to passersby on Sweaburg Road. They
built a stable with nativity scene and used live sheep, a donkey and heifers
from the barn, with cut out figures painted on plywood by Gladys for the
shepherds, the Wise Men, Mary and Joseph. When she was young, Gladys
took painting lessons in Woodstock from the artist Florence Carlyle.
That first-year people came from miles around, the next year more figures
were added, the Angel and three life like camels. In 1961, the Christmas
project was featured on television. A set was built, cutout figures were
replaced with local children and young people authentically dressed for
their roles. There were no spoken parts, but the nativity story was enacted
with suitable gestures while the blue gowned Sweaburg Choir provided
background music under the direction of George Thornton. The
performance lasted about forty minutes. The steep slope on the front lawn
and the effective lighting made a perfect setting for the drama.
The Norwich Society Band played a few more Christmas selections. During the audience’s turn to sing, Ruth got the former Band conductor, Matthew Nace, to explain the story of the Christmas Carol “Good King Wenceslas”. Matthew explained it was not really a Christmas carol but was based on a real person. However, the real King Wenceslas was not popular, but he eventually became a saint. Ruth got the men to sing King Wenceslas’ part in the song while the women sang the page’s part. After the audience sang a few more Christmas carols, Matthew Lloyd read his last story from the book, The Amelia Poldan History of the Norwiches.
Norwich was founded in 1810 by Quakers from Dutchess County, New
York. Quakers did not believe in celebrating ‘holy days’ thinking no one
day was more holy than another, so they did not celebrate Christmas. This
story is from the first winter, 1810, when the few settlers had arrived.
One of the first families to come to Norwich was that of Sears Mott, with
his wife Miriam and their seven children, Jacob being the oldest. At 19
Jacob had his own lot of land on what is now Quaker Street, a little west
of Peter Lossing’s hut. That first winter, Jacob and two other young men
built themselves a shack to live in while they cleared the land for a house
and farm.
Late one afternoon, while they were felling the ancient trees that covered
this land in those days, Jacob’s axe slipped from his cold-numbed hands
and sliced open his foot through the boot. In great pain, he limped back to
the shack with his with his fellows, leaving behind them a bright trail the
blood in the snow.
Back in the hut, as the sun descended below the horizon, one young man
let the fire while another helped Mott remove his bloody boot. With water
bowling on the fire, they cleaned and bound the wound. But in the distance
a new threat sounded: the howling of the wolves who had picked up the
scent of a delicious wounded animal.
Hearing the wolves, the young men barricaded the doors and windows of
their shack. But this was just a temporary shelter, short and surrounded by
trees. The hungry wolves climbed onto the roof and scrambled down the
chimney. Grabbing blazing sticks from the fire, the young men thrust their
brands into the faces of the wolves, driving them back onto the roof.
The good fortune of the men won out. They had built the shack sturdy and
strong to withstand the winter, and the roof did not collapse with the
weight of the beasts. After a sleepless night under siege, the wolves were
driven off hungry into the dawn, and young Jacob Mott learned to keep
better hold of his axe in the future.
York. Quakers did not believe in celebrating ‘holy days’ thinking no one
day was more holy than another, so they did not celebrate Christmas. This
story is from the first winter, 1810, when the few settlers had arrived.
One of the first families to come to Norwich was that of Sears Mott, with
his wife Miriam and their seven children, Jacob being the oldest. At 19
Jacob had his own lot of land on what is now Quaker Street, a little west
of Peter Lossing’s hut. That first winter, Jacob and two other young men
built themselves a shack to live in while they cleared the land for a house
and farm.
Late one afternoon, while they were felling the ancient trees that covered
this land in those days, Jacob’s axe slipped from his cold-numbed hands
and sliced open his foot through the boot. In great pain, he limped back to
the shack with his with his fellows, leaving behind them a bright trail the
blood in the snow.
Back in the hut, as the sun descended below the horizon, one young man
let the fire while another helped Mott remove his bloody boot. With water
bowling on the fire, they cleaned and bound the wound. But in the distance
a new threat sounded: the howling of the wolves who had picked up the
scent of a delicious wounded animal.
Hearing the wolves, the young men barricaded the doors and windows of
their shack. But this was just a temporary shelter, short and surrounded by
trees. The hungry wolves climbed onto the roof and scrambled down the
chimney. Grabbing blazing sticks from the fire, the young men thrust their
brands into the faces of the wolves, driving them back onto the roof.
The good fortune of the men won out. They had built the shack sturdy and
strong to withstand the winter, and the roof did not collapse with the
weight of the beasts. After a sleepless night under siege, the wolves were
driven off hungry into the dawn, and young Jacob Mott learned to keep
better hold of his axe in the future.
Following the reading, Santa and Mrs. Claus made their appearance and informed the group how busy the elves are making toys for Christmas.
Santa & Mrs. Claus at Gore Church
For the last compilation, Ruth divided the audience into twelve sections to sing the Canadian version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. While assigning who would sing each section, someone suggested Ruth should sing “eleven puffins piping,” since she was moving to Newfoundland.
Canada’s version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: two Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the 4th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 4 calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the 5th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: two Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the 4th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 4 calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the 5th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
Some Band members singing 5 Stanley cups from 12 Days of Christmas
On the 6th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: six squirrels curling, 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the 7th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 7 sled dogs sledding, six squirrels curling, 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 8 Mounties marching, 7 sled dogs sledding, six squirrels curling, 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 9 loons canoeing, 8 Mounties marching, 7 sled dogs sledding, six squirrels curling, 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 10 leaves a-leaping, 9 moose canoeing, 8 Mounties marching, 7 sled dogs sledding, six squirrels curling, 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the 11th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 11 puffins piping, 10 leaves a-leaping, 9 moose canoeing, 8 Mounties marching, 7 sled dogs sledding, six squirrels curling, 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 12 cups a-dancing, 11 puffins piping, 10 leaves a-leaping, 9 moose canoeing, 8 Mounties marching, 7 sled dogs sledding, six squirrels curling, 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, three Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
A wonderful and fun rendition that the audience thoroughly enjoyed. Ruth thanked the crowed for coming and invited everyone to warm beverages and treats at the Meeting House, Norwich Museum. (Check out videos on Norwich Musical Society Band's Facebook.)
On the 7th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 7 sled dogs sledding, six squirrels curling, 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 8 Mounties marching, 7 sled dogs sledding, six squirrels curling, 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 9 loons canoeing, 8 Mounties marching, 7 sled dogs sledding, six squirrels curling, 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 10 leaves a-leaping, 9 moose canoeing, 8 Mounties marching, 7 sled dogs sledding, six squirrels curling, 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the 11th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 11 puffins piping, 10 leaves a-leaping, 9 moose canoeing, 8 Mounties marching, 7 sled dogs sledding, six squirrels curling, 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, 3 Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 12 cups a-dancing, 11 puffins piping, 10 leaves a-leaping, 9 moose canoeing, 8 Mounties marching, 7 sled dogs sledding, six squirrels curling, 5 Stanley cups, four calling moose, three Beaver tails, 2 Caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree.
A wonderful and fun rendition that the audience thoroughly enjoyed. Ruth thanked the crowed for coming and invited everyone to warm beverages and treats at the Meeting House, Norwich Museum. (Check out videos on Norwich Musical Society Band's Facebook.)
Mrs. Claus and Santa
Mrs. Claus told me that she and Santa will be visiting the Norwich Public Library on Wednesday Dec. 13th for the Read With Me Program. A busy time for the Clauses.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!
(Photos by Heather A. Rennalls)
(Photos by Heather A. Rennalls)
Quote: “Christmas enters, streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope and singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air." ~ Maya Angelou, "Amazing Peace" ~
RSS Feed
