On the 4th Day of Christmas Past,
Question: What unexpected problems could not dim the enjoyment during two Pioneer Christmas Celebrations?
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“December 25, 1877 (Southeastern Nevada) “
“As the first year of settlement ended in the little town of Bunkerville, twenty-three people made up the community. It had been a struggling year, with no time for fun or recreation in the face of a serious effort for sheer survival. But the crops had been good, so it was decided to celebrate with a dance.
A few rude kerosene lamps gave some illumination, and music was supplied by Ithamar Sprague playing his accordion. Settlers came from near and far and admission was paid in potatoes, pumpkins, squash, or other produce, which was piled near the musician’s stand.
Big tables groaned under stacks of refreshments for the dancers, who tromped and stamped with thankfully huge work shoes and not slippers, because of the rough planking used as a dance floor to keep from kicking up all the dust on the ground. They loved to dance and this was their first opportunity in more than a year.
They danced with such enthusiasm that unexpectedly rough pine splinters would slough off the make shift dance floor and would build up. Splinters started to be flicked every which way at all the dancers. Every few minutes the dancing had to be paused for the floor to be cleared away, removing all the splinters so it wouldn’t continue to become kicked into anyone’s eyes or skin. The dancing continued until daybreak, when weary couples sorted out their own slumbering children from the heap in back of the musician and made their way to their homes out in the sagebrush.”
“1907 La Verkin, Utah”
By Sarah A. Sanders
“The La Verkin LDS Ward had their first Christmas party and program in 1907. Bishop Morris Wilson Jr., hauled a cedar tree in from the foothills. The butt of the tree was thrust into a hub of a wagon wheel which served as a stand. They decorated the tree with threaded popcorn, colorful homemade paper chains and wax candles. They bought mosquito netting from Isom’s store in Virgin City and made bags which were filled with nuts and candy as gifts for the children.
The eyes of the children sparkled when the candles were lit and the program was presented. Then old Santa appeared to distribute the sacks of candy and nuts. His cotton beard caught on fire while he was removing the candy from the tree. Mrs. Joseph Bubler began clawing the burning cotton from Old Santa and scratched his face. Although Santa’s helper lost his disguise, no serious injury was caused and everyone still enjoyed the party.”
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