Sec. A Page 24 Missoulian Centennial Community Christmas Observance in 1872
Community Christmas Observance in 1872
An old clipping tells of a community observance of Christmas in 1872 in Missoula.
Leading in the arrangements for the program were the Rev. Thomas C. Iliff, first pastor of the Methodist Church here and Mrs. Iliff. The observance was in the then new frame courthouse with a huge Christmas tree in the courtroom.
The branches were laden with gifts of townspeople from one to another (the population of Missoula was about 250 at the time) and also with lighted candles.
Holiday songs were sung to the accompaniment of one of two pianos in the town, this one the property of A. J. Urlin. Santa Claus popped in on the group to distribute gifts among the youngsters and also helped to see that the adults got those gifts on the tree bearing their names.
Credited with furnishing up-to-date (for that time) toys and gifts for the community were Jacob Leiser, early day variety and toy-store proprietor, and W. H. H. Dickinson, with his Post Office Store.
Christmas Day in those days was observed much as today with attendance at church services and family dinners. Some years on Christmas night there would be a grand ball at the Kennedy House with Dave Polson, violinist, providing the music for the old-time dances. There would be supper near midnight, then dancing again until 4 or 5 in the morning.