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Christmas in Derby was a special time |
| The News-published several personal Christmas stories in Thursday’s paper. One written by the late Gladys (Yates) Coultas and provided by Geneva Heath arrived to late for That issue. It is printed here for our Dec. 25 issue. Here, Coultas describes a Derby Christmas in approximately 1910. |
| Mogan Brothers Store in Derby was the social center for a large number Those living near the river got their mail at Derby, for it was easier to row-across the river in a John boat than to ride or walk to Chcnault or “Little Dixie” the nearest Kentucky post-office. They traded here and enjoyed the social life of dances, picnics, shows, and church in the Methodist or Catholic churches. Most every commodity needed in that day could be found in Mogan or Hargis store. If something was ‘wanted and was not in stock a phone call was made to a wholesale house in Louisville. The next day this article would be on the boat from Louisville. Mail also came by boat. Christmas was always celebrated by a community tree and Play.. A small fee was charged for admission for the upkeep of the Derby Cemetery.The most talented persons around Derby presented the play. It was well given and well received. This was the only show in the year except those given on the show boats. In late summer the river would get so low the boats could not run but Mogan’s store had barrels of salt, sugar, coffee, coal oil, and other staples. By late September everyone was wishing for rain so the boats could run again, for we wanted candy fruit togs, and gifts for Christmas. The Raihs always came.A few days before Christmas the men put a beautiful cedar tree in place near the stage in the spacious “Social Hall.” (upstairs over the store) Then they put boards on wooden egg cases to make seats for the large crowd that attended. On Christmas Eve the coal oil lights were filled and put in place around the wall. They had silver looking reflectors which improved the light. The local ladies had picked up the gifts marked “tree” from the stores lay away (which the customers had intended for the tree.) They placed them on and around the tree. The breakable gifts were placed on a nearby table. Most gave gifts to friends or family without the givers name. This made much guessing as to the giver. Some parents took gifts for their children so when the gifts were called from the tree, the child would not feel left out.When the curtain went down and the play was over, the big moment had come. Some man would call the name written on the gift and the older children would deliver it to the happy owner. If the toy was large it was unwrapped so the children could see it. The caller would say “a red wagon,” shining new skates or whatever for someone. After the last gift was given out and the tree stood stripped string and paper scattered about the hall everyone went home to wait for Santa Claus. 0n Christmas morning we were so happy for Santa Claus had come and left some presents. We were so pleased with the oranges, which we had, only, at that time of year. All members of the family tried to make it home for Christmas. The dinner was delicious – a big fat hen with dressing, vegetables, pickles, mince pie, and a fresh coconut cake. |
| Neighbors called in the afternoon with Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Greetings. |