Civil War Social Gatherings

[aggie80]

Not much, but it was a pretty early celebration of a birthday, evidently not a common thing before the turn of the century.
The author/editor of the paper was the father, and my 3great grandfather. Ovid, Seneca county, New York.

Ovid Bee - November, 14, 1860
BIRTH-DAY PARTY. -- Young America to the number of thirty or forty, of both sexes, responded to the call of our Freddie, to attend a party, given at her Father's residence, on Wednesday evening last, on the occasion of her twelfth birth-day anniversary. It was a very pleasant affair, and all seemed highly delighted. To see so many of about her own age enjoying themselves to such an extent, was a sight gratifying to behold.

Mrs. Britton made it the occasion of remembering us, by presenting Freddie with a beautify net work head dress, as a birth-day present. This memento, and more particularly the kindness that prompted the gift, will long be remembered -- as well as the many smiling faces there assembled.

[tamaroa]

Stephanie,

If you have time run to your local library. If you are from a state that was in existence during the Civil War, your library should have microfilm copies of local papers of the era. Read them, you will find constant references to church and social gatherings, anniversary's of churches etc. The papers are always full of social items in those days. There are also some great advertisements in the papers about everything from shoes, to pills to cure everything, tonics, lineaments, etc. A lot of very interesting social items can be gleaned from the papers of the day.

Bill