Christmases past in Boise: Dancing, gifts and good cheer at lively celebrations

A “Grand Christmas Ball” was held at Boise City’s Overland House on Dec. 26, 1864. It was held the day after Christmas out of deference to what was widely considered to be a “holy day.” A general invitation was extended to the public by committees of arrangements in Idaho City as well as in Boise. “Good music will be in attendance, and good order will be preserved.”

“The finest supper ever spread in this country, to be sure that no one shall go away displeased. With splendid music and pretty ladies an elegant time is anticipated. Sleighs will be in readiness, to be found at the hotel or Riggs & Agnew’s to convey, to and from, all who wish to attend.”

Three days later the Idaho Tri-Weekly Statesman was still glowing with memories of the event: “The Christmas Ball at the Overland House on Monday night eclipsed anything of the kind ever held in Boise City. Most perfect good order prevailed through the whole night. A driving storm of mixed rain and snow did not keep the ball from being crowded to its utmost. There were from 75 to 80 couples present. Never were ladies more lovely and gay no gentlemen more gallant, and when daylight reminded them too soon that the merry hours had flown, all joined to wish that they might see many another such a merry Christmas.”

“Christmas was generally observed by our citizens in a manner becoming a Christian community,” wrote the Statesman, contrasting it with what went on all too often in other places. “Shooting matches, horse-races, dog-fights, and man-fights, with a fearful consumption of bad whisky, are the usual popular sports throughout California and Oregon on that day. There was none of that sort in Boise City, but instead thereof numerous family gatherings and social parties were had all over the city, which, while they set no bad examples nor confirm any bad habit, do make the people better acquainted with each other and strengthen the ties of friendship in the community. May every Christmas be as well-spent. Episcopal service was held by Rev. M. Fackler at the schoolhouse in the morning.”

In 1865 a Christmas tree was a feature “free to all who wish to communicate through it with their friends. A committee will be in attendance at the hall from two to four o’clock in the afternoon that day, to receive presents and put them on the tree. The public will be invited to attend.”

The Sunday school concert evoked this comment: “The little miss who sang ‘If I Were a Sunbeam’ possesses a voice of rare richness, and will someday afford her friends great delight with warbles of her song.”

On Christmas Eve in 1865: “About fifty couple partook of the hospitality of the officers at Fort Boise. It was the first annual sociable given at the Fort, and was in every way worthy the liberality of Uncle Sam’s ‘boys in blue.’ The supper was well and tastefully gotten up, moistened with much wine. The spacious hall was brilliantly illuminated and tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens, and at either end large fireplaces piled with blazing fir wood gave it appearance and air of comfort rarely seen outside of a New England sitting room. The dancing continued until daylight peeped over the hills.”

This story was originally published December 20, 2019 at 8:10 PM with the headline "Christmases past in Boise: Dancing, gifts and good cheer at lively celebrations."