~ Christmas Past ~
The Road Ranche: December 1861
Menck Cabin: Christmas on the plains of the Nebraska Territory could be very different than what settlers experienced in their former homes to the East. Friends and family gather together and create, as best they can, a festive holiday. The year is 1861, and simplicity is the rule, but the stove is as warm as the company, so be sure and stop by and witness how these hardy folks celebrate the season.
MEMBERS NIGHT ONLY - Vieregg Cabin: A hearty buffalo meat stew is on the stove providing a mouth-watering aroma as you enter this rarely open to the public cabin. Enjoy the smells while you assist with the preparations of hand made ornaments on this one night only.
Railroad Town: December 1897
In 1897, a bit of prosperity has begun to return to the plains. Homes and businesses reflect the improved conditions on their celebration of the season.
MEMBERS NIGHT ONLY - Join us for a tree lighting ceremony at the bandstand as dozens of candles are lit on the tree in the center of the bandstand. This event is weather permitting - we will hope there is no wind!
Stolley House: The ladies are bustling about preparing for the holiday festivities, but they do enjoy a nice visit. Gifts for the holiday have been carefully stored away in a secret spot. If they are not too busy with cooking, perhaps they will let you peek.
Fonda House: The stockings are all hung up, but there is no chimney! The children are underfoot and the ladies simply must have the food ready for tomorrow and needs your help. With any luck, she can get the children off to bed early so that she can finish her preparations in peace. Perhaps you will be able to help her complete her chores.
Lesher House: Tired of all the exotic decorations of last Christmas, Mrs. Nelson has decided to return to her more traditional decorating with a nice table-top tree front and center. The house girls will be kept hopping with the many visitors who stop in to see Mrs. Nelson and they will very likely ask for your help with decorating the tree. Be sure and ask to see the latest treasure her son has sent from his travels - a collection of exotic spices.
Milisen House: Have you ever made a Christmas scrap ornament? The dining table is covered over with brown paper and the glue is out for you to try your hand at this fun holiday activity. Your new ornament will look lovely on your tree at home! In the kitchen, Mrs. Butler is crowing over her newly installed stove while she prepares food for family members who will be arriving for the holidays.
Blacksmith Shop: Blacksmith Dack is busy working in spite of the holiday. He is not very fond of Christmas because of all the extra work.
Tin Shop: The order is in from the Mercantile and Mr. Miller has set up to make a plethora of tinsicles and he needs your help! Try your hand at twisting a tinsicle and perhaps Mr. Miller will let you take a sample home.
Amanda Glade Millinery & Dressmaking: The new holiday line of hats is ready, so stop in and see them!
Depot: The Silver Dollar has branched out and is offering cookies and hot drinks for sale at the Depot. Stop in and warm up by the stove as you sip your hot drink.
Planing Mill: The boys in the Mill are busy with special Christmas orders, but they are always ready to take time for a visit!
Hardware Store: Baseburners, ice skates and sleds are the order of the day as the last minute for shopping quickly approaches! Stop in to see the fine line of goods available and take some time to warm up by the fire.
Wagon Rides: Mr. DeMaranville and his horses, Bill and Josh, are ready to take you on a crisp ride around town for just $1!
Peters School: Miss Vollnogle has cut extra strips of paper for the paper chains. Help decorate the school and Town Hall Christmas trees for the holiday socials or take your paper chain home for your own tree!
Town Hall: Father Christmas is here and waiting to hear from all the little ones! Also, it’s time for the annual Women’s Relief Corps Christmas Bazaar. They are raising funds for a permanent Grand Army of the Republic marker commemorating the soldiers who fought for their country. Support their cause at the Town Hall!
General Mercantile Emporium: The newspapers are full of advertisements for the stores in nearby Grand Island, and Mrs. Kolbo is not to be outdone! Among many offerings are:
Music boxes
Queen Anne vases
Jeweled boxes
Butterfly pins
Timepieces
Holiday Ornaments
Dolls
Scented Soaps for both Ladies and Gentlemen
Christmas Candies
Gentlemen’s Hats – Toppers and Derbies
Many items locally produced by Railroad Town’s own Blacksmith, Tinsmith and Millwright are among many other good things for the season at prices you can afford to pay.
Silver Dollar Cafe: Mrs. McManaman has plenty of hot drinks and sweet treats available for purchase by all at Railroad Town’s renowned eating establishment.
Traveler’s Home Boarding House: Enjoy holiday music and join in caroling while you warm up in the Boarding House.
NEW! Dr. Deffenbaugh’s House: Dr. Deffenbaugh has left for the holidays but has rented his house out to Dr. Harvey and his family.
Telephone Exchange: Mrs. Buettner and her daughter are making more candy and the smells are powerful! Who would think you could make candy from vinegar.
The Rural Community: December 1900
Cleary Farmhouse: Savor the aromas of favorite Irish dishes, like Cider Loaf or Irish stew or Shepard’s Pie. Enjoy the friendly warmth of the stove and the sounds of carols at the piano as the family prepares a holiday feast. Admire the lovely feather tree, and be sure to look for the pickle!
Eakes Family, Windolph Family, Hired Man’s House: Stop by the Hired Man's House and enjoy seeing the family as they prepare their Christmas dinner filled with their traditional favorites. Listen to beautiful, guitar music and help decorate the Christmas tree.
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church: The Ladies Circle, with Mrs. Hughes in charge, is preparing for the annual Christmas service and choir practice is underway. Listen in or join along with the singing!
Rural School: The schoolmaster is making paper ornaments, paper chains and snowflakes to decorate for the holidays! Stop by and help him out!
~ Christmas Present ~
Stuhr Building: December 2007
The sights and sounds of Christmas Present abound as you enter the Stuhr Building! The entire building is bedecked with greenery, as the Fantasy of Trees, fills both floors of the building, a twinkling vision to delight all ages with over 50 competitively decorated Christmas trees! A variety of live contemporary holiday music performances are scheduled to bring joy to your ears!
Shoppers will find all their unique gift-giving needs fulfilled in the Stuhr Building’s Prairie Treasures Gift Shop is featuring hand blown glass ornaments, a unique selection of books for children and adults, made in Nebraska food products, plus much, much more. Become a member and receive 10% off your gift shop purchases!
Santa has brought his sleigh and will be nestled upstairs in the Stuhr Building to hear the wishes of one and all. For only $1, capture the moment and have a picture taken with Santa.
NEW! Stop up at Kids Corner on the second floor of the Stuhr Building for a very special experience and take some time to write and mail a letter to Santa.
NEW! Static Railroad Display: Do you like stories? Get your boarding pass in the Stuhr Building and come on over to the Railroad Display just across from the Stuhr Building and enter the Bosselman Family, Hoch Family, Union Pacific Boarding Car for a very special holiday story. You might get a surprise! Bring a commercially canned item and help us stuff the train car full for the Hall County Food Pantry.
**Due to State Health Department regulations, food demonstrations and displays are not for public consumption.
Nebraska's Outstanding Event 2004
awarded by the Nebraska Division of Travel & Tourism
