OUR TOWN: CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN THE

NEIGHBORHOOD

McFaddin-Ward House Christmas Interpretation 2012

OUR TOWN: CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN THE

NEIGHBORHOOD

“Homes, Churches, Hospitals, Jails All Celebrate Christmas”

“Beaumont’s 57,000, joined by the intangible spirit which pervades

Christmas, celebrated mutually Monday.” — Beaumont Journal,

December 25, 1933

During the first half of the twentieth century, Beaumont was a busy

community at Christmas. Even two world wars and a decade-long

Depression could not dampen the town’s holiday spirit. Each holiday

season brought a variety of events and activities, from caroling around

the city and holiday pageants to community Christmas trees and food

drives that enabled the poor to enjoy the holiday.

“Various groups of carolers will meet at the municipal Christmas tree

at 7 o’clock Christmas Eve and join in singing several Christmas

songs.” — Beaumont Enterprise, December 20, 1925

The McFaddins were active in their community, joining in the charita-

ble spirit of the season as well as the fun. Ida and Mamie worked close-

ly with their church and charitable organizations. Mamie personally

bought and wrapped gifts for the young girls at the Beaumont Day

Nursery. Both women also remembered their domestic employees,

office personnel, and even sales people with gifts at Christmas.

The Front Porch

The porch was an ideal spot for entertaining. In 1911 Ida and W.P.H.

gave a “porch dance” for Mamie, then 15, and her friend Leonora

Norvell.

“The merry throng danced out the Christmas season and welcomed

the New Year.” — Beaumont Enterprise, January 1, 1912

Beaumont homes and business were always decorated for the holi-

days. By the 1930s, colored outdoor lights were available to further

brighten the local scene. Ida and Mamie made sure that their home

was lighted up each Christmas.

“Glow of Soft-Colored Lights Illuminates Numerous Yards in City

As Result of Contest” — Beaumont Enterprise, December 20, 1936

“Tiny colored electric lights make your home a message of holiday

good wishes and cheer.” — Beaumont Journal, December 21, 1934

Entrance Hall “In a hay-filled truck loaned them by Carroll Ward the girls and

boys [from the YMCA] rode down Calder Avenue caroling in front of

the homes….Mrs. McFaddin and Mr. and Mrs. Carroll E. Ward invited

the girls and boys in for fruit cake.” — Beaumont newspaper, Decem-

ber, 1944.

Collections: Sleigh bells (restored 2011)

White fox fur on bench

Props: Christmas postcards (copies from MWH archives)

Mamie McFaddin

Ward, ca. 1919

Parlor

At Christmas, the parlor needed only fresh flowers, such as roses and

poinsettias, to set off its ornate rose-and-gilt décor. The real roses set

off the handpainted roses on walls and ceiling.

Dining Room

McFaddins and Wards often entertained friends during the holidays.

“Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Ward will entertain a group at the W.P.H.

McFaddin home, at which time Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Kinney of Cleve-

land, Ohio, Miss Ruth Bassett of New Britain, Connecticut, Mr. and

Mrs. Douglas Monroe of Oklahoma City and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Latta

will be honored.”– Beaumont Journal, December 31, 1930

Collections: Limoges (France) china

Baltimore Rose flatware

Stemware and salt and pepper shakers made of glass

with gold oxide paint

Silver and mother-of-pearl carving set

Cutwork tablecloth and napkins

Butler ’s Pantry

When the McFaddins and Wards entertained, this room was one of the

busiest in the house. After Louis Lemon had prepared one of his deli-

cious meals, food was transferred to serving dishes in the butler’s pan-

try before being carried to the dining room by the butler or the maid.

Collections: Blenko tumblers with swizzle sticks on silver Art Deco

tray

Art Glass Pitcher

Breakfast Room

The breakfast room was an ideal space for Ida and Mamie to host small

luncheons during the holidays.

Collections: Red Blenko plates and glasses

Red etched fingerbowls (not Blenko)

Mary Chilton flatware

Cutwork tablecloth & napkins

Ansonia “Gloria Swinger” clock works again!

Portieres are up for first time in several years

Library

During the holidays, the McFaddins enjoyed gathering in the library af-

ter dinner or when friends came to visit.

Collections: Demitasse set

Electric candelabra

Silver coffee service

Sun Porch

Even in the winter, the sun porch was used, as it was a warm, sunny room

during the morning hours, and the McFaddins fitted it with gas heat.

Music Room

The music room would have been a favorite gathering place during the

holidays, especially in the years before radio became available. Music

was an important part of the McFaddins’ world; both Mamie Ward and

her brother Caldwell McFaddin took piano lessons growing up, and Ida

McFaddin sang in her younger years.

Props: ukulele, violin, music stand, sheet music

Master Bedroom

Amid the hustle and bustle of Christmas activities, Ida would have been

glad to relax in the peace and quiet of her bedroom and perhaps put on

her warm silk kimono for a few minutes’ rest.

Collections: quilt on day bed

Kimono on chair

Props: Postcards copied from MWH archives

Green Bedroom

This room is set up for giftwrapping. Each Christmas, Mamie

wrapped most of hers and her mother’s gifts to others. She even

bought and wrapped gifts for the young girls at the Beaumont

Children’s Home.

Collections: quilt on rocker

Scissors

Tape dispenser

Wrapping paper, tape, labels, boxes

Prop: magazine, gifts on floor

Blue Bedroom

The blue bedroom was for guests. McFaddins always welcomed visitors,

especially at Christmas. Sometimes they would come well before Christ-

mas and stay into the New Year. Packing in the early 20th century in-

volved many suitcases and even large trunks, which were often sent on

ahead by train.

Collections: Oshkosh luggage set and all contents

Mink stole, gloves, gold mesh purse

Fondville Ambassador china, Blue Petal pattern

Mary Chilton flatware

Pink Bedroom

Each year Mamie sent out Christmas cards to friends and family.

She was an avid member of the Magnolia Garden Club, and some-

times Carroll gave her an orchid for Christmas.

Collections: Christmas cards copied from MWH archives

Pen

Stamp holder

Fur cape, hat and gloves on bed

Quilt on day bed

Vase for orchid

Kitchen

Eggnog was a McFaddin Christmas tradition, served on Christmas

morning.

Collections: All kitchen equipment, liquor bottles

Porcelain coffee percolator pot

Fruit-of-the-Month Club box

Props: Maxwell House coffee can