“Here we come a-wassailing among the leaves so green…”
traditional Christmas Carol
On the Sunday afternoon of Dec. 6, as dusk began to fall on the buildings of Salmon Brook Historical Society (SBHS), more than 50 society members and their guests gathered to welcome the holiday season.
The society’s Weed-Ender’s House (1790) and Abijah Rowe House (1732) were dressed for the occasion. Holly, yew, and white pine boughs lay across the mantels of four fireplaces. Candles shone from every window, top to bottom, and a tree sparkled white in the parlor.
Vintage punch bowls held a choice of libation, described in the society’s invitation as “non-alcoholic or fully charged.” Mary and Phil Main had once again composed their signature “charged” Wassail punch, a potent drink with a bourbon touch. Tables throughout the two houses were covered with cheeses and shortbread and prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, dates stuffed with goat cheese then wrapped with bacon, and hot juicy meatballs.
Conversations were animated. Cell phones were forgotten. It was a time to relax before the hustle and bustle of coming weeks, a time to savor old friends and greet those as yet unknown. These were people who revere the past and persevere to keep it available for present day seekers.
It was fully dark when the guests were gone. The two old homes were left to dream of holiday seasons from centuries past. In those times, fires would have been crackling warmly on all the hearths. And there may have been a flute and a fiddle and dancing. But the spirit would have been the same: seasonal jollity among those of good will.
Become a member of SBHS and come to our Wassail Party next December. Membership forms may be picked up on Tuesday or Thursday mornings at 208 Salmon Brook Street between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. or visit the website at salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com
