Notes From the York County Star, December 28, 1866

Authors

Alfred L. Shoemaker

Document Type

Notes

Files

Date

1950

Keywords

Christmas, Belsnickel, York County, costumes, Africa, aborigines

Description

A handwritten set of notes from the York County Star, transcribed by Alfred L. Shoemaker, originally dated December 28, 1866. Within, the article details the gathering of a large group of costumed "Bellsnickles" as they visited various houses in the region.

Corresponds to:

Packet 52-20

Transcription

York County Star of Dec. 28, 1866

The prominent feature of the evening was the appearance on the streets and in many of the dwellings, of the largest lot of “Bellsnickles” we have ever seen together, numbering thirteen, six males and seven females, dressed in appropriate costumes. These costumes were decidedly rich and exceedingly well gotten up, of their kind. One of the characters represented the aborigines of our country, being clad in a complete suit of Indian uniform and trappings, sent here some time since from the frontier, by a young man from this place. Other countries were also represented, Africa having two or three sable hued phiz's in the troupe. The troupe visited many dwellings, discoursing vocal and instrumental music of diverse sorts, to the great delight and amusement of the juvenile inmates. They met with a courteous reception generally, their conduct being free from much of the rudeness which might naturally have been expected from troupes of their contour.

Begin: Nov. 18, 1858

Rights Statement

This item is available courtesy of the Ursinus College Library Special Collections Department. It is not to be copied or distributed for commercial use. For permissions which fall outside of educational use, please contact the Special Collections Department.

Recommended Citation

Shoemaker, Alfred L., "Notes From the York County Star, December 28, 1866" (1950). Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents. 200.
https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/shoemaker_documents/200