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[4 Nativity Scene, Group of cookies with colorful frost- ing decoration by Mae Gerhard, ¢ Photo courtesy of Museum of Contemporary Crafts of The American Crofts Council LJ ae' a 1 ig } . x bo TA Old Anglican Church, Greenbank, Ontario Now Greenbank Centennial Hall To the people of Port Perry, Reach and o Scugog who supported us so well in 1973 we wish a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Prosperous and Happy New Year LAKE SCUGOG HISTORICAL SOCIETY SCUGOG SHORES HISTORICAL MUSEUM ' py TAY ee NY ee) . N da, ve RS ¥3 3 MR SE , rete WY ¥ batibsmrhdindbe avian dds didi vie atisdiandis can at atst da at abn i wt do mn wl Mid Lea asia awatad Christmas Cookery: Old and New Traditions. In the Baker's Art The first Christmas trees, which originated in Germany, were decorated with Ahpies, symbolizing Adam's fall, and round wafers, representing the Sacred Host, which signi- fied redemption, Later, the apples and wafers were replaced by Christ- mas cookies, which became more and more elaborate through the years. Fancy Christmas cookies were introduced to America in the 18th century by the early German settlers, who counted their old cookie molds, made of clay, tin qr wood, among their most treasured heirlooms. Industrious Pennsylvania Dutch housewives baked then by the washbasketful in such varying shapes as fish, rab- bits, men smoking pipes, horseback riders, hatchet-bear- ing Indians, stars, dolls, and of course all the characters and animals associated 'with the nativity scene. There were even some reindeer which were over a foot long. Until the early part of this century, Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas trees were decorated almost entirely with these edible ornaments and it was part of the celebration to eat from the free all through the Christmas season, so that it was practically bare by Twelfth Night. This cus- tom is still followed in Europe. Outstanding cookie specimens were proudly displayed and used to decorate the windows. Cookies were tucked into Christmas baskets for the poor and it was customary to include several dozen cookies when returning molds that had been borrowed. Many cookies were handed out to the Belsnickles, those costumed visitors, like mummers, who went from house to house checking up on the children's behavior during the year. It is said that some of the Belsnickles were so terrifying that children were known to confess to hitherto unsuspected misdoings. After World War I, as American women began to emerge from the kitchen to go out in the business world and follow more modern pursuits, the practice of making elaborate cookies and breads was largely abandoned. However, a few years ago, The Museum of Contemporary Crafts in New York City put on.an exhibit called "The Baker's Art," which traveled to many cities throughout the country This apparently helped set off a nationwide revival of interest in decorative baking. Some of the most exciting pieces in this exhibition were submitted by Mae Gerhard, a teacher at The Hussian School of Art in Philadelphia. Miss Gerhard, who learned this traditional art from her Pennsylvania Dutch mother, created a beautiful gingerbread creche of more than two dozen pieces from five to six inches tall, all decorated in brilliant Byzantine colors. She has also made large and elaborate working puppets based on Christmas subjects, using a firmer but inedible dough. : "THE TWELVE NIGHTS" In northern Europe, the Teutons observed the winter solstice, calling it Yule. As the nights were long, it was referred to as "the twelve nights." . May its arvival [ill hearts, homes . id J ~ with joy. Thanks for your confidence. D.C. MacMaster VETERINARIAN S Grant Menzies ' Motors and Staff extend to all tmas is a winter wonderland, covered by a blanket of pure white snow. We send you our warmest wishes and a hearty "Thanks." 74) CT Li Hg i community. Thank you and LAKE SCUGOG LUMBER COMPANY LIMITED BIN IELE FS IW DNA aa Merry Christmas zzz: Right up our alley! Being able to wish our loyal friends . . . patrons season's best, sincere thanks. CENTENNIAL LANES VIV and JIM RIDER, Prop. | #5 Ld RP SFIS STVITI YTV SSRI AS PIER ST RETRIEVE Po - SA ev -- EC Pe os ~ So Se A wy ol. df " I HORE y ea 4p