Forest of Words

Written by Lynn Marie Allen

For at least 4,000 years, New Year celebrations have occurred. The earliest recorded celebration occurred in Babylon, and the occasion was a religious festival called “Akitu.”The purpose of the festival was two-fold. The first marks the harvesting of Barley, which the Sumerian word for Barley is “Akitu.” Also, it depicts a political battle between the sky God, “Marduk,” and the evil sea Goddess, “Tiamat.” The struggle may symbolize changing the crown from an old ruler to a new ruler.

From the earliest New Year celebration to the evolution of the festivals we see and know today, many traditions include meals and treats to inspire good fortune for the following year. In Spain, they eat 12 grapes before the New Year to boost hopes for the months ahead. Many countries include a meal of legumes, thought to resemble coins, and mark good fortune for the New Year. A pork meal in Cuba, Austria, Hungary, and Portugal symbolizes progress and financial prosperity for the year. Cakes in the shape of a ring, meaning full circle, are seen in Greece, Mexico, and the Netherlands. In Norway and Sweden, rice pudding with a hidden almond foretells a year of good luck for the lucky person who finds the almond.

Other customs include fireworks and singing, and making promises to earn the favor of the “Gods” to start the year off on a good foot and may be the earliest recollections of New Year’s resolutions. As always, hoping you find your new year filled with twelve months of blessings, fortune, and inspiration from all things history! As always, there is so much more to every story. Be sure to reach out and let me know what you discover! #HistoryMysteries

Pictured New Year Post Card Gem, circa approximately 1920. Image is the intellectual and physical property of Brown County Historical Society.

When he looks at me, my heart does somersaults, and he takes my breath away,
his words are caresses
his smile is magnetic and
I can’t imagine any world where the two of us are not intertwined,
I will give you that the world would be a lot easier and more carefree to walk away from all the obstacles and barriers the world has lined up and shoved our way; it seems like a never-ending shit show orchestrated to
create a catalyst of never-ending complications, headaches, and troubles with evil-imposing henchmen lurking in the shadows,
I wonder if this is how every princess or fair maiden felt sending their knight, prince, or king into battle, waiting anxiously for their loving embrace to return
each complexity is longer than one should have to endure
affording us immeasurable love, gratitude, and tugs at our heartstrings, sometimes filled with sorrow
for nights lost in each other’s arms
which we found ways to replace in a way that is entirely our own,
hours and hours of lost sleep, in our worlds,
we race against the clock
I am day, and he is night,
we fight for ways to bring our time nearer together
we fill our world with loving caresses sent off to arrive at their destination
loving words and touches that we have learned to express in words
but you have to ask yourself,
is there any sacrifice that would be too great
to turn away from the light in your days,
the stars in your skies,
a love that ignites your soul
and takes your breath away

Written by Lynn Allen, Executive Director/Curator Brown County Historical Society

It is the season when we begin to see all the magic of Christmas trees glistening with lights, and I love trees. So, I decided to share the Christmas tree’s legend. Evergreens have been a part of history and winter festivals for thousands of years. It pays tribute to the evergreen and its splendor, speculating that Christmas trees began to be seen across Northern Europe at least a thousand years ago. In the early years, they were hung upside down. If you could not afford the evergreen tree, you might improvise with a cherry or hawthorn plant or a branch of the plant. If you could not afford the evergreen or the plant, you could create a wooden pyramid structure and embellish it with paper, apples, and candles—the pyramid structures are designed to look like Paradise trees. The Paradise tree is said to represent the Garden of Eden. 

Two towns, Tallinn and Riga, have claimed ownership of the tribute of the very first tree. Tallinn, located in Estonia, claims to have placed the first tree in 1441. Riga, located in Latvia, claims in 1510. The trees, after being placed in the town square by a group of men called the “Brotherhood of Blackheads,” the men were unmarried. The trees, located in the town square, were danced around and then lit on fire. In Riga, there is a plaque commemorating the tree ceremony. The plaque, recorded in eight different languages. The plaque’s inscription reads, “The first New Year’s tree in Riga, 1510.”

Another legend of the Christmas tree said a German preacher named Martin Luther was walking through the forest at Christmastime. Luther, it is said, saw the stars through the evergreen branches and reflected on the beauty and the critical significance. Martin Luther went home and shared the story with his children and the many ways it reminded him of Jesus. 

There are so many other legends surrounding the Christmas tree and every tree, for that matter! Have you been out to the Ag Museum and Windmill Lane at 301 East Iowa Street to see the “Majestic Maple” and Clarence’s Bench, and many more treasures! Find them! As always, there is so much more to every story. Be sure to reach out and let me know what you discover! #HistoryMysteries

Pictured “Merry Christmas from Hiawatha” 2021 Ornament/Card Christmas Treasure. Image is the intellectual and physical property of Kate Miller, Artist. The keepsake ornaments and cards are still available through the HCVB. Artist Illustrator elaborates, “Being able to lend my talents to a non-profit like the HCVB brings me a lot of joy. I love my hometown, its history, how it comes together in times of challenge, and always looks towards the future. Often we take it all for granted, but in truth, it’s an attitude that isn’t universal around the world. 

Written by Lynn Allen, Executive Director/Curator Brown County Historical Society

It is that time of year when we can all take a little time to be kinder and a little more grateful. I sincerely wish your holidays sparkle for each of your families!

The true story of Santa Claus chronicles the story of Saint Nicholas, who was, in fact, a genuine person. Santa has taken many names from different cultures, and some know him as Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, St. Nick, Pėrė Noelle, and Father Christmas are just a few of the names we have come to lovingly refer to him as. The stories are true, and yes, there is a Santa Claus!

Nicholas was born in 280 A.D. in Patara, now known as Turkey. Nicholas was born into a wealthy family, but Christian beliefs were fundamental to his upbringing. Sadly, Nicholas’s family died during an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Nicholas was determined to make a difference and gave his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. Nicholas spent his entire life serving and helping people, and while a young man, he was made the Bishop of Myra. It is easy to see why we remember Bishop Nicholas for his generosity to those in need!

Most importantly, Nicholas loved children! Nicholas was kind, giving, determined, and stubborn, defending any needy person! Nicholas defended his beliefs, including Christianity. Nicholas was generous and spent his entire life and his family’s fortune sharing with less fortunate people. On December 6th, Nicholas passed away; his life was celebrated annually with a feast. December 6th was considered a day of good luck for purchases or getting married for many years. So whenever you ask, yes, absolutely, there is a Santa Claus.

The postcard treasures are indeed a delight. These postcards were sent as a means of expressing gratitude for continued business. As always, there is so much more to every story. Find it, reach out, and let me know what you discover! #HistoryMysteries

Pictured Ward Salisbury Coal & Grain, Hiawatha, Kansas, Christmas Postcard Treasure, Brown County Historical Society collection.

Advice from a lighthouse … Shine brightly and be a beacon of hope in the dark to guide the way! 2022 LMA

Twinkle twinkle bright shining star 

wish to the heavens I was lying in your arms 

Where I can forever safely be

Cradled in the arms of arms of the man I love, who sets my world on fire and lights up each and every one of my dreams 

Soft and tender 

Deep and sweet 

Feel my world shatter when our lips meet

And in that same moment you put back each and every piece 

You are my world and you make me complete 

When the magic of something you never imagined possible reaches across the stars to cradle your heart and soul! Mo Aer! Forever will never be enough time!

Wish I could, I could've said goodbye
I would've said what I wanted to
Maybe even cried for you
If I knew, it would be the last time
I would've broke my heart in two
Tryin' to save a part of you

Don't wanna feel another touch
Don't wanna start another fire
Don't wanna know another kiss
No other name falling off my lips
Don't wanna to give my heart away
To another stranger
Or let another day begin
Won't even let the sunlight in
No, I'll never love again
I'll never love again, ooh

When we first met
I never thought that I would fall
I never thought that I'd find myself
Lying in your arms
And I want to pretend that it's not true

Remember our journey a few months ago about twenty-two dimes? As always on a journey to uncover every bit of history I can! My journey led me to talk to Anita, which I always enjoy so much! Anita shared with me some details about the journey of twenty-two dimes! I thought, who better to share this with than all of you ? Before you ask, I have already gotten Anita’s blessing to share the details with you! I certainly enjoyed knowing the rest of the dimes journey, and I hope you will too! You will find the “rainy day” bank images included, and Anita and Ron wrote the number 646 on their bank, which was made in Poland. Ron and Anita used the dimes for their honeymoon trip in Colorado. The dimes also helped to pay the new couples’ rent in Manhattan! They spent all of their dimes by Ron and Anita’s first anniversary! Anita also shared a few more notables from their early marriage. Ron & Anita ate out at the Wareham Hotel once that year for their anniversary.

Occasionally, as a treat on Saturday, they would buy donuts in Abbyville. Ron and Anita got a basement apartment close to campus and remembered washing the dishes in the dark because the light fixture had a metal pulley, and each time they attempted to turn on the light, they received a jolt! Anita taught fifth grade, and Ron was working on his Master’s degree! Anita’s monthly check was $342.00 (all taxes taken out), and the couple paid for groceries and gas with her paycheck. Rent was $65.00 per month, utilities included. The couple lived in the basement apartment for two semesters. Ron, in his spare time, took a mail television course. Paying $200 for the course, and upon completion of the course, they had a black and white television they could enjoy if they pulled out the antenna far enough. As always, there is so much more to every single story! Find it! Be sure to stop by and share what you learn! #HistoryMysteries

Did you know that on November 16, 1907, Oklahoma territory entered the United States as the 46th state? The region was home to multiple indigenous people, including the Choctaw people. Deriving the word “Oklahoma” from their native language, “Okla” means people, and “humma” means red. #historymysteries

Did you know that on November 16, 1532, Fransisco Pizarro trapped and systematically eliminated over 5,000 Incan indigenous people that Fransisco sought to “convert and educate?” Fransisco was a conquistador and explorer! Fransisco lured the leader Atahualpa and the Incan people to a “feast” falsely described to honor the Incan chieftain. The chief’s life was spared during the battle when Fransisco saw a financial opportunity. Atahualpa promised “a room of silver and gold” to Fransisco if he spared Atahualpa! Atahualpa’s life was spared only for a short time, even after delivering the ransom and converting to Christianity. Still, the Atahualpa was proud, refused to acknowledge Charles V as his sovereign, and was put to death. #historymysteries

Did you know that on November 16, 1776, the British captured Fort Washington? During this battle, many lives were lost, including one soldier named John Corbin. After his death, his wife, Margaret, an equally proud Patriot, took up her husband’s post at the cannon, marking her for history as the first officially recognized female to fight in the Continental Army.

On November 05, 1912, Arizona, Kansas & Wisconsin voted for female suffrage. Kansas had 175,246 (52.4%) voting “yes” to amend the constitution and allow women the right to vote! #historymysteries

On November 16, 1912, Anton (Tom) Koolhaas, a Dutch author born in Utrecht, Netherlands. Anton wrote his first play at age 7. George Petrie, an American actor (Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Honeymooners, Leave it to Beaver), was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and died on November 16, 1997. #historymysteries

Did you know Cleopatra was one of the most decisive rulers in Egypt? Cleopatra had, however, very little, if any, Egyptian blood; Cleopatra was, in fact, of Macedonian (Greek.)Cleopatra ruled for nearly thirty years, was well-educated, spoke multiple languages (reportedly at least a dozen), was not afraid to leverage herself in political and romantic liaisons, and was clever and irresistibly charming! Cleopatra gave birth to a set of twins who Mark Anthony’s first wife raised after Cleopatra’s death. #historymysteries

Written by Lynn Allen, Executive Director/Curator~ Brown County Historical Society

Bells have long been a part of Winter Holiday traditions, with Christmas and religious ceremonies in particular. Throughout history, we associate bells’ sounds with happy and sad occasions. Here is where we embark on our history journey. Did you know that bells were used as a form of communication? Bells would announce the arrival of a distinguished individual. Bells announce celebrations and the beginning and end of events. Bells even notify us when it is time to arrive at school and when it is time to depart! Christmas bells were rung at midnight on Christmas to signify the birth of Jesus. Saint Patrick used bells to announce the beginning of lessons and the beginning of mass.

Every year, each of us awaits in gleeful anticipation the arrival of our dear Saint Nicholas with the sounds of bells that triumphantly announce his appearance on the harnesses of his reindeer. Other religions used the bells ringing to ward off evil spirits. Bells gained popularity because it was and remained the least expensive instrument. Bells are unique and diverse! In America, we often associate bells with silver or brass bells. In Haiti, the bells are wooden. Bells have been discovered all over the world. What will you discover on your journey?

Throughout history, Bells have signified sadness on some occasions, such as funerals, and, in some instances, are the means to overcoming hardship, pain, strife, and suffering. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who you might remember for his tribute and namesake to Hiawatha in “The Song of Hiawatha.”  The poem consists of twenty-three poems that speak of the life and journey of Hiawatha. Did you know that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow became deeply depressed when one of his sons was grievously wounded in battle? During this time, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a poem titled “Christmas Bells.” The poem is the foundation for the Christmas carol, “I heard the Bells on Christmas Day!”  As always, there is so much more to every story. Be sure to reach out and let me know what you discover! #HistoryMysteries