The front entrance of the Tallman family house in Greenville is decorated for Christmas in 1942.   While a scene like this one could be typical even today, other images of Christmas during the war accentuate the differences of the country at peace and the upheaval that was brings to some families.  These two glimpses into homes during World War II tell a story of families personally touched by the war.  A young mother holds her daughter in front of a cardboard fireplace.  The floor is loaded with presents, but visible on the mantle is a photograph of Daddy in uniform.  The three children posed in the next view are surrounded with reminders of the war- from their uniforms, to the anti-aircraft gun in the foreground. 

The exhibit covers Christmas celebrations from the early 20^th century to the 1960s.  The first case presents the very early 1900s.  On display are Christmas ornaments, a candy box shaped like St. Nicholas and photographs of period trees.  A wonderful photograph of the Banthem family daughters shows them sitting beside their tree, smiling, showing off their presents.  The second case focuses on a photograph of the intersection of Market and 6^th streets on Christmas Eve day.  The street is filled with pedestrians, many carrying brown paper packages tied up with strings.  Also on view is the coat of a Santa Claus suit, purchased at Beisinger’s Costume store at Fourth and Walnut streets.  The Beisinger family donated a piece of the brown paper that the store used to wrap its packages and interior views of the store.  These items are also on display.  Case three centers around a charming 1940s photograph of three small children in their living room with the Christmas tree and presents (above).  Each child is dressed in a military uniform and among the presents are wartime toys.  On display is a cardboard landing ship from the war and other toys from the period.  The final case highlights the 1960s.  It includes a coat from the era, the Christmas issue of Delaware Today magazine from December, 1969, a small snowman who holds an old Christmas tree bulb, and a night view of Rodney Square decorated for the holidays.

We at the Historical Society wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season.  And, don’t forget to take those pictures!  Each image is a unique and valuable glimpse into the customs, styles and manners of the day. 

Holidays past can be seen at:
Willingtown Square Gallery
505 Market Street - Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Open:
Monday: 1:00-9:00 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Free of charge.