President Abraham Lincoln's New Year's Events.

Abraham Lincoln's New Year's events varied depending on the year and the circumstances surrounding the country. From quiet family dinners during the Civil War's early years to more formal receptions with rising optimism as the war progressed, each celebration was shaped by the unique circumstances surrounding the nation.

Here's a glimpse into Lincoln's notable New Year's:

The Presidency Sure Took Its Toll On Abraham Lincoln.

New Year's Day 1863: This New Year's marked a turning point in the Civil War. In the early hours of the morning of January 1, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states. While not a public celebration, it was a momentous occasion for the nation and a significant step towards ending slavery.

New Year's Eve 1864: This New Year's Eve brought good news. General William T. Sherman captured Savannah, Georgia, as a Christmas present to the President. Washington erupted in celebration, and Lincoln attended a reception for his cabinet, where there was much jubilation over the Union's progress.

New Year's Day 1864: The war continued, but there were glimmers of hope. Lincoln held a traditional New Year's Day reception at the White House, welcoming well-wishers and diplomats. Though the mood was somber, there was a sense of determination to see the Union through to victory.

New Year's Eve 1865: Tragically, this would be Lincoln's last New Year's. Just five days later, he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth.

New Year's Day 1865: Lincoln's New Year's Day reception was particularly joyous, with the war nearing its end. He delivered a hopeful speech expressing his confidence in the Union's victory and the nation's future.

The Civil War overshadowed Abraham Lincoln's New Year's celebrations throughout his presidency. However, he also used these occasions to express hope for the future and to rally the nation behind the Union cause. His dedication to the country and his unwavering spirit are what we remember most about Abraham Lincoln, even in the midst of difficult times. 

It's rumored that Mary Lincoln may have baked Abraham's favorite dessert: Gingerbread with an Apple and Brown Sugar Topping.

Copyright © 2023 Dr. Neil Gale. All rights reserved.

Hope Shines in Chicago Amidst the Great Depression's Shadow.

Christmas in 1930s Chicago during the Great Depression starkly contrasted with today's festive holiday. The Windy City, once a bustling industry hub, was gripped by the harsh realities of economic hardship. Unemployment hovered around 50%, breadlines snaked around city blocks, soup kitchens overflowed, and families huddled in cramped, unheated apartments. Yet, amidst the despair, flickers of hope and resilience illuminated the season.

Chicago men wait in a soup line during the Great Depression in the 1930s.

Christmas, in its essence, is a celebration of hope. And in the bleakest days of the Depression, that hope was more precious than ever. It was the hope for a better tomorrow, a job, a warm meal, a future where families could be together again.

A City of Contradictions:

Glittering department stores on Michigan Avenue displayed lavish Christmas wares, a cruel reminder of the unobtainable for many. Meanwhile, soup kitchens overflowed, and makeshift shelters emerged in abandoned buildings.

People rallied for jobs and in support of unions in Chicago in 1930.

Christmas spirit, however, refused to be extinguished. Families decorated trees with handmade ornaments crafted from paper chains, popcorn strings, and painted pinecones. Homemade carols filled the air, sung by carolers bundled in threadbare coats.

The hardships fostered a sense of community. Neighbors shared meager meals, bartered skills for goods, and organized charity drives. Churches, Synagogues, and charitable organizations became lifelines, offering food, shelter, and a sense of shared humanity.

Mayor William Hale Thompson posed next to baskets of Christmas cheer for the poor at Polk Street and Marshfield Avenue in December 1930. The baskets were donated by Joseph Savage and the 25th Ward Republican Club.

Gifts of a Different Kind:

With jobs scarce, time became a precious commodity. Families cherished moments spent together, playing games by candlelight, sharing stories, and listening to the radio.

Necessity became the mother of invention. Broken toys were mended, clothes were patched, and discarded materials were transformed into Christmas decorations and gifts.

Christmas, above all, offered a glimmer of hope. Despite the bleak present, people clung to the belief that better times were on the horizon. They sang carols of joy, prayed for brighter days, and held onto the promise of a new year.

The Christmas of 1930s Chicago was a testament to the human spirit's enduring strength. In the face of unimaginable hardship, Chicagoans found ways to celebrate, connect, and hold onto hope. Their story is a reminder that even in the darkest times, the light of compassion, creativity, and community can find a way to shine through.

Copyright © 2023 Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D. All rights reserved.