George Washington’s Birthday Celebration in the 1830’s
Sunday February 19 • 12:00 - 3:00 • Program at 1:00

"One thought, one sentiment, a single impulse, appeared to move our population on Saturday. It was to render heartwarm homage to the Father of his Country."  These words appeared in the Missouri Democrat on February 23, 1862 after a Washington's Birthday celebration in St. Louis the previous day.  Throughout the history of the Untied States, men and woman have gathered to honor the man called the Father of Our Country.  Even during Washington's own lifetime, celebrations of his birthday were quite common, although Washington himself did not approve of them, probably due to his own modesty.  The  Comte de Rochambeau wrote Washington on February 10, 1782, of his intention to give a ball the following day to celebrate the President's birthday.  Washington, himself, replied on February 23 thanking the Comte for the honor...more

St. Patrick’s Day in the 1830’s
Sunday March 11 • Program 1:00 and 2:00

Most Americans assume the mass migration of the Irish peoples to our shores was a direct result of the infamous Potato Famine which began in 1845.  This is, however, a misconception.  The Blight of 1845 was merely the straw that broke the camels back.   Ireland, like most of feudal Europe, consisted of many peasants under the rule of a minority of affluent landowners.  However, when Oliver Cromwell invaded Ireland, and nearly one-third of the population of Ireland was decimated between 1649 and 1652, all this changed.  The Irish landowners who had not been disenfranchised during the reign of Elizabeth I nearly one hundred years earlier were either forced to renounce their Roman Catholic faith or see their lands confiscated and then redistributed to the English.  By 1661 approximately 40 percent of all Irish land was owned by English Proprietors...more

Early 19th Century Mourning Customs
“The Funeral of Frances Allaire”
Sunday March 25 • 2:00

On 25 January 1804, James Peter Allaire wed his second cousin Frances Duncan, the same year he opened a small brass foundry at 466 Cherry Street in Manhattan.  The following year, James and Frances would have their first child, Charles Browne Allaire, born on 20 January 1805.  James and Frances would have nine children all together.

The Allaires would share many happy times together as well as sad ones.  James' business dealings would keep them separated for long periods, four of their nine children would pass away while still infants, but James' business interests would grow, along with his reputation as a master at his trade, and the Allaires would prosper.  Through all the joys and sadness they would remain truly devoted to each other...more