Explore the rich history of Christmas celebrations in Carlsbad, New Mexico, from the 1880s to the present day.
Carlsbad, known as the Pearl of the Pecos, has always had a deep love for Christmas. Through the turn of the century to the new millennium, this desert city in southeast New Mexico has celebrated the holiday season with local events, shopping specials, and a sense of togetherness. Delving into the Carlsbad Current-Argus archives, we can trace the city’s dedication to the magic of Christmas throughout the decades. Let’s take a look back at the cherished traditions and heartwarming moments that have made Christmas in Carlsbad so special.
1880s: Simpler Pleasures and Thoughtful Gifts
In the late 19th century, as the nation recovered from the Civil War and embraced the Second Industrial Revolution, Carlsbad found joy in the simpler pleasures of the holiday season. An article from December 1889 revealed how Ulysses S. Grant celebrated Christmas and Thanksgiving during his time in the soldier camps. The contrast between the formal ceremonies enjoyed by Confederate General Robert E. Lee and the modest celebrations in the camps highlighted the different experiences of the war. The article also mentioned that Grant’s table lacked cranberries, mince, wine, or spirits. Another clipping from the same period shared the story of Judge Nymeyer receiving an ear trumpet as a Christmas gift from an admiring friend.
1900s: Christmas at Sea and Musical Delights
In the early 20th century, Carlsbad residents experienced Christmas in various unique ways. An editorial by Admiral Bob Evans, published in 1909, recounted his experiences spending Christmas at sea during the Civil War. Despite the fierce combat, the sailors managed to decorate the mastheads of their ships with Christmas green, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the holiday. Another clipping from the same era mentioned Mrs. Virginia Coffman’s return to Carlsbad after a pleasant stay in Long Beach. She was busy preparing for Christmas music at the Episcopal church, showcasing the importance of music in the community’s holiday celebrations.
1920s: Economic Boom and Festive Greetings
The Roaring Twenties brought an economic boom to Carlsbad, reflected in the advertisements taken out by local businesses in a 1922 edition of the Carlsbad Current. Pratt-Smith Hardware Co. extended a Christmas greeting to its customers, while plumber H.A. Bock also offered warm wishes. These advertisements hinted at a prosperous economy in the early years of the decade, before the Great Depression cast its shadow.
1930s: Parties, Music, and the Swastika Club
In the 1930s, Carlsbad embraced the festive spirit with a range of events and gatherings. The Business and Professional Women’s Club hosted an annual Christmas party at the home of Ms. Ruby Warehime, while Mr. and Mrs. R.U. Boyd held a Christmas dinner. The Hotel Artesia hosted a “roof garden dance,” and the Toy Symphony Orchestra, comprising child musicians, performed for their mothers at the home of their instructor, Mrs. Frances Clark. Interestingly, a clipping from 1932 mentioned a Christmas dinner hosted by the Swastika Club, a name that took on a different meaning after the adoption of the symbol by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party.
1940s: Christmas in Wartime
With World War II raging, Christmas coverage in the Carlsbad Current-Argus was colored by the conflict overseas. Pope Pius appealed for the end of the war in a Christmas message, and the paper reported on the “last Christmas of war.” The Allies launched their “heaviest daylight assault” on the Pas-De-Calais “rocket-gun coast” on Christmas Day, marking a significant moment in the ongoing war.
1960s: Vietnam War and International Aid
The Vietnam War dominated the news during the 1960s, and Carlsbad’s connection to the conflict was evident. A photograph from 1967 showed two Vietnamese girls receiving artificial Christmas trees, as the real trees did not thrive in Vietnam’s climate. In 1969, the “post-Christmas lull” was shattered by a U.S. attack on an enemy camp in Cambodia, marking a significant battle involving American troops.
1980s: Cold War Tensions and Political Debates
The 1980s were marked by Cold War tensions, and Carlsbad was not immune to the political debates of the time. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega accused U.S. President Ronald Reagan of seeking a “War at Christmas” in a 1985 article. The Carlsbad Current-Argus also advertised a buffet at the Stevens Inn, offering a glimpse into the local dining scene during the holiday season.
2000s: Controversies and Virtual Celebrations
The early 2000s saw heated political debates surrounding the holiday season. A column from the editor in 2006 discussed the “war on Christmas” and the involvement of Christian lawyers in defending the holiday. Meanwhile, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Carlsbad to alter its traditional holiday plans. The famous Christmas on the Pecos boat rides, which took visitors on a magical journey through illuminated backyards along the river, had to be experienced virtually. However, in 2021, as the pandemic subsided, live boat rides resumed, bringing back the joy of Christmas in person.
Conclusion:
Christmas in Carlsbad has evolved over the years, reflecting the changing times and the city’s resilience in the face of challenges. From simpler celebrations in the 19th century to the impact of war and global conflicts, Carlsbad’s holiday traditions have stood the test of time. As we look back at the rich history of Christmas in Carlsbad, we are reminded of the enduring spirit of community, togetherness, and the joy that this festive season brings to all.
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