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Christmas was celebrated 100 years ago, much as it is today. The traditional Christmas tree decorating, caroling, giving of gifts and the Christmas feast were part of the celebration then as now. The sharing of Christmas with the poor was a big part of the celebration as the Salvation Army, churches, businesses and civic groups provided gifts and dinner for those less fortunate.
What was different 100 years ago was what was going on in the world, state and country at the time.
In 1916, World War I was being fought in Europe although the United States had not yet entered the war. The Mexican Revolution had spilled over the border with Pancho Villa’s raid on Columbus, New Mexico. General Pershing and his troops had crossed the border in pursuit of Villa in what became known as the Punitive Expedition. There were thousands of soldiers placed along the Arizona-Mexican border.
The mining camps in Arizona were reporting that business was booming although labor unrest was growing with the Industrial Workers of the World organizing.
The gubernatorial election was being contested by G.W.P. Hunt.
In that setting, here is what was reported in Arizona newspapers on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 1916:
TUCSON
Tucson reported that it was their first White Christmas in 32 years.
NOGALES
On Christmas Eve the Border Vidette newspaper reported that Mexican workers from the mine in Ajo had been recruited by followers of Pancho Villa. They had been on strike at the mine. They were seen crossing the border at Sonoita.
Nogales was said to now be the “dryest” town in Arizona and that its sister city Nogales, Sonora the dryest in that state as Governor of Sonora Calles had cracked down on the smuggling of liquor in the region.
On Christmas Day, U.S. soldiers stationed in Nogales were given free movie entertainment at The Lyric theatre. The Chamber of Commerce and other citizens of Nogales provided this Christmas gift for the troops.
BISBEE
The Bisbee Daily Review reported that “Brightest Christmas Dawns for Warren District in Its History; Prosperity Rampant”. Events for the town of Bisbee reported on Christmas Eve included: The Municipal Christmas Tree which was to be “staged for the benefit of the youngsters of the Warren District at the Bisbee High School”.
Mrs. W.H. Brophy was “giving a Christmas Tree with all its attendant fun to the Mexican children of the Warren District … The South Bisbee Stringed Orchestra will be on hand to furnish the music and Mrs. Brophy’s children will be on hand to aid in the distribution of presents, fruits and candies to the small guests.”
“The Warren District Relief Association was busy yesterday with a considerable number of people in the District whose Christmas promised little but for the local organization. Miss Cummings, aided by several assistants, provided packages and presents for the families and in many ways relieved the situation to a great extent.”
The Elks Club of Bisbee played Santa Claus this year. They provided baskets of food to a large number of people in need and is providing a dinner for the single men of the district.
The Social Club of Don Luis provided entertainment, food, drink and a dance to celebrate the holiday.
On Christmas morning about six inches of snow fell on Bisbee. The Bisbee newspaper reported: “It was the first snow of the season and with all the relish of a newly found toy, kiddies and grown-ups wallowed in the downy stuff and pelted each other in good natured fashion.
PHOENIX
Arizona newspapers reminded everyone of the war in Europe with headlines such as “PLUM PUDDING AND FLYING SHELLS AND DEATH MAKE UP THE SOLDIER’S CHRISTMAS ‘SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE’.”
The newspapers reported that the Punitive Expedition in Mexico had their Christmas ruined by a “gale” wind and dust storm that blew roofs off adobe buildings and flattened the soldier’s tents. One newspaper reported: It was impossible to see three feet in any direction for hours at a time. Two artillerymen were injured by falling adobe walls, one had a leg broken, the other a hip. The greatest disappointment was the big dinner for which truckloads of turkey and trimmings and such native game as wild duck and antelope was provided.” The storm had blown away the kitchen fires.
The Arizona Republic reported on the themes of the pastors at all the churches in Phoenix. One article told the story of the midnight mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The mass had been attended by hundreds. It said: “Three Spanish priests of the Franciscan Order sung the service. Father Joseph preached an eloquent sermon. He dwelt upon the birth of the lowly Christ, drew a powerful lesson from that event, and grieved over the present situation in Mexico, the fatherland of the major portion of the audience.”
On Christmas Eve at the Adams Hotel, 150 poor families gathered in the lobby where they received baskets of food from the Salvation Army. “Each basket contained the following foodstuffs: chicken, celery, bread, flour, cranberries, crackers, beans, hominy, spaghetti, coffee, ginger snaps, meat, canned vegetables, salt, pepper, sugar and fruit.” Newly elected governor Thomas Campbell was in attendance.
PRESCOTT
In Prescott on the plaza, the first out-of-door municipal Christmas tree event in the state of Arizona was held. Nearly 100 people attended even though snow was falling. While this was going on the local Boy Scouts were delivering baskets to the poor around town. “Food, clothing and toys were distributed from one side of the town to the other.”
From the staff at Copper Area News, we wish you and yours a happy and safe Christmas.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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