by Sandra Merville Hart

Undoubtedly children orphaned by the Civil War still lived in Cincinnati orphanages in 1876. Though the war ended 11 years earlier, citizens would never forget the horrors of the time.

So, when an ad for the Cincinnati Orphan Asylum asked for a bag filled with “anything you can think of to eat, wear or use”, generous folks must have responded.

Here are a few foods they requested: split peas, raisins, coffee, cake, sugar, tea, hominy, turnips, spices, ham, beets, cheese, poultry, potatoes, apples, beans, and rice.

They needed clothing, woolen cloth, cotton cloth, calico, flannel, shoes, stockings, combs, brushes, pins, sheets, dishes, knives, forks, and spoons.

There was a list of ideas for gifts under “Send to our Christmas Tree”: gloves, hair ribbons, nuts, candy, handkerchiefs, skates, sleds, slates, hoods, scarves, mittens, neckties, baskets, thimbles, lead pencils, drawing paper, Dominoes, evening games, Backgammon, Games of History, Games of Authors, color boxes, work boxes, scissors.

This variety would fit almost any budget.

Many of these items are on Christmas lists today, aren’t they?

We have a time-honored tradition of giving at Christmas. If your budget allows, look for a charity to bless with a gift.

Sources

Berten, Jinny Powers. Cincinnati Christmas, Orange Frazer Press, 2011.