Jingle Bells and A New Year's Resolution

Sleighing in Bedford, Massachusetts. Circa. 1883 (Courtesy of the Medford Historical Society)

In 1850, James Pierpont of Medford, Massachusetts wrote a song entitled “Jingle Bells” about the frequent occurrence of sleigh racing on Salem Street, the main thoroughfare in his town. Thirty-three years later, in 1883, the song likely rang out throughout the week in Frederick, Maryland between Christmas and New Years Eve. Beneath the famed "Clustered Spires," the principal street was filled with sleighs and revelers.

The Daily News (Frederick, MD), December 29, 1883

An ice covering on Market Street made for perfect conditions.  However, local newspapers warned pedestrians to use particular care when crossing streets, especially at night. Another problem existed for those people walking on sidewalks as rooftop “snow slides” had been prevalent all week. The Daily News of Tuesday, January 1, 1884 reported:
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"The snow board on the Central Bank building broke yesterday, precipitating a large quantity of snow and ice to the pavement. Several persons who were passing at the time narrowly escaped being crushed."

Luckily, there were no major injuries to speak of—that is, of the human variety. The Daily News of New Year’s Day (1884) relayed the sad story that Dick, a popular, tame squirrel who apparently inhabited the Court House Square vicinity. The playful rodent had met his demise thanks to a neighborhood feline belonging to the Marshall family that once inhabited the large townhome at 105 Council Street. Perhaps this was a New Year's Resolution of the latter?.... of course knowing how some cats can be, regardless of the holidays.

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The Daily News (Frederick, MD), January 1, 1884

105 Council Street, home of the alleged defendant

Maryland Union (Jan 29, 1857)

ATTENTION LOCAL HISTORY FANS!!!
This author of this article is teaching classes on local Frederick History. His signature course, Chris Haugh's "Frederick History 101"  will be offered LIVE in 4-parts throughout the month of January (2024) via Zoom internet platform. Cost is $79. It starts on Tuesday, January 8th and will run three consecutive Tuesdays from 6-8:30pm. Enjoy PowerPoint-illustrated lectures in the confines of your own home with your family (in your pajamas if you like)! For more info and registration details, click the link below:

"Frederick History 101" Info/Registration