Jervis McEntee Diaries

Saturday December 24, 1881

Jervis McEntee Diary Entry, December 24, 1881, from the Jervis McEntee papers, 1850-1905, in the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

Saturday, Dec 24, 1881 Cold but no snow. Joe Tomkins and I trimmed the parlor and arranged the Christmas tree after which I made an oil sketch of it. There was a wealth of presents from all the family. Did not feel very well. In the evening had the tree lighted and the presents distributed. It was very amusing to see little Girard who was let in before the rest. I do not think he recognized the room and he went about looking very dazed and embarrassed. There were present of our family my father and mother, Maurice, Sara, Gussie, Joe, Gertrude, Girard & Mary & their three children and servant and Mrs. Davis. It was a beautiful tree and gave the children great pleasure. There was an undertone of sorrow in it all for I was thinking of my dear Gertrude and the charm of her sweet bright presence was painfully missed by me.

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