PAGEANT DAY -- DAY 22

The long-awaited day of the Gingerbread Pageant was upon them, and wouldn’t you know it? More snow! But it didn’t trouble these country folks much. In fact, most still had sleighs and horses, better conveyances for this weather than cars. A white Christmas was lovely in the country.

The play was scheduled for early afternoon, and to everyone’s surprise and delight, the little schoolhouse was packed with community residents who came to watch. Shirley Anne, dressed as the Gingerbread Princess, said her lines perfectly so that everyone could hear. Miss Johnson brought her phonograph, and the performers cavorted over the little stage, dancing to the “Santa Claus Express.” (You can listen to it here.) They had so much fun that Miss Johnson played it twice.

As the pageant ended, Miss Johnson introduced Mrs. Boehm (who reallyneeded no introduction because everyone knew her), and she gave a short presentation on the history of gingerbread. Her recipe for gingerbread was special, she said, because it had been passed down through her family for several generations. She had brought gingerbread for all to sample, and in fact, the table was full of a variety of gingerbread. They had a regular feast. 

While they were eating, Santa Claus paid a visit and gave each child a sack of candy, nuts, and an orange. Quiet discussion ensued amongst the adults (you know – non-believers) as to the identity of Santa. Some were sure it was . . . hmmm, what’s his name? I forget, and it doesn’t matter now anyway.

We mustn't forget that this is about Ina -- well, sort of -- and secretly to herself she was proud of the part that she and Bertha played in putting on this wonderful little pageant, but when complimented, she was properly humble. 

By then it was 3:00 o’clock and growing dark and cold. Jack bundled his passengers onto the sleigh, including Shirley Anne, and off they went for home. It had been a very satisfying day and everyone was full of Christmas cheer. KW

[In real time, we arose to fresh snow and it's still snowing into the afternoon.]