Carlisle Herald, September 1, 1870. “MAGNIFICENT BIRTHDAY DEMONSTRATION—Splendid Pyrotechnic Display.—Mr. James W. Bosler, a citizen of this place, residing in the suburbs of the borough, gave a grand birthday party, pyrotechnic display, etc., in honor of his little son Charlie’s fifth birthday. The large and capacious grounds which surround his residence were brilliantly lighted up by numberless gas jets, surmounted with globes. The enterprising firm of Campbell & Henwood had been engaged the entire day in laying pipe, placing the burners, globes, etc. in position, and they deserve great praise for the skillful manner in which they succeeded in the undertaking; over six hundred feet of gas pipe being used.
The grounds were thronged through the entire evening, hundreds of our citizens availing themselves of the opportunity afforded of witnessing the grand spectacle. The whole yard was a blaze of light, being almost as bright as day.
About 9 o’clock the large brick mansion of Mr. Bosler,1 was brilliantly illuminated from the ground floor to the observatory, visible for miles around. Shortly after this there was a grand display of fireworks, which, for magnificence and brilliancy, totally eclipsed any pyrotechnic display ever witnessed in this place.
About eleven o’clock the doors leading to the large dining-room were thrown open, and the guests invited to partake of the repast prepared for the occasion. There were two tables—one for the little folks, playmates and friends of Master Charles, and the other for the adult persons. Flowers were strewn in abundance through the dining hall, emitting the most fragrant and delicious odors. The floral display had been prepared by Mr. Lute A. Line, who exhibited his usual good taste and skill.
The entertainment was brought to a close at a late hour, one and all agreeing that it was one of the most recherché affairs ever given or attempted in the history of our borough.”
James and his wife Helen might have given the elaborate party for their son Charlie because they knew he did not have long to live. He died on December 29, 1870, three months after the party. He is buried with others of his family in Carlisle’s Ashland Cemetery.
In December 1875, O. L. Haddock, the editor of The Carlisle Herald, visited the homes of some of Carlisle’s residents who were known to have elaborate displays under their Christmas trees, and to describe them for the enjoyment of the newspaper’s readers.
[1] James W. Bosler’s estate, “Cottage Hill,” stood on the rise of land along the York Road (Rt. 74) east of Ashland Cemetery. James Williamson Bosler (1833-1883) was born in Cumberland County. He moved West in the 1850s and made his fortune in cattle before returning to Carlisle after the Civil War.