Sleighing Parties: February 1911

Young people eagerly anticipated sleighing parties. Once enough snow had fallen, and a destination was established, horses and sleighs were commandeered, and chaperones found to escort the parties hither and yon.

On Friday, February 3, 1911, Cumberland County experienced a severe storm that included thunder, lightning, sleet, and snow. Although there was barely an inch of snow, sleighing was made possible the following week because on Monday, February 6, six to seven inches of snow fell. Two days later “the members of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity of Dickinson College held a very enjoyable sleigh ride to Boiling Springs and Mt. Holly, and at the latter place a big dinner was held at the Inn. The party numbered about forty and made the journey in two large sleds from the Bretz and Einstein stables.”¹

The next evening, February 9, “the senior Class of [Carlisle] High School enjoyed a delightful sleigh ride to the home of Miss Anna Mohler in Mt. Holly Springs, desiring to take advantage of the beautiful night and good sleighing, and realizing that it would be the last ride of their school days, almost every member of the class was on hand, and they sure did have a jolly time. Professor E. H. Kellbaugh and Charles Derrik, who chaperoned the party were prominent in the playing of some popular games.”²

On Friday evening, February 10, “A party from Carlisle sleighed from Carlisle to the home of Dr. H. H. Longsdorf and wife in Centerville…where they spent a most delightful time as the guest of Miss Longsdorf, who went out with them. Mrs. Dr. N. Eckels of South Hanover Street was the chaperone. In the merry sleigh-load were Misses Kilmore, Williamson, Garber, Reeser, Herman, and Longsdorf and Messrs. Brown, Warrington, Peffer, Schappelle, Dipple and Miller. Refreshments were served and cards were played.”³

Also on Friday, February 10, “a merry sleigh-load of Carlisle young people glided over the moonlit snow heaps to Greason Friday night where they were the guests of Miss Ruth Greason. Mrs. Prof. Craver was chaperone. There were twenty-three in the party. The features were music, refreshments, and games.”⁴

The Orpington Club of Newville “composed of 21 persons, enjoyed a delightful sleighing party to Shippensburg on Saturday evening” February 11. John Zeigler’s home near Carlisle Springs was the destination of “The Buds of Promise” class of Carlisle’s Biddle Chapel on February 21. Reverend and Mrs. Bernhard and teacher Roland chaperoned their sleigh. The newspaper reported that “a fine time was had by all."⁵