Kate Hanna Harvey , who was the mistress of Pebble Hill from 1896 until her death in 1936 , was a meticulous record keeper , almost as if she knew one day someone would be completely enchanted with the images conjured by her notations . There are ledgers in the archives at Pebble Hill in which Mrs . Harvey carefully cataloged every Christmas guest and every gift to family , friends , and staff . She also kept records of cards and gifts received .
The earliest entries in the ledger date to Christmas 1910 . Mrs . Harvey knew exactly how many employees worked at Pebble Hill and how many tenants there were on the property . She also knew the names of all of the children who resided on the estate . Every man , woman , and child at Pebble Hill received Christmas gifts and treats from Mrs . Harvey , even the postman who delivered the mail .
In her Christmas ledger of 1925 , Mrs . Harvey recorded that her daughter “ Pansy ” received : “ a lapis lazuli and seed pearl chain , one set of lavender Swiss underjammies , pair of blanket covers , Radcliffe ’ s “ Noble Science ,” bronze polo statuette ,
scrap basket , sampler , 3 curious hunting scenes done on felt in maple frames , diamond horseshoe , wadded dressing gown , and gold piece .”
We can only guess as to what “ underjammies ” were , but we do know that many changes came about in America in the 1920s . The first radios were available , and it was more and more common for families to purchase an automobile . It was a period of the highest standard of living in the country ’ s history . The 1920s weren ’ t called “ roaring ” for nothing and times were good at Pebble Hill .
It was also in the 1920s that the American Christmas tree experienced a revolution of sorts . Manufactured glass ornaments became more affordable and accessible , replacing homemade or more simple ornaments made of cotton . It was also in the 1920s that Santa Claus , originally created by German-American cartoonist Thomas Nast , became a national sensation through the use of his image in advertisements . Christmas was becoming commercial , but it was still the norm to give practical and useful gifts for the holiday .
A tragic fire destroyed the
1850 house at Pebble Hill . That structure had been designed by famed English architect John Wind for the Johnson family and was added on to by Mrs . Harvey in the early 1900s with the help of architect , Abram Garfield . Garfield was the youngest son of President James A . Garfield and a friend of Mrs . Harvey . The 1914 east wing addition to the 1850 house was the only portion to survive the 1934 fire thanks to the efforts of the family , guests , staff , and neighbors forming a “ bucket brigade ” using water from the swimming pool . Fortunately , furnishings , artwork , and a portion of the family ’ s possessions , including Christmas decorations , were saved from the fire . Garfield was called upon once again by Mrs . Harvey , and the result of their collaboration is the grand house that stands today .
Visitors to Pebble Hill during “ Yuletide Season ” will see these beautiful treasures of the past for themselves . From the ornaments gracing the Morning Room tree to the toys underneath its branches , these are things that belonged to and were cherished by the family . The ornaments and decorations were carefully packed away at the end of each season and stored in the attic for the next year . The toys of Pansy and her brother Liv were also carefully maintained , and we get to enjoy them every year as they are displayed throughout the house .
For Christmases past , wreaths , garland , and holiday arrangements were created from greenery gathered from gardens and woods and made by hand . In this spirit , Pebble Hill is offer-
12 Winter 2023 Thomasville Scene