I have been a docent, in a historic house built in 1835, for the annual
"Dickens Festival" which ushers in the Christmas season.  We would have
to concoct a presentation on how Christmas would have been celebrated
at the time the house was built and work in a history of the original
occupants, furnishings, etc.

I was always accurate to point out the orgy of Christmas excess is owed
to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and to Charles Dickens.  Before
that time not much fuss was made over the virgin birth.  I received
some glares when I would tell the story of a "preacher" in Ohio who was
run out of town in the 1830's because he dared to bring an evergreen
tree into church.  Christians did not do such things; Bible Belt people
don't like hearing such facts.

I have had a number of instances to witness horrible neglect given to
music boxes on display at historic sites.  The last instance involved
a Mermod Freres Sublime Harmonie Piccolo.  This beautiful box on a
matching table was donated to this site from an owner who thought it
would be cared for and treasured.

When this music box was demonstrated the docent handled it with the
white gloves.  The instrument barely jumped through a tune.  This
docent explained how delicate these machines are and they are afraid to
wind the mainspring any tighter in case it breaks.  I tried to explain
how they can be causing extensive damage to the music comb and cylinder
playing it in such a manner.  This docent looked at me like I was from
Mars.

Jamie Brewer