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into the Sitting Room; the best linen cloth was put into service and "company" dishes were on the table. It is a fair assumption that "Pressed Chicken" was the "piece de resistance" with fresh home-made bread and rolls - peach pickles and pear preserves and always cake for dessert. There was plenty of food for we children at the "second table". 18 Christmas When We Were Children Christmas really began when sister Edith made plans to go to the "City" for shopping. A trip to the City meant a ride in Nick Ulrich's "hack" to St. Jacob - then via train into St. Louis. The family was astir early that morning, listening for Nick's call "All aboard". I do not recall just how Nick announced himself. Mother told us a Driver of the much earlier years came along the Village streets blowing a "bugle". Nick carried not only those who wished to "catch" the train at St. Jacob, but he was also "Mail Carrier" and "Express Agent" as well. Sister's return in late evening was awaited anxiously but most of her packages disappeared very mysteriously. The Sunday School Christmas Program was the high light of Christmas Eve. A huge evergreen tree brought in from the woods filled a corner just off from the Pulpit. It was trimmed with yards and yards of tinsel. Hand strung ropes of popcorn festooned its branches that blossomed with gay ornaments ....