Last night, Bill and I went to dinner in Guthrie. For the first time in over twenty years of living outside our quaint little town, we attended the Victorian Stroll. Guthrie truly is a Victorian town, and fortunately time and “urban progress” didn’t change its unique character. Because I didn’t know we were stopping, I didn’t bring my camera along, but here are some earlier pictures of Guthrie during an almost Christmas snowstorm.
I was pleased to see more antique shops open than ever, and we found one in particular which was splendidly decorated for the holidays. Inside, were beautiful period furniture and more pottery chickens than I’ve ever seen in one place. There covered two cases, and one of the owners said he started collecting them when he was a boy because of his grandmother. Grandmothers and grandfathers are powerful people in children’s lives aren’t they?
Bill bought a rooster which I have to wait until Christmas for and a quilt. The other owner collects quilts. It’s a 1930s Depression era patchwork with unusual puffed blocks that, to me, appear to be flowers. The owner said she thought some of the pieces were from feed sacks. I agree. Quite a find. After Christmas, I’ll take a picture. When she handed me the sack, she said she was glad the quilt was going somewhere happy. I can’t think of a nicer compliment.
When we walked back outdoors, young people in costume were on a corner singing Still, Still, Still. My heart rose in rhythm with the words and melody in a way only classic hymns sung live can bring.
Lyrics for Still, Still, Still, an Austrian hymn, are:
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star its vigil keeping.
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
‘Tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes,
Let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
‘Tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number,
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
Helen Yoest @ Gardening With Confidence
What a nice post Dee. Guthrie sounds delightful. I regret I didn’t drive thru when were in OKC for GWA. The Victorian Stroll sounded lovely and I hope you don’t have to wait 20 more years to do it again. Merry Christmas Dee
Dee Nash
Thank you Helen. When you come back, I’ll take you up to visit.
Lisa at Greenbow
I love doing the christmas stroll in our small town too. They have young people caroling and it feels so christmasy. Your gifts sound marvelous. Have a Wonderful Christmas.
Dee Nash
Lisa, it does seem so Christmasy doesn’t it. I’m glad you have a stroll too.
kate/high altitude gardening
Hi, Dee!
Sounds like a lovely outing. Poking around antique shops and second hand stores is something I love to do though rarely get to do such things now that I live in a place where everything is ‘brand new.’
I really enjoyed that video! I’d never heard of this song before. It is so pretty! I wonder how I’ve missed that one all these years?
Hope you have a marvelous holiday week. Merry Christmas!
Dee Nash
Hi Kate, I love that carol and some of the lesser known ones. I’m glad you do too.
commonweeder
How lovely. The biggest town near us has Midnight Magic the day after Thanksgiving when there are hundred of lumieres set out in the street, music and cookies, and shopping. yesterday we sang this hymn at church. It is so beautiful, but I had never heard it before. Thank you.
Dee Nash
Pat, that just sounds lovely. Thank you for sharing it.
deb
sounds like a lovely town.
Dee Nash
It is.
Rose
I love little towns like this; I’d rather browse through Victorian storefronts and antique shops any day than go to the mall! I wasn’t sure I recognized this hymn until I listened to it, and then realized I have heard it before–beautiful!
Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas, Dee.
Dee Nash
Thank you Rose. Merry Christmas my friend.
Donna
I was happy to hear the hymn, which I never heard before. It is quite beautiful. Your stroll must have been wonderful. The town seems to be a great place to visit. I wish you and yours a most joyous holiday.
Dee Nash
Donna, I’m glad I was able to share it. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Kathy from Cold Climate Gardening
Yes, I had never heard that hymn before either. It is quite beautiful. Merry Christmas to you!
Dee Nash
Kathy, I’m glad I thought to share it.
Debbie McMurry
Looks like a great quaint place to visit. Will have to go when I am there to see my sister in law in Edmond.
I love antique shops and too collect a few chicken things as I have the real ones too.
Thanks for sharing!
Debbie
Dee Nash
Debbie, it is lovely. You should go with your sister and check out the store full of chickens.
Carol
Guthrie sounds like a wonderful place to visit, and that is a beautiful carol, too. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it… thank you for sharing it and your lovely evening with us.
Dee Nash
Carol, it is wonderful. You’ll see when you come visit.
Linda Vater
Beautiful, simple beautiful!
Dee Nash
Thank you Linda. We’ll go next year may when you’re not so busy on television?
gail
Dee, Another place for us to visit when we are in OKC again! What a charming looking town. I look forward to seeing the rooster in place of honor in your house. Thank you for the link to Still, Still, Still. It’s a beautiful hymn. Merriest of Christmases to you my dear friend, I wish you a holiday filled with love, celebration and ease. xxoo gail
Dee Nash
Gail, I can’t wait. Come one down anytime. You’re welcome. :-* (Bear tells me that’s a kiss btw.)