By Laurie Toth
By 1903 Mrs. George Pullman was alone in her sumptuous Prairie Avenue Mansion. Except for her loyal servants. George, her beloved husband of 30 years and father of her four children had died suddenly in October 1897. Her eldest daughter Florence was married to Frank Lowden and busy raising her family of four close by on Prairie Avenue. Second daughter Harriet “Hattie” was married to Frank Carolan and living in California. Tragedy had struck again in November 1901 when the eldest of her twin sons, George Jr., died of pneumonia. His twin brother Sanger was living in California.
Photo: Chicago History Museum
Mrs. Pullman lists the gifts she gave to family and friends as over 50 presents. Her beloved grandchildren headed the long list. To her six-year-old grandson, Pullman Lowden, she gave a desk and a sled. To her first granddaughter, five-year-old Florence Lowden, she gave an English Doll Carriage. Three year-old Harriet Lowden received an amazing Doll house- which may be the one pictured below that is now owned by a private collector. Harriet held on to her Doll House until she was 71 years old, selling it in 1974. Mrs. Pullman’s newest granddaughter, 2-week-old Frances Lowden received a silver bowl. Her mother, Mary Sanger, received an amethyst cross and chain. Her son Sanger received a check for $100. Her daughter Florence, a rolling tea table and silver basket, her daughter Harriet a Louis XVI picture. Their husbands also received gifts. Her two best friends, Mrs. H. O. Stone and Mrs. W. W. Kimball were on the list, Mrs. Stone receiving a “handsome bridge set” and Mrs. Kimball receiving flowers.
Harriet’s Doll House Photo: Private Collector
Photo: Private Collector
Photo: Private Collector
Her twelve plus servants were not forgotten. Her beloved Butler and Housekeeper, Alexandre and Hyacinth, had been with the family well over 20 years. Alexandre received sleeve buttons belonging to the late George M. Pullman, and Hyacinth a lovely black dress. The maids all received gloves and the Stablemen received jackets. She seemingly forgot no one who was close to her.
From the list of gifts that she received, it was very apparent that she was a much-loved Mother, Grandmother and friend. Listed in her diary are over 40 gifts that she received that Christmas. Among the gifts from her children were 2 engravings and a beautiful silver dish. Her grandchildren gave her a silver double sided frame and a very large silver scissors. The scissors were from her grandson Pullman. Her best friends did not forget her; from Mrs. Stone she received a silver faced tablet and from Mrs. Kimball a shell photograph frame. The list continues with gifts of silver items, calendars, flowers, slippers, pens, embroidered items and six books. Among the books she received were “Lavender and Old Lace” and “Love Letters of a Musician”.
Photo: Chicago History Museum
On Christmas eve, December 24, 1903, she gave a dinner party for 25 close friends and family. The list included neighbors, Mrs. and Mrs. Norman Williams, Mrs. and Mrs. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart to name a few. Her Mother and son-in-law Frank Lowden were also there. Her daughter Florence had just given birth to her fourth child several weeks before, so she was not there. The setting: a candle lit dining room in her Prairie Avenue mansion, with a fire blazing in the fireplace. The finest silver and China settings would have been used. Formally dressed waiters were on hand to serve the meal. Each guest received a gift at the table. The women received silver perfume bottles with green glass. The men received silver pencils. There is no mention of the menu, but you can believe it was of the finest!
Photo: Chicago History Museum
Photo: Chicago History Museum
From her diaries, it appears Christmas was a very loved time of the year for her. It is unclear if she did her own shopping or had help from her servants. In any case, a lot of thought must have gone into the gifts that were given. Christmas is a magical time of year and imagining Christmas on Prairie Avenue and especially in the Pullman household, it must have been wonderful!
