On December 23, 1823, the Troy Sentinel made cultural history, as the first newspaper to publish Clement Moore’s Christmas poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” now perhaps better known as “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.” It was written by Clement Moore of New York City, read aloud in his home in the Christmas season of 1822.
It seems likely that Harriet Butler of Troy was there, and may have transcribed the poem and brought it home. She may have provided it to Sentinel editor Orville Holley, or her acquaintance Sarah Sackett may have done so . . . it’s unclear.
You might well imagine there’s much more to the story – and there is. Author Pamela McColl has put together an entire book on the history of the poem and its relation to the development of Christmas customs in the United States, featuring not only its Trojan roots but its relation tosome of the most notable names of the 19th century, including Washington irving, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe, F.O.C. Darley, Thomas Nast, and more.
Her book is titled “Twas the Night – The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem.” Ms. McColl will be presenting at two local events.
On Sept. 15, she’ll be appearing at the Hart Cluett Museum (Rensselaer County Historical Society) with a presentation on her book and Q&A session at 6:30 PM.
On Saturday, Sept. 17, she’ll be appearing at Troy’s Market Block Books from 11 AM – 2 PM.
If you’re interested but can’t get to either of those events, I’m sure Market Block will be happy to get you a copy of the book.