Department 56 The Original Snow Village Old Chelsea Mansion 54903

175 years ago, shortly before Christmas. Clement Clarke Moore seated himself at his desk, took out paper and penned one of the most famous poems in history.

Twas the night before Christmas, dinner was finished, and bedtime was near, when Clement Moore gathered his loving family around him and began to read the magical poem he had written for his children's pleasure.

In the many generations of Christmases that have passed since this gentle man first read his story of "A Visit From St. Nicholas," families beyond number have continued to read or recite what has become a true part of our American Christmas tradition.

"Old Chelsea Mansion" commemorates the one hundred seventy-fifth anniversary of "A Visit From St. Nicholas." Department 56 has interpreted and designed this rendition of the Moore family's Chelsea mansion. Our stately version of this three-story brick home is decorated for the season with wreaths and garlands and the windows are alight with the glow of warm hospitality. Many architectural details have been meticulously duplicated including the numerous chim- neys, louvered shutters and the columned entrances. To one side of our "Old Chelsea Mansion," we have added the beginning of Moore's poem and on a classically-styled marker placed in front, we have included an appropriate ded- ication to this famous man.

In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore, his mother, his wife, and his children lived in a handsome home built on a bluff over- looking the Hudson River. Captain Thomas Clarke. Moore's grandfather, had settled on 94 acres of lush Manhattan farm- land in 1751. It is believed that Captain Clarke named his estate Chelsea, after a London Hospital, which was a home for British veterans. The poet's grandmother had built the house in 1777, to replace the wooden house destroyed by fire. Originally constructed with two stories, a third story was added sometime later. Clement Moore loved this house where he spent his childhood. It was a delightful place. home to his happy family and filled with his joyful children.

Clement C. Moore, an only child, was born in 1779. His father. Benjamin Moore, was a theologian and scholar. His mother. Charity Clarke Moore, was the daughter of Thomas Clarke, who originally settled Chelsea. Clement married the beautiful Catherine Elizabeth Taylor in 1813 and brought

her home to Chelsea where they lived together until her death in 1830. Professor Moore was a scholar and spent his days on study, philanthropy, and teaching Hebrew. The child in us all will be forever grateful this learned man also indulged in writing whimsical poetry for the amusement of his children.

When "A Visit From St. Nicholas" was composed in 1822, Clement Moore combined the traditions of New York inhabitants two most prominent cultures -- Dutch and English. Our Santa Claus is a "corruption" of the Dutch words, Sinter Klaas or St. Nicholas, who was the patron saint of children and filled good children's stockings or shoes with toys and treats for St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6. Moore moved the date of the Saint's visit to Christmas Eve, combining the two holidays.

Although reindeer were commonly thought to pull the present-filled sleigh and the poem's imagery was based on other popular descriptions and characterizations of that time. Moore was the first to name the reindeer and for this pur- pose used a combination of Dutch and English words.

The poem's anapestic meter consists of two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable in each foot. This form is easy to learn and the delivery style when added to the strong, descriptive imagery, of one wonderful Christmas Eve, has helped ensure the poem's continuous ability to del

The Original Snow Village Collection - Introduced May 1997 - Retired December 1998 - Lighted Buildings - Handpainted ceramic

The item has been tested and does work. The box has minor wear.

All of our items are from a clean, smoke free, pet free environment.

We ship FAST and Pack with CARE

B017CY0M54