Courtesy Hebron Ct American Bicentennial Celebration publication

Pliny Parker was a broom maker and farmer. He sold his farm products and made brooms during the winter. In the 1840’s, he employed a young Irish laborer named Patrick. Patrick‘s Irish background was totally different from Pliny Parker’s Yankee origins. Patrick spoke English differently and was from a Catholic background, Thus, Patrick celebrated different holidays. Pliny Parker grumbled in his diary that he had to give Patrick the day off to celebrate Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day. It was only around the time of the Civil War in the 1860’s that many Yankee families came to celebrate Christmas. Thus, Patrick’s request to have Christmas Day off came as a surprise to his Yankee employer.

Think about it

What would it be like if you moved to a country where your culture was different? Would you give up your holiday celebrations for newer ones, if you moved to a different place?

Where to go next

From here to walk toward the Gull Schoolhouse.

Meet Your Neighbors QR Tours funded by the Hebron Greater Together Community Fund in conjunction with the Hebron Historical Society