“Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”

On Sept. 21, 1897, The New York Sun published what was to become the most widely read letter to a newspaper. It was sent in July of 1897 by 8-year-old Manhattan resident,  Virginia O’Hanlon. Below is the full text of her letter and the reply by Sun lead editorial writer Francis Pharcellus Church which originally … Read more

Christmas Traditions – Figgy Pudding

Figgy Pudding

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2010 American Community Survey, 27 different countries of ancestry have been listed for Crawford County alone. The largest reported populations of ancestry are German (19,177), followed by Irish (6,334), American (6,053), English (4,854), Italian (1,934), Dutch (1,222).  Here we highlight one traditional food that three of the above ancestries … Read more

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Cocktail

During the holiday season, it’s easy to find pre-cooked shrimp cocktail with sauce already prepared at your local grocery store. But preparing your own shrimp cocktail is easy to do and tastes so much better. I like to use raw jumbo shrimp (at least 16-24 count per pound) that has been peeled and deveined, with … Read more

Christmas Sandwich Cookies

Christmas Sandwich Cookies Recipe

These Christmas sandwich cookies are rich and buttery, and practically melt in your mouth! Cookie dough: 1 C Soft Butter 1/3 C Whipping Cream 2 C All purpose flour Granulated sugar To prepare cookie dough: Add butter, cream and flour to a stand mixer and mix with flat beater attachment at slow speed until thoroughly … Read more