Powell Liberty Historical Society

This is a photo below shows the Christmas tree as it has appeared for many years during the Powell Liberty Historical Society’s holiday open house. One hundred years ago, the tree in this 1889 home would have looked much different. There were coins covered in bits of foil from chewing gum wrappers and hand-made “icicles,” created with the key from sardine and corned beef cans. The key made them easy to hang, and by twisting and pulling downward, the uncurled strip attached to the key took on the appearance of an icicle. A young granddaughter of Mary Martin who lived in the home shared these memories with us. It is our tradition to display a can and key on the mantle next to the tree.