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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-12-03....A Bracebridge Christmas
Mama_Bear
Posted on 12/12/2003 12:12:26 AM PST by Mama_Bear
A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day
Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997. Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.
A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.
On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY
If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.
We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, dansangel, dutchess, Aquamarine ~
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One of the most creative transformations of an English Christmas story is the annual Bracebridge Dinner in Yosemite National Park. Sheer granite cliffs serve as the backdrop for the Bracebridge Dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley each Christmas. The granite face of Yosemite Falls is framed in frost and the meadows are blanketed in glistening snow.
The Hotel has hosted a recreation of the Bracebridge Christmas Dinner almost every year since the hotel opened in 1927. While traveling in England in the early 19th century, famous American author Washington Irving (1783 1859) was a guest at the country estate of Squire Bracebridge. Irving wrote about his experience in The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon published in 1820. The Bracebridge Dinner is a re-enactment of Irvings account of Christmas at Bracebridge Hall. Christmas dinner at Bracebridge Hall dated back to the 17th century.
Ansel Adams, renowned photographer and naturalist, made Yosemite his home. He orchestrated Irvings description of the 17th century feast with period music and verse and played the role of the Lord of Misrule for many years. The Adams version of the pageant is still used today at the Ahwahnee.
In the story, Squire Bracebridge has invited family and friends to his ancestral home to celebrate Christmas Dinner. The players are dressed in vibrantly colored period costumes. The Ahwahnee Dining Room, already one of the most breathtaking in the world, is transformed into a 17th century English Manor Hall with evergreen wreaths and colorful banners hanging from the massive ceiling beams high above the floor. The entire dining room is the backdrop for the dinner performance. A large alcove at the end of the dining room serves as the dais for the Squire and his guests.
The program is an elegant and artistic three-hour pageant of classic carols, Renaissance rituals, Middle Age music and sumptuous food. Chimes and trumpets herald the Squires arrival as everyone rises to pay him honor. The Bracebridge Singers add their voices to the pageantry as each course is presented to the Squire for his approval prior to serving his guests. There are four presentations: The Fish, The Peacock Pie, The Baron of Beef and The Boars Head, and The Pudding and The Wassail. Chimes, trumpets, and the Bracebridge Singers herald the presentation of each course. The props are elaborate recreations of 17th century food presentation. Each presentation is marched through the Grand Hall by costumed servants and presented to the Squire. Once the Squire has approved each course, white glove servers serve the guests.
The Lord of Misrule plays the part of a jester and juggler and entertains the Squire and his guests during the meal. Operatic singers, minstrels, and the housekeeper perform solos throughout the pageant. A band of paupers from the village arrive and Squire Bracebridge invites them to partake in the feast, true to the Christmas tradition. After the elaborate affair the Squire and his company exit the Hall greeting their guests as they leave.
The Bracebridge Dinner has been presented every year except during the Second World War when the Ahwahnee served as a rehabilitation hospital for the U.S. Navy. This unique event has become a National Treasure and a California tradition.
"There's such a magical feeling to being in Yosemite at that time of year," said Andrea Fulton, the producer and director, who has been performing in the event for the past 52 years. "It's quiet, the valley is usually filled with snow, and you walk into the most incredibly beautiful room at the Ahwahnee Hotel."
Cameras are not allowed in the Ahwahnee dining room during the performance. This is one of the few photos of the cast available and was copied from the cover of a 1985 menu and program.
The centerpiece of the event is the seven-course feast that is prepared by the Ahwahnee's world-class culinary staff and planned months in advance. Rich and wondrous dishes delight the eye and palate.
A feast for the Body and Soul
Mushrooms a la grecque, Medley of Cured Olives, Marinated Baby Artichokes, Pickled Baby Carrot Trio, Pickled Quails Eggs, Caviar
Roasted Butternut Squash Mulligatawny Tart Apple, Pumpkin Seed Cracker
Chilled, Herb Grilled Gulf Coast Jumbo White Prawns Cucumber Seaweed Salad Fresh Tomato Horseradish Coulis, Parsley Emulsion
Wild Mushroom Ragout Truffle Julienne, Pheasant Dumplings, Seared Squab Breast
Pistachio Crusted Angus Beef Tenderloin Sweet Potatoes Dauphinoise Haricot Vet, Orange Glaze Baby Beets Béarnaise Demi-glace
Baby Spinach, Frisee, Baby Red Endive Poached Crimson Pear, Sonora Gold Mineshaft Aged Blue Cheese Custard
Plum Pudding with Hard Sauce, Hot Mulled Cider, Assorted Holiday Cookies and Chocolates
Although there are only eight seatings of 335 people, as many as 15,000 people request tickets for the highly coveted seats (yes, even at the $275 per person ticket price). Previously awarded by lottery due to the high demand, seats are now available on a first come, first-served basis.
Listen as Robert Anderson, the Executive Chef, describes the Ahwahnee kitchen.
The Ahwahnee ~ A World Class Hotel.... any time of the year.
As a National Historical Landmark and one of the most distinctive resort hotels in North America, The Ahwahnee is well known for its great granite façade, striking beamed ceilings, massive stone hearths, richly colored Native American artwork, and finely appointed rooms.
Grand Hotel, Grand Design
Completed in 1927, The Ahwahnee features a unique blend of design influences including Art Deco, Native American, Middle Eastern and Arts & Crafts Movement. These elements can be seen in every aspect of the hotel including stenciling, woodwork, lighting fixtures and china patterns. Every room is finely appointed for comfort and visual delight and reflects the natural surroundings and Native American influence of Yosemite
Some of the most well loved aspects of The Ahwahnee are its grand public spaces featuring giant stone fireplaces, massive hand-stenciled beams, rich tapestries and elegant stained glass.
Yosemite and the Ahwahnee Hotel provide the perfect snowy backdrop for this story of Christmas Day at Bracebridge Hall in Yorkshire, England.
I hope you have enjoyed this presentation of the Bracebridge Christmas. This unique event has become a National Treasure and a California tradition.
Have a great FRiday!
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Thanks, Mixer!
1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar. 2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up. 3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit. 4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it. 5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. Mixer
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Click on the photo to view the album. To submit your photo, please contact .45Man or dansangel danbh59@yahoo.com and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
KEYWORDS: ahwahnee; bracebridge; christmas; finest; freepers; friends; military; profiles; surprises; veterans; yosemite
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
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To: The Mayor
Ah, well Amen.
41
posted on
12/12/2003 7:26:59 AM PST
by
Calpernia
(Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does.)
To: Calpernia
Which are you?
42
posted on
12/12/2003 7:28:21 AM PST
by
Pippin
( Get A Life And Stop Beating Around a Bush)
Between June 23, 1943 through December 15, 1945 the Ahwahnee Hotel was mobilized by the U.S. Navy for the war effort. It became the foremost rehabilitation hospital for the 7th Fleet. A large Naval staff including officers, occupational psychologists, Chaplains, the Veteran's Administration, and the American Red Cross were housed here during that time period.
The Ahwanhee Rehabilitation Hospital operated a complete program of physical retraining and occupational therapy that extended year round, including a skiing program at Badger Pass.
Some of the GI's returned to Yosemite Valley after the close of WWII to work as National Park Service Rangers.
43
posted on
12/12/2003 7:33:11 AM PST
by
Calpernia
(Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does.)
To: Pippin
Hmmm, if you don't know, I will have fun keeping you guessing :))
44
posted on
12/12/2003 7:34:22 AM PST
by
Calpernia
(Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does.)
To: Mama_Bear
Good morning Mama and all. Have a great Friday.
To: Calpernia
Hmmmm, Let's see.........
46
posted on
12/12/2003 8:04:48 AM PST
by
Pippin
( Get A Life And Stop Beating Around a Bush)
To: Mama_Bear; Billie; dansangel; dutchess; FreeTheHostages; Aquamarine; ST.LOUIE1
Mornin'
FR's Finest...Beautiful presentation, MB. Maybe 2004 will be the time we make the journey to Yosemite.
Kewl pics, but I'm with Louie. The menu leaves a lot to be desired.
48
posted on
12/12/2003 8:08:02 AM PST
by
Calpernia
(Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does.)
To: Pippin
This is really good stuff Pippin! Good job.
To: Calpernia
Nice slideshow of Yosemite Park!
To: Aquamarine
I really enjoyed that visit. I to this day can fully recall the smell of the Redwoods. I was only 5(?) then. I remember the smell like it was yesterday.
51
posted on
12/12/2003 8:29:30 AM PST
by
Calpernia
(Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does.)
To: Mama_Bear
Now that sounds like a fun event, Mama_Bear.
It was an amazing coincidence looking at the menu because for the last couple of days I've had quite a hankering for Wild Mushroom Ragout and Parsley Emulsion.
To: Aeronaut
Mornini' Aeronaut.
53
posted on
12/12/2003 8:48:30 AM PST
by
Mama_Bear
(Lori)
To: Mama_Bear
The granite face of Yosemite Falls is framed in frost and the meadows are blanketed in glistening snow. Oh, these photos are breathtaking! Such a pretty and interesting thread, Lori - we learn about so many customs and traditions with each of your posts. Thank you!
Hope you have a wonderful, Christmasy kind of day and weekend. I'm about to check out and get some more of my Christmasing done!
54
posted on
12/12/2003 8:50:46 AM PST
by
Billie
To: MeeknMing
Hi Meekie.
Happy FRiday to you!
55
posted on
12/12/2003 9:04:04 AM PST
by
Mama_Bear
(Lori)
To: JohnHuang2
Beautiful work, ((((((((((((((Mama_Bear))))))))))))))))) Awwww....thanks. Warm bear hugs to you...((((((((((((John))))))))))))
56
posted on
12/12/2003 9:05:42 AM PST
by
Mama_Bear
(Lori)
To: dixie sass
Hi Dixie.
Are you getting enough sleep now? I worry about you. Don't let yourself get run down. :-)
57
posted on
12/12/2003 9:08:17 AM PST
by
Mama_Bear
(Lori)
To: Mama_Bear
((((LORI)))!
58
posted on
12/12/2003 9:08:29 AM PST
by
Pippin
( Get A Life And Stop Beating Around a Bush)
To: Mama_Bear; Billie; Aquamarine; Diver Dave; All; Calpernia; GailA; jwfiv; ST.LOUIE1
59
posted on
12/12/2003 9:12:18 AM PST
by
JustAmy
(God Bless and Protect Our Military. God Bless America!)
To: dixie sass
What a lovely presentation! Thank you. Aquamarine, Throughly enjoyed the music! Thank you also!!! I enjoy Mannheim Steamroller...I play my CDs all season.
Aqua directed me to a music website that has most of their music on it. I think the music adds to the "Renaissance" feeling of the Bracebridge Christmas.
60
posted on
12/12/2003 9:12:47 AM PST
by
Mama_Bear
(Lori)
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