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Naperville
Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Curious Curator – Good Grief, Naperville!

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To get an idea for this month’s column, I pulled several December issues of Naperville newspapers including the December 4, 1907 issue of the Clarion. Amidst the ads for Christmas gifts and holiday suggestions, my eye was drawn to a short column announcing a “Peanut Sociable” held at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Steifboldt.

The party was attended by a large crowd and a “very appropriate program” was given. Naturally, I had to look up what a peanut sociable was.

I found evidence that most peanut sociables were used to raise money for clubs, church or charity. Admission prices varied and one could buy peanut currency at the door. During the event, items would be auctioned off and purchased with peanuts, which, in some instances, were consumed to the delight of all.

Writing for “The American Agriculturalist” in 1894, Louise P. Bates gave suggestions for the party. She called for bushels (!) of roasted peanuts separated, bagged in netting and tied with colorful yarn or ribbon to be given to guests as they entered. If a son lived at home, he should be dressed as a large peanut and help distribute the nuts.

Peanuts delicacies, candies, and even the decorations all were made from peanuts.

At a craft table peanuts could be decorated as families, animals, or birds. Various games involving hiding, finding, and collecting peanuts were rewarded with gold painted peanuts made into various forms of jewelry.

Program booklets in the shape of peanuts contained the literary or dance selections for the entertainment. And no peanut sociable (in 1894) would be complete without the inclusion of the “well known college song” Peanut Dance by Charles J. Wilson.

One of the young, Naperville ladies of the Steifboldt party composed a song called, appropriately, Peanuts.

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Bryan Ogg
Bryan Ogg
Bryan Ogg is a local historian and curator of local legend, stories and lore.

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