Every December, starting in 1887 (and continuing at least through the next decade), Durland's Riding Academy at Columbus Circle and 59th St.* in New York held a "Christmas-Tree Ride." Wealthy riders gathered inside the arena and showed off their equestrian skills in honor of the season.
In 1894 the
New York Times reported that Durland's was decorated with "flags and bunting of many colors, a profusion of wreaths of holly and evergreen, and Christmas trees...at the north end of the arena." There were red, blue and white lamps hung everywhere, too.
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| Durland's, undecorated |
The evening typically began with "the grand entrée," led by the grand-sounding Baron Vietinghoff. There was vaulting, jeu de barre and the intriguing-sounding "umbrella and pumpkin races" which "elicited much laughter." Racing with carriages was also a featured part of the evening - you can see that there was a lot of room at Durland's for that.
Accompanying all of this was music, presumably from an orchestra. One hopes that they were situated well away from the carriages, the vaulting - and the umbrella and pumpkin races, too.
Source: "Christmas-Tree Ride,"
New York Times, December 27, 1894.
*Durland's moved to West 66th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Circle in 1901.
