Historical Anecdotes

[bluetoria]

I heard that Catherine the Great, while walking through her palace, saw a footman standing idly and she asked why he didn't used his time standing there (waiting on her) more profitably by reading. He said he couldn't read, so she had books & tutors brought in to educate all her staff so they didn't waste time. How very enlightened!!

[hikaru]

In 1914, Maria Feodorovna wrote in the letter to Countess Scherbatova: " I am afraid that we must call "Petergof" as "Petrushkin Dvor" (Mouzhik Peter's yard (or farm)) in nearest future"

She wrote it because Peterburg changed the name to the Petrograd.

[hikaru]

When Iwan ALexandrovich Vsevolozsky became the Director of Imperial Hermitage ( before he was the Director of Impetial Theaters) , He said to Fredericks:
" I said goodbye to Primadonnas , but  I used to spend my time Pri Madonnas ( Near Madonnas)

[isabel]

We are going to celebrate Christmas in a few weeks.

I just find this in an old French news paper, "Lectures pour tous" (October 1908)

"We know that Nichlolas II it´s a model of father, and he is very happy to share his time with the tsarina and his children.

After the birth of his first daugther, the Grand Duchess Olga, the Emperor has a charming habit every Christmas.........between the spensive toys, sended to Russia for his five children, from Paris, he always puts an other toy..., a toy he makes with his hands.

He is the most rich of the actuals royals, and also he his one of the  most generous, and Christmas is an exceptional ocassion to show it.

His Royal friends and relatives , got magnificent presents...., the english King, Edouard VII, wait every year for his Christams present, because he always recives excellents cigars from Cuba.... Because, the Imperial Family of Russia is the owner of one of the most famous plantation of cigars of  La Havana. The cigars are done by especialized workers, and the 5000 box obteined, are sending to St.Petersburg, in time, to serve for presents for Christmas."

Curious, isn´t it?

[isabel]

The date of this article is, october 1908

[Tania]

Isabel,

Reading this understanding allowed me to know that his IH NII really cared more than the average man. He created and offered not only that from his hands, but utterly with his heart. He had almost anything he could give, but he chose to spend his time, energy and effort to make sure his children understood what it was to give, and certainly in year's to come, what it was to receive!

Thank you so very much for sharing this important Christmas story of stories!

Tatiana

[Margarita Markovna]

Aww that is an adorable story. Does anybody know which toys he made?

[RealAnastasia]

We are going to celebrate Christmas in a few weeks.

I just find this in an old French news paper, "Lectures pour tous" (October 1908)

"We know that Nichlolas II it´s a model of father, and he is very happy to share his time with the tsarina and his children.

After the birth of his first daugther, the Grand Duchess Olga, the Emperor has a charming habit every Christmas.........between the spensive toys, sended to Russia for his five children, from Paris, he always puts an other toy..., a toy he makes with his hands.

He is the most rich of the actuals royals, and also he his one of the  most generous, and Christmas is an exceptional ocassion to show it.

His Royal friends and relatives , got magnificent presents...., the english King, Edouard VII, wait every year for his Christams present, because he always recives excellents cigars from Cuba.... Because, the Imperial Family of Russia is the owner of one of the most famous plantation of cigars of  La Havana. The cigars are done by especialized workers, and the 5000 box obteined, are sending to St.Petersburg, in time, to serve for presents for Christmas."

Curious, isn´t it?

I loved this anecdote, Isabel! How a caringand loving father Nicholas II was! I always admired him as a father and husband, and now, I admire him much more.

Thank you for sharing, Isabel...I didn't know it.

RealAnastasia.

[Azarias]

Thank you so much for sharing that Isabel!

The idea that the children could basically have whatever they could have imagined and then a personal hand made gift from papa is really moving.

[AGRBear]

As I was reading the new thread about Christmas Anecdotes,  I remember this thread and had enjoyed it very much, so,  I thought I'd bump it up for the newbies to see and enjoy.

AGRBear

[koloagirl]

Does anyone have the picture of the Christmas Tree
for the children in the Alexander Palace - I have looked all over the site, but can't seem to locate it!

It shows the children arrayed on the floor in front of the
Christmas Tree - I believe I have only seen one picture,
but if anyone has pictures to share of the IF at Christmas festivities, please do share!!

Thank you and Happy Holidays to all of us!  Peace on Earth, Good Will Towards Men - always pertinent!

Janet R.


Janet R.

[Laura Mabee]

Hey Janet! *hugs*
Good to see you! Here is the picture I think you were looking for:

[Georgiy]

I just read in Road to Emmaus (an Orthodox Journal) some previously unpublished letters of GD Olga Alexandrovna to the Dowager Empress, written in 1919. On December 25 she wrote: ...Three years already I haven't tasted any plum pudding or mince pies...Nanadear made such good ones! How awfully cozy and nice Xmas eve used to be at Gatchina! And Xmas day - I loved going to Y.C. to the cossacks & soldiers' tree - with the dear sweet nieces [i.e. OTMA]...and to think that all that will never return again.

[EmmyLee]

I was searching the forum for any threads on what the IF did to celebrate Christmas and found a thread on Christmas Anecdotes at http://forum.alexanderpalace.org/index.php/topic,5422.0.html. I was wondering if anyone knows of any other traditions that the IF had for this time of year.

[anna11]

You could just reply to that topic. lol

I remember reading somewhere that Alexandra liked the whole family to decorate the trees together, and she had an obsession with putting the candles on herself, or something. Anyone know exactly?

I believe all their trees had electric lights, and candles.