A Pony Express Christmas

 Hollenberg Station

 Hanover, Kansas

Candle light, the smell of a real wood fire, popcorn and a tuba, together they form the sights and sounds of the 21^st annual Christmas at the Hollenberg Pony Express in Hanover, Kansas. From this vantage point, it's not hard to imagine the original celebrations out on the prairie, long ago.

Two miles east of Hanover, Kansas on SR243, Hollenberg Pony Express Station State Historic Site is the only unaltered Pony Express station remaining in its original location. The station sits alone much as it would have some 150 year ago when Gerat H. Hollenberg built it in 1857.

Gerat had lived an adventurous life, sailing from Germany in search of gold in California in the late 1840's. No one knows how much gold he was able to gather but eventually he settled in Kansas along the Oregon-California trail. He established a trading post, selling goods to travelers passing by.

In 1857 Hollenberg moved his business to the present site of Hollenberg Station in Hanover, Kansas. Gerat realized that by relocating he could capture the growing trade from the St. Joseph, Missouri branch of the Oregon-California Trail as well as from the older southern branch.

Gerat began with a one-room log cabin that soon evolved into a long, narrow five-room building. Here he sold supplies, meals, and lodging. Over the years he added barns and sheds to house his other trail-related activities such as selling draft animals and repairing wagons. His wife, Sophia , was responsible for the care and feeding of the travelers who stopped at the station.

Hollenberg's road ranch became involved with the Pony Express during its brief life in 1860 and 1861. The express route went by the station, and the ranch offered all of the necessary services, such as food and shelter for both riders and horses. Great excitement came with the beginning of the Pony Express and today, the historic Hollenberg station still stands inviting travelers for a visit.

Tonight the cabin table is laden with a delightful array of holiday treats. Homemade cookies and hot coffee are perfect for this cold winters night and you almost imagine the express riders of long ago, smiling in the dim light.

A fresh picked Christmas tree stands in the center of the cabin garnished with carefully placed hand-made decorations just as Mrs. Hollenberg might have had those many years ago. Paper garlands, hand made angels and a string of popcorn remind of us simpler times. The tree base is surrounded by gifts of the era. Hand carved wooden blocks, dolls and a pair of new leather gloves will all be appreciated on Christmas morn. Hand sewn stockings sit ready to be filed with sweet treats like homemade peppermints and an apple or a Christmas orange.

An old woman with an accordion in her arms and begins to play traditional German Christmas Carols as would have been sung by the original home site's family. The crackling of the fire and the carolers in both German and English join in song. Suddenly, without announcement Santa opens the door and enters the small cabin followed by a bitter wind. Squeals of delight can be heard from the children throughout. Santa has arrived and with him come sacks of special treats for each and every little child.

This year's Pony Express festivities include a gathering of the Hollenberg station faithful. These families bring their families year after year to recall and cherish days gone by and remember the contribution the Hollenberg family made to Pony Express history.

You too can join in this annual tradition. Mark your calendars for December or join in a summer celebration when the Hollenberg Pony Express turns 150 years old. If you are looking for a unique family vacation, historic Kansas can't be beat.

Photo Album click here

For more information on upcoming celebrations:

http://www.kshs.org/places/hollenberg/hours.htm

Copyright WashingtonKS.com

Recipes To Celebrate Your Own

Pony Express Christmas:

Peppermint Christmas Candy – A High Prairie Tradition

• 1 cup strongly brewed peppermint tea

• 4 cups sugar

• 2 cups light corn syrup

Here's How To Make It:

1. Boil peppermint to make a good strong tea.

    

2. Drain, keeping 1 cup of liquid tea.

    

3. Combine sugar and corn syrup, then add 1 cup of tea liquid.

    

4. Boil until it barely begins to caramel.

    

5. Put onto a flat greased cookie sheet, in a thin layer.

    

6. Start cutting with kitchen shears or scissors as soon as it starts to harden on edges, or you can cut shapes with metal edged cookie cutters.

An Old-Fashioned Pony Express Popcorn Recipe

1 cup popcorn kernels
1/4 canola oil

Salt

You will need a heavy duty skillet or pan with a lid or old-fashioned popcorn popper with stirring mechanisms. (a whirly pop works wonders!)

Heat oil in the pan, skillet, or popcorn popper. Add the cup of popcorn and place the lid on top.

Continually shake or stir the popcorn during the popping process. You will notice the popping corn will ping the lid during the process. Don't be scared when it starts to pop.

Once the popcorn starts popping it will take approximately 1 minute to pop. Once the popping has slowed down, remove from the heat to avoid burning.

Empty the popcorn into a paper bag. Add butter and salt if desired. Shake for 30 seconds so the salt and butter is thoroughly mixed. Empty into a bowl or eat hot and fresh out of the old fashion paper bag.

Want more fun? Use thread and a needle to create a popcorn garland. String the popcorn and decorate your own holiday tree or wreath.