Christmas Tradition Revived At Silvermont

The Rosman home of Joseph and Elizabeth Silversteen was a gathering
place for the community at Christmas in the early 1900s.

In the early 1900s Mr. and Mrs. Silversteen opened their Rosman home each year for all to see the tree and share the spirit of the Christmas season.  Unlike today, many families did not have a Christmas tree in their home but rather enjoyed community festivities like this one offered by the Silversteens.  Trees and decorations were only displayed for a few days so the celebration was held on or near Christmas Day.

A 1908 description of the Silversteen event states, the tree was beautifully trimmed and surrounded by miniature toy animals.  A little green and red picket fence completed the scene.  Entertained was provided in the form of a phonograph player.  The Silversteens shared gifts of oranges and candy for their guests.

Silvermont's front doors decked out for the season in 1941.

After moving to Brevard, Mr. Silversteen continued the tradition of distributing Christmas treats to the children of Rosman from his Gloucester Lumber office.  He held a similar annual event for the children of employees of his Transylvania Tanning operation in Brevard. 

In a 1931 appreciation of Mr. Silversteen, Rev. Ernest Norwood wrote, “He gave hundreds of dollars away every Christmas to the poor and needy, and helped every worthy cause throughout the year as it came along.”

The Transylvania Heritage Museum and Friends of Silvermont have revived the Silversteen spirit of sharing with an Open House at Silvermont following Brevard’s Christmas parade on Saturday, December 7.  The Second Floor House Museum showcasing the Silversteen family will be open from 4:30-7:00.  A Christmas tree, music and treats are part of the free festivities.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library. Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs. For more information, comments, or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-1820.