The Bi-Weekly Eyeglass was a newspaper published for the soldiers of Fort Walla Walla and their families between 1891 and 1896. The paper provided a lot of information about daily happenings at the old fort and included jokes, stories, world news, and social commentary to inform and entertain.
Editor Charles F. Smith described the events during the Christmas of 1891. The weather was snowy and windy during the holiday but had abated the day after. The troops stationed at the fort were all in good spirits. After enjoying their hot Christmas dinners, Mr. James Casey presented each Troop with a large box of cigars. And astoundingly, the A Troop’s keg of beer lasted from 10 am until 5 pm, which was a full six hours longer than their Thanksgiving Day keg. This may have been a Christmas miracle, or perhaps due to the discharge and transfer of two individuals, Craft and Ashborn, who may have imbibed more than their fair shares.
The Officer’s Parlor exhibit decorated for the Christmas holiday.
In 1893, a Christmas celebration complete with a decorated tree was held for the fort’s children on January 6. While the celebration was held after the holiday, the children were very thankful, and Private Bryan Conrad of A-Troop rounded out the event by portraying Santa Claus.
On Christmas night 1894, a dance was given by the ladies and officers of the garrison, which continued until the early morning. He remarked that the weather “had been so unweatherly for open air music,” that it was impossible to provide the customary musical welcome for the arrival of Lieutenant and Mrs. Brown. Instead, it had to wait until December 26.
The following year, Smith offered the tidings, “1895 and the Eye Glass is still alive to wish you joy and health; Also, all the comforts of wealth.” Colonel Compton hosted a dinner party for the holiday, and each of the ladies in attendance received a lovely cup and saucer as a gift. The guests included Dr. and Mrs. Phillips, Captain and Mrs. Richards, Captain Wilder, Lieutenant and Mrs. R.A. Brown, and Mr. Paul Compton, who had arrived on the 23rd to spend the winter with his father, the Colonel.
The visiting Paul Compton was reportedly an accomplished polo player, and he participated in a game upon his arrival, mounted on the horse Frankie, with Trilby in reserve. The weather was good enough for three days of play on the polo grounds, with all the games being fast and hard-fought.
As with most years, remarked Smith, “Christmas Week passed as Christmas Week usually does—too soon; but while it lasted, there were no complaints here.”