This past week I stumbled across a very rare and interesting piece of Winter Carnival memorabilia. A pendant from the 1887 Carnival. This was the second year of the event that exists to this day. This little piece is only 9/16" square. It retains it's original loop and is in fine coin like quality. The front features the Ice Palace and the words "St. Paul Ice Palace and Winter Carnival" and the date 1887. The back has a fantastic pair of snowshoes, a toboggan and a torch. This is an early photo of the Palace. Here are the front and back of the pendant we are offering for sale here
In 1885, a New York reporter wrote that Saint Paul was, "another Siberia,
unfit for human habitation" in winter. Offended by this attack on their
city, the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce decided to prove not only that
Saint Paul was habitable but that its citizens were very much alive
during winter, their most dominant season. Thus was born the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
The first carnivals were held in 1886, '87, '88 and 1896. They were
revived in 1916 and 1917. Beginning again in 1937, they continued
through 1942, resuming on a permanent basis in 1946.
In 1886 King Boreas the First was crowned and the first Winter Carnival commenced. This festival also featured an ice palace,
an elaborate creation made from the ice of Minnesota lakes, which has
evolved into an internationally recognized icon for Saint Paul's
festival.
The event featured many activities including bobsledding and ice
horse-racing. The former name uniquely and directly describes the
activity as frozen lakes were used as race surfaces for sled-carts. The
events also served to bring the community closer together including
members of nearby Native American tribes. Many members of local tribes would ride into the city and pitch tents to participate in the Winter Carnival.
The Winter Carnival has grown over the years and the legend has
evolved to place it in the role of a strong community organization. The
Royal Family makes over 400 appearances in a given year and participates
in many activities to benefit the communities around the Twin Cities Metro Area.
As a community organization, the members of the Royal Family and Vulcan
Krewe travel internationally throughout the US and Canada visiting
different communities and engaging in various festivals. They promote
community awareness and volunteerism and support many causes. For info on the current carnival click here
The Winter Carnival is held during January each year. It was not held
during World War II out of respect for the conflict abroad. Currently
the Winter Carnival runs the following events as part of the
celebration:- Royal Coronation
- Grand Day Parade
- Outdoor Beer Dabbler Festival
- Winter Carnival Medallion Hunt
- Dogsled Race
- Kids' Day
- Snow Sculpting
- Ice Sculpture Carving
- Klondike Kate Cabarets
- Historic Art Exhibit
- Torchlight Parade
