How did we celebrate Easter 100 years ago?

A survey of Florida newspapers from 1916 provides insight into how much things have changed (or haven’t) in the way we celebrate the holiday.

Easter portrait of Jack Beatty’s children — Jacksonville, Florida. State Archives of Florida / Fisher
  1. They went to church.

2. They believed in the Easter Bunny.

3. They ate candy.

4. They dressed up in their Easter bests.

5. They dyed easter eggs.

6. They had Easter egg hunts.

7. They threw Easter parties with party favors and decorated in green and yellow theme.

8. They went shopping.

9. They left town to visit family (and the newspaper reported it!)

10. They adored Easter lilies and other beautiful flowers.

Mary H. Davis in her Easter lily bed. 1917. (State Archives of Florida)

MAYBE THINGS HAVEN’T CHANGED THAT MUCH AFTER ALL!!!

Photo by M. Byrne, 2016.

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About the Author

Jason Byrne is graduate of Florida Southern College. He lives in Orlando, Florida and serves as VP of Software Development for FloSports. In his free time he likes to spend time with his family and play journalist on Medium!