Christmas Eve at River Ridge Farm is a giclee print from my original Oil Painting. Joseph Sibley, after selling his Galena Oil Refinery, to John D. Rockefeller, went into politics and built his dream house and farm (Sibley moved in during 1913) between Oil City and Franklin, Pennsylvania. It is nestled in the hillside overlooking the Allegheny River. I have always wanted to paint a night scene and incorporate the buildings that are left into a painting...Christmas Eve would be just the perfect time of year. Jack Beebe, who was a resident on the farm back in its heyday was interviewed by William Passauer and here is his quote about Christmas on the farm...
“Christmas was a very special time on the farm. In addition to the horse drawn sleighs, the special private parties held by the Sibleys and the many parties held among the workers families, there was always a very special children’s event sponsored by the Sibleys. Everyone would gather in the top floor of the blacksmith shop (I imagine because of the heat from the blacksmith’s fire). There you find a stage for the children to perform one of their special annual plays. One favorite was the “The Christmas Carol” or “Scrooge” as the children called it. During the party the children would all be given a special, top of the line toy such as an expensive baseball glove or doll. Then, everyone on the farm would be given $1.00 from the Sibleys. While a $1.00 bill doesn’t seem like much today, back in those days it was almost equal to a day’s wages. Church was also held in the top floor of the blacksmith shop on Sundays.” -Jack Beebe
Christmas Eve at River Ridge Farm is a giclee print from my original Oil Painting. Joseph Sibley, after selling his Galena Oil Refinery, to John D. Rockefeller, went into politics and built his dream house and farm (Sibley moved in during 1913) between Oil City and Franklin, Pennsylvania. It is nestled in the hillside overlooking the Allegheny River. I have always wanted to paint a night scene and incorporate the buildings that are left into a painting...Christmas Eve would be just the perfect time of year. Jack Beebe, who was a resident on the farm back in its heyday was interviewed by William Passauer and here is his quote about Christmas on the farm...
“Christmas was a very special time on the farm. In addition to the horse drawn sleighs, the special private parties held by the Sibleys and the many parties held among the workers families, there was always a very special children’s event sponsored by the Sibleys. Everyone would gather in the top floor of the blacksmith shop (I imagine because of the heat from the blacksmith’s fire). There you find a stage for the children to perform one of their special annual plays. One favorite was the “The Christmas Carol” or “Scrooge” as the children called it. During the party the children would all be given a special, top of the line toy such as an expensive baseball glove or doll. Then, everyone on the farm would be given $1.00 from the Sibleys. While a $1.00 bill doesn’t seem like much today, back in those days it was almost equal to a day’s wages. Church was also held in the top floor of the blacksmith shop on Sundays.” -Jack Beebe