METROPOLIS - Visitors to Fort Massac State Park were greeted with a joyous journey through time Sunday as the "Olde Tyme Christmas" event once again brought Christmas spirit from another age.

Local re-enactors portrayed the inhabitants of Fort Massac's past from 1 to 4 p.m. to show and tell hundreds of visitors about the Christmas times of old. The French of the 1750s, early Americans of 1812 and soldiers from the Civil War period all told about their own Christmas traditions.

"The fort itself will show you the decorations of the different time periods. I think it shows the people the growth of Christmas," said Terry Johnson, site superintendent for Fort Massac State Park.

Tim Bischoff of Marion has been enacting characters for over 20 years and this year portrayed the Frenchmen of 1757's Father Christmas, better known to the French as Pere Noel.

"This used to be a really small event. We're talking about making it even bigger, since it's enjoyed so much," Bischoff said. "Last year was our best year and then this year we're seeing just as many people."

The sweet smell of fresh apple cider on an open fire accented the colonial America feel of the small cabin decorated with candles and greenery, as was the tradition before the idea of Christmas trees.

Re-enactor Sheila Richey of Metropolis invited the guests to try her four kinds of cookies, made with spices like lavender and cinnamon.

Luxuries such as the pewter and glass dishes, fresh fruit and painted canvas floor mats decorating the cabin were only available to the officers commanding the fort, according to Richey.

Frank Shotliff of Golconda has been coming to the Olde Tyme Christmas event with his family for the past three years and enjoys seeing how people spent Christmas in more primitive times.

"I think it lifts your spirit," Shotliff said.

"It really shows how hard they had it," continued Shotliff's wife, Nina. "They just enjoyed being with their families."

thomas.barker@thesouthern.com / 351-5083