Fort Christmas Picnic Pavilion

Fort Christmas Picnic Pavilion. . This pavilion was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), during the depression era of the 1930s. It has been renovated and preserved at the request of the local Christmas community for its service and for the memorable times it has provided in the past. At one time the pavilion was used as a voting precinct poll for the citizens in the area and even a roller skating rink for the local school children., This beautiful, live oak grove with hanging moss was used for many years as a gathering spot for school picnics, reunions, political rallies, church outings, honoring returning soldiers and elderly citizens and other community functions. It was called Simmons Grove or the Picnic Grounds. On June 6, 1930 Mike Smith deeded the original ten acres to Orange County to be used as a park for the community of Fort Christmas., Picnics consisted of tables groaning with pots of hearty food. Sometimes meat was roasted on old box springs in pits dug in the ground. At other times fish was fried in skillets over open fires. Entertainment consisted of horseracing, footraces, music with stringed instruments, fiddle, banjo and guitar, and even dancing., (caption) A gathering of Christmas residents at the Picnic Grounds, circa 1920