The Florissant Valley Historical Society has set Sunday, Jan. 19 as the date for the Annual Bouillon Party. The Bouillon, a party enjoyed by the early French settlers was a winter house party often held during the holidays. The fire was lit, the shutters were opened and guests were welcomed.

The fiddle was a popular instrument among the early French. It was easy to carry from house to house and provided lively music for dancing. Because of its continued popularity and its important part in the culture of our state, the fiddle was named the Missouri State Musical Instrument on July 17, 1987.

In the early 1960s a resident told about Bouillon parties that took place in the 1890s as remembered by her mother.

“It was a house party held almost any time through the winter – but especially between Christmas and New Year. Hot chicken bouillon was served. It was most often a clear bouillon, skimmed and drained. The meat was served separately. Crackers and home-made bread accompanied the bouillon. Some people served it very simply, others set a fine table. There was a bouillon party that used to last three days. They had food galore, all home-made. Folks came in sleighs, in wagons and on horseback. There was dancing and singing and you ate anytime you felt like it.”

There’s a legend that the secret to a good bouillon is to “steal the chicken” – but of course, that’s only a story – today chickens are purchased from the local grocer.

The Bouillon Party will be at Taille de Noyer from 2 to 4 p.m. and will include bouillon, snacks, desserts and old time fiddle music.  Tours of Taile will be available at 2:30 and 3:30 and will include the Costume Room on the third floor. The fiddle music will be provided by Curt and Dennis Buckhannon, longtime favorites.

Tickets are $10.00 each and can be purchased by calling 839-3626, 409-9478 or 838-4536. Reservations are necessary.

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