The Burwell House’s parlor is festively decorated for holiday tours, which are held before Christmas. To learn more about the Burwell family and their historic home, visit cityofminnetonkahistory.org. Photo: City of Minnetonka Historical Society
While Christmas gift-giving fuels today’s consumer economy, its roots go back to the 1870s and 1880s, following the growing traditions of Christmas cards and decorated trees. Gifts were given to strengthen family bonds and foster a sense of giving to the community.
Charles and Mary Burwell built their now historic house in Minnetonka in 1883. A few years later at Christmastime, it was filled with the sounds of four children, the scent of baking cookies and gifts under the tree. Among those gifts were surely books, which the Burwells enjoyed—as evidenced by the books on display in the home. One such book is inscribed: “Loring D. Burwell, Xmas 1893, A Merry Christmas from George.” Loring, the youngest of the four Burwell children, was then 9 years old.
Other examples of Burwell generosity included a land donation by Mary Burwell for the building of Burwell School. (Her daughter Louise became the librarian.) The school building was acquired by St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development. In 1955, Louise and her brother George donated the land for St. David’s Episcopal Church.
Barb Lindgren is a member of the City of Minnetonka Historical Society board of directors. Discover more at minnetonka-history.org.
