You probably know that Thomas Nash is very much behind the main features of the American Christmas experience. He is the reason we Americans generally don't do plum puddings, wassails, crackers, mumming, christmas plays, etc that were in vogue in some US cities after Dicken's popularized them.
I miss the fact that elaborate dioramas were once a real attraction for the betterment and education of our Republic... combining Arts, sciences, history, into an entertainment. Some with proffessional narrations, colored lighting and theatrical effects that made for a real experience.
One of those great American geniuses that made the Union prosper. A talented author, a talented artist, occasional inventor, and hero of the Mexican and Civil Wars, commanding steam, timberclad, and ironclads in the Westen mississippi campaigns.
