Community Christmas Tree

  From the Winchester Star, Dec. 26, 1924

The Community Christmas tree given by the P.T.A. at the high school auditorium, Thursday eve, Dec. 18, was a success. Although the weather was cold and stormy, a large number of people braved the inclemency and came out for the good time, which everyone present seemed to enjoy. To start the entertainment, the lights were turned off, the curtains opened and the audience were given a view of the stage and its decorations. The living room scene was used. There stood the tree ablaze with the electric lights, small odd shaped bulbs of every color of the rainbow glowed softly and shown merrily from and behind the branches of the beautiful green tree. Tinsel and ornaments dazzeled and sparkled, a mound of snow glittering with frost formed the base. And beside the tree the old-fashioned brick fireplace, with its mantle and old brass candlesticks, with candles burning brightly, children’s stockings of three different sizes were hanging on the mantle, showed that Saint Nicholas was expected. Words fail us; we cannot describe the beautiful scene. For a few moments after the curtain opened, all were silent, then exclamations of wonder and approval came to our ears, and then a roar of applause, lasting until after the curtain had closed. The following program was then given:

• Exercise, “The Birth of Peace,” third and fourth grades, District No, 7.
• Reading, “The Little Match Girl,” Beth Snyder.
• Exercise, “The Gift of the Stars,” District No. 9.
• Music, Girls Glee Club, W.H.S.
• Exercise, “Christmas Letters,” first and second grades, District No, 7.
• Reading, “Mrs. Santa Claus,” Ida Curry.
• Exercise, “The Gift of the Stars,” fifth and sixth grades, District. No. 7.
• Jingle Bells, all the children.

From the Winchester Star, Dec. 15, 1922

 

As the chorus of Jingle Bells finished, the bells of Santa Claus were heard, as he came down the chimney. Yes, he came down the chimney and crawled out of the fireplace, dragging behind him two great baskets, one filled with popcorn balls, the other with all-day suckers. He filled all the stockings hanging to the mantle and then turned and asked the children to sing Jingle Bells again. They sang it with a spirit. Then he called for everybody to sing and they did, with a whallop. The children were asked to come in a long line to receive their treats. The youngest first, and after them, according to age. Santa gave to each a ball of popcorn and an all-day sucker. As the children passed across the stage the audience burst into song, “Silent Night.” After the song, as they saw the popcorn balls and suckers dropping down the chimney and keeping a constant supply in the baskets they came back with another hearty applause. Handclapping that showed co-operation. After which someone started, “It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More.” Then came the noisy high school, with their yells and cheers for Santa Claus and The P.T.A. 

 

After the line had been supplied, Santa started the song, “Jingle Bells,” again, keeping time with the bells. As the last word of the chorus died away, up the chimney he rose, going back the way he came. The treats were then passed to everybody and there was enough and to spare.

Come again next year, it’s an annual affair. 

 

 Watch for the announcement of the Chautaqua to be given by the P.T.A. some time in January.