Ghosts of Christmas Past
Looking back at old newspapers is fun – the way they wrote a hundred years ago is so different from today. Enjoy this journey down memory lane to Decembers long ago.
Cass County Sun December 22, 1914
By Prudence Standish
Once more the Christmastide and Its beautiful meaning is with the world. Again the shepherds, watching their flocks by night, are sore afraid at the glory which shines about them. Clothed in blinding light, the angel speaks; the heavenly host that crowds suddenly about them sing of glory in the highest and peace and good will. The wise men who have seen his star in the East, kneel and spread their gifts of gold and myrrh and frankincense without question.
The miracle of 2,000 years ago is still new and glad and lovely, for, lo! In all Christendom bells peal and sweet choirs sing the message given by the blinding angel and the crowning host: “For behold I bring you tidings of great Joy which shall be to all people. Glory to God In the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
This is the message of the Christmastide, yet the bigger half of Christendom makes the period the pagan festival it once was at the time of the winter solstice. We give gifts, for sake of the gods of “custom and merriment, forgetting entirely that they are for sake of the great spiritual joy “which shall be in all people.”
The gold and myrrh and frankincense of the heart are withheld—we give gifts because we’ve got to and keep our hearts as much closed to the Christmas child as was the Inn. We have our own selfish reasons to gain, the rich patron to cater to, the friend to appease. We heap little children with dazzling toys and light the starry lamps of their fir trees because it is the fashion, and we give to our small Christmas charities because it would seem mean not to do it.
We have forgotten the Joyous and sublime meaning of Christmas. One does not need to be religious in the orthodox sense to appreciate the finer quality of this great festival, for what is known as Christmas.
Citizens Journal Dec 21, 1939
Old Fashioned Good Wishes for this modern Christmas day!
No matter what advances may be made in the fields of science, literature or arts, they will never improve on a good, hearty “Merry Christmas.”
What untold wealth of cheer and affection in those two big-little words! What exciting tales of warmth and humanity in that simple wish! Through the ages poets and masters have been unable to improve one whit on that pleasant message, “Merry Christmas!”
It is our welcome opportunity, then, to make that wish to you who are reading this paper —you whom we number among our friends and customers— and to wish it with all the sincere friendliness we can master into the printed word. It’s our way of showing at the happy holiday season that we really feel the exciting tang of Christmas in the air ... and want to share it.
To you, and you, and all of you, from each and every one of us—we wish all of the joys and happiness that can possibly be conveyed in these age-old words—”Merry Christmas!” - THE EDITOR.
Free School Lunch Offered to Pupils
The Cass County Public Welfare, Linden, is offering a free school lunch program to any school in the county wishing to sponsor such a program for the benefit of the pupils. The welfare organization of the government will furnish any commodities that the government has purchased, such as flour, meal, oatmeal, butter, fresh fruits, etc.
The sponsors are to furnish the rest that is needed and what help can be secured to prepare and serve the meals.
The welfare office, through the county superintendent’s office, has secured and furnished the rural schools with around three hundred boxes of fresh apples in the last ten days. Fresh oranges and grapefruit can be secured for the benefit of the school children when and if the government buys such in the overflooded markets.
All independent school districts can secure some of this fresh fruit by making application to Mr. E. C. Munro, supervisor, commodity distribution, District No. 1, Marshall, Texas.
Musical Program in Kildare,Thursday
On Thursday night, December 21st, the music department of the Kildare School, under the direction of Mrs. S. C. McCary, will present its annual musical program.
The program is in two parts - a grade school operetta “Kidnapping Santa Claus” with more than a hundred children in the cast, and the high school cantata, “The Angel and the Star.”
The stage setting for the grade school operetta will be a Santa’s Castle decked with snow, snowbanks alongside of stage and Christmas trees laden with snow. A white scene will follow with the high school cantata depicting the nativity.
Everyone come out for an enjoyable evening on Thursday night and see the splendid program that is being planned for you.
Mrs. L.R. O’Rear dies Monday
Mrs. L. R. O’Rear, 51, died at her home in Laws Chapel cemetery. She is survived by her husband and two sons: Willard O’Rear, Atlanta; Horace O’Rear, of Kingsville, Texas; two daughters, Mrs. Nat Curtright Jr., Atlanta; Mrs. John Griffin, Odessa, Texas; one sister, Mrs. Lettie Hanson of Ponchtoula, La.; and four grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at the Laws Chapel Methodist church at three o’clock Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. E. Huff of Winona and Rev. Morris House of Queen City. Interment in Laws Chapel cemetery under the direction of Hanner Funeral Service.
Santa Claus Visits Atlanta,Tuesday
Tuesday was kid’s day in Atlanta when Santa Claus came to town with his yearly bags of candies and fruits for the children. The jolly old gent, led by the Atlanta High School band, under the direction of Wm, Burnett, was greeted by some 5,000 persons and he gave about 3,500 of his gifts to the kiddies.
Santa Claus also opened a picture show for the kids under 12 and around 1,200 saw this group of short comedies. This visit of Santa Claus was sponsored by the Atlanta Junior Chamber of Commerce and the business men of Atlanta. The Jaycees would like to take this means of thanking all the people for their support in seeing that all the children received a sack from Santa Claus.
What-So-Ever Class Christmas Tree and Party
A Christmas party was held at the Atlanta hotel Friday evening with a large group present. The guests were seated at their places, then a delicious turkey dinner was served.
Mrs. Joe Nichols was toastmistress during the evening. Mrs. Archie Old led the songs. Mrs. Floyd Newkirk gave the Christmas story. Mrs. Nichols presented Mrs. J. E King, teacher of the class, with a gift.
Rev. and Mrs. R. C. Goens were guests for the evening. Each guest was presented with a present from the tree.
News from Cass County Superintendent
Supt. D. H. Boon recommends that all schools close for Christmas on Friday December 22 and return to school on Tuesday January 2, 1940. It is necessary that schools cooperate on this since there are so many busses being operated.
The county superintendent has been successful in securing free apples for the school children in rural schools. He is also assisting independent districts in getting apples for the town children.
If the teachers have not received the apples they are asked to call at the superintendent’s office for the same.