“Did You Know This About Geary County History?”
By Dr. Ferrell Miller
Geary County Historical Society Board Member
"Family Tradition and the Important Work of the Salvation Army In 1945”
The Christmas tree is often the focal point of our holiday season. Years ago the family bundled up in warm clothes as they hiked out into the woods or pasture to find their Christmas tree – usually on Christmas Eve. Dad brought up the rear, carrying the saw while trying to keep the group headed in the same general direction to find that special tree.
Finding the tree was no easy matter. Each family member was quick to offer criticism of first spotted trees – too short, too tall, lopsided, not thick enough or the top was not right for the angel. Then, finally one child would shout – “I found it! This tree has a bird nest in it”. Since that meant good luck, the search was over, dad sawed the tree down and the family headed home with their chosen tree.
Once the Christmas tree was brought home, it was set up in the living room. Because of the placement of a wall plug or heat register in the house, the tree was usually in the same place every year. Decorating the Christmas tree with lights and ornaments is believed to have originated in Germany in the early 1880’s with the custom spreading to other European countries.
The evergreen tree has long represented immortality and hope. In some rural areas, a tankard of beer was poured near the root of the selected tree. If the tree flourished, grew sturdy and strong, so would the family and farm.
In December of 1945, the Salvation Army asked Junction City residents to donate one or more cans of fruit or vegetables in a campaign to provide a good Christmas dinner for every family of the community. Residents were asked to place their donation on the front porch in a paper sack, so it could be seen from the street. Canned goods would be picked up by a driver who broadcasted Christmas carols from his car. A campaign was conducted at the high school and the food collected there was turned over to the Salvation Army to be placed in baskets for delivery to the city’s needy families on December 24th.
Salvation Army Captain William Gant stated that the returns from the kettles on the streets had been good and from those funds they had already sent money for the benefit of people in Geary County. Some boxes had also been shipped to servicemen.
A special Salvation Army children’s party was held and each child who attended received a gift and a treat. The children were entertained with a program that included a visit from Santa and the showing of several cartoon movies.
“Some Christmas Memories From 1941 and 1942”
For Junction City’s Lighting Contest of 1941, it was noted that there were fewer entries than prizes. The contests were sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and they offered cash prizes for the best displays. There were two categories: One was for displays costing less than $10.00 and another for those that cost MORE than $10.00.
On December 17, 1941, as darkness settled over Junction City, lights began twinkling in Christmas displays, which transformed both the residential and business sections into a wonderland of color and beauty. Nearly every home in the city had a lighted wreath or tree to cast out rays of cheer for passersby as well as those inside. Many residents had lighted trees in their yard.
That same year, in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, a plea went out to the community for those baking Christmas cookies to bake an extra dozen and take them to the USO Social Center. Mrs. Katherine Humphrey, chief hostess at the Social Center said “coffee and cookies were to be served to soldiers on Christmas afternoon and evening and it was hoped to have the cookie jars filled for the occasion”.
Christmas dinners with all the trimmings would be served at Fort Riley’s training camps at noon and officials discouraged residents from inviting soldiers to Christmas dinners. However, it was suggested invitations be given to soldiers for the Sunday which fell betweenChristmas and New Year’s.
The newspaper advertisements of December 1942 were full of suggestions for “Practical Gifts” at sensible prices. J.C. Penny’s ads noted that wartime Christmases live in the memory long after the happy carefree ones are forgotten. The shadow of war had been cast over every home in 1942. The ads also stated that there must be giving – generous giving, but no gift should be extravagant. Some of the suggestions were men’s shirts at $1.98 each and lady’s dresses at $3.98. Men’s soft leather belts and boy’s shirts were 90 cents each.
Townsend’s store in Junction City had aprons for 49 cents and slack suits for $6.50. A formal gown was priced at $8.50. In a letter written to Santa by way of the newspaper, young Vonley Leighton wrote he had been a good boy and would like Santa to bring him house slippers and a new hat - a modest and practical request for a war time Christmas.
Although the prices of the items mentioned here are higher today, gift giving is still about the thought and expression of caring and love which is reflected in a material item. However, it is also true that quality time spent with others is the best gift. Those moments may stay in our memory throughout our lives.
Merry Christmas from the Geary County Historical Society.