Did You Know This About Geary County History?By Dr. Ferrell Miller	Geary County Historical Society Board Member“Finding The Best Fresh Cut Christmas Tree For The Holiday”	The Christmas tree is often the focal point of our holiday season.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Dad brought up the rear, carrying the saw and trying to keep the group headed in the same general direction to find that special tree.	Finding the tree was no easy matter.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Then, finally one child would shout – “I found it, this tree’s got a bird nest in it”. Since that meant good luck, the search was over. Dad sawed the tree down and the family headed home.&nbsp;	Once the Christmas tree was brought home, it was set up in the living room.&nbsp; Because of the placements of the wall plug or heat register in the house, the tree was usually in the same place every year.&nbsp;	 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.&nbsp; In some rural areas, a tankard of BEER was poured near the root of the selected tree. It was believed that if the tree flourished, grew sturdy and strong, so would the family and the farm.&nbsp;“Practical Gifts During WWII”	The newspaper advertisements of December 1942 were full of suggestions for “Practical Gifts”at sensible prices.&nbsp; J.C. Penny’s ads noted that wartime Christmases live in the memory long after the happy carefree ones are forgotten.&nbsp;&nbsp;	The shadow of war had been cast over every home in 1942.&nbsp; The ads also stated that there must be giving – generous giving, but no gift should be extravagant.&nbsp; Some of the suggestions were man’s sanforized shirts at $1.98 each and ladies dresses at $3.98. Men’s soft leather belts and boy’s shirts were 90 cents each.&nbsp; 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.	&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; FOR SURE this was 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&nbsp;about the thought and expression of caring and love which is reflected in a material item.&nbsp;&nbsp;	Sometimes there is even MORE meaning that comes from the gift of words and quality time spent with those for whom we care so much.&nbsp; That time spent can have a more lasting memory than an any purchased item – SOMETHING for us to think about this Christmas.	We WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS from the Geary County Historical Society!!!

Our Past is Present