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lawn tree
Merrill’s garage, now the Washington post office building, was the site of a huge community Christmas tree, Mrs. Arthur Miller recalled. “Everyone in the neighborhood would gather around that tree to talk, sing carols and exchange gifts. The children always got something—candy, fruits, nuts.”
Mrs. Miller and Miss Ruby Jenkins both remember the house decoration contests that used to be a highlight of the town’s holiday festivities.
“The contests were conducted by the town council in the 1950s and ’60s,” said Miss Jenkins. “Everyone tried to have the prettiest door and win the prize. It sparked the Christmas spirit in town.”
"Judges went around and picked out the brightest, best looking house. Just about everyone participated,” Mrs. Miller added.
She also recalled how Jack Barber, who now lives in Orange, dressed up as Santa one year. He visited the houses of neighborhood children and made a special call to see her brother who was ill that holiday.
Miss Jenkins remembers the Santa at the Baptist Church’s Christmas party who gave out candy and oranges to the kids. “It was Mr. Frank Jones when we were children.”
A generous benefactor took over the behind-thescenes roll as Santa in later years. “It was a man who lived in the county. Every year, he'd give so much money for a Christmas party. We first held them in the old
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