Governor-elect White is Home to Enjoy Christmas in City With His Family

 The Marietta Daily Times, December 23, 1930

Governor-elect George White is back home and will carve the Christmas turkey in his own intimate family circle at the White home on Fifth Street. He came home Monday evening and within the next 24 hours all members of the family will join him in the yuletide festivities.

The two daughters of the next governor, Misses Mary and Charlotte White, arrived from Columbus on Sunday and began arranging for the Christmas celebration at their home. The governor-elect came in on Monday evening a few hours after his sons, Robert and George, had arrived from their school at Princeton. David White, the eldest son, will come from New York on Wednesday.

Mr. White had a double purpose in coming home at this time. He wanted to be with his family during the yuletide season and he wanted to obtain a brief rest from the arduous duties that have evolved upon him in recent weeks.

He said at his Marietta office Tuesday that he has put aside the making of appointments until after Christmas and it is not likely that he will have any official announcements to make in this line until he returns to Columbus.

He spent several hours on Tuesday attending to private business interests, and with his desk cleared this evening he will join his family and intimate friends for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration at his home.

Alden Home First to Have Lighted Outdoor Christmas Tree Here

 Marietta Sunday Times, December 22, 1929

Marietta's first decorated outdoor Christmas tree is said to have been the lighted tree in the front yard of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Alden at 202 Sacra Via about 15 years ago, so far as folks remember. The idea that is now universal in the East was inaugurated here by Mrs. A. M. Briggs, daughter of the Aldens, who came from her home at Garden City, Long Island, to spend the yuletide at that time. And, the beautifully lighted tree was there in honor of little Miss Priscilla Alden Briggs, the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alden.

Mrs. Briggs not only brought the idea of a beautifully lighted Christmas tree in the out-of-doors, but she brought also the pretty colored bulbs which decorated the tree. Outdoor decorated tees have been regular features on the Alden premises ever since.

According to John Kaiser, one of the first decorated outdoor Christmas trees in Marietta was one sponsored as a newspaper enterprise, when there was a community Christmas tree on the court house premises years ago. The school children of Marietta sang Christmas carols, with Professor James Bird the director, the program commencing at 4 o'clock in the afternoon of Christmas day. And one of the largest crowds ever assembled down town was there to witness the first community Christmas tree festival. B. F. Strecker donated the tree that was quite large, and the Sprague Electric Company placed the strings of bulbs.

Among those who had outdoor decorated trees for the past seven or eight years are Mrs. J. S. Goebel and John Dietz. They use living evergreen trees which grow on their premises. Mrs. Goebel uses an arbor vitae and a Frazier fir, and Mr. Dietz an arbor vitae.

Marietta Christmas Advertisements of the Past

 

The Marietta Times, December 19, 1900

Leader Dry Goods Store

Marietta Daily Times, December15, 1914

Brown Piano Co.

Marietta Daily Times, December 15, 1919

The Marietta Book Store Co.

Marietta Daily Times, December 23, 1919

The Wieser & Cawley Co.

The Marietta Daily Times, December 15, 1920

The Turner, Ebinger Co.

The Register-Leader, December 21, 1921

George C. Wilderman

Marietta Daily Times, December 11, 1924

L. Gruber & Sons Co.

Marietta Daily Times, December 11, 1924

The Wainwright Music Co.

Marietta Daily Times, December 23, 1930

The Stanley & Grass Co.

The Marietta Daily Times, December 15, 1932

Montgomery Ward & Co.

The Marietta Daily Times, December 23, 1940

Broughton's

The Marietta Daily Times, December 17, 1942

The Ohio Bell Telephone Co.

The Marietta Daily Times, December 5, 1947

Otto Brothers

The Marietta Daily Times, December 23, 1954

Wun-Der Shoe Store

The Marietta Daily Times, December 11, 1968

Kresge's

Halloween Dance

The Marietta Daily Times, October 31, 1908

The dance at the Marietta Country Club Friday evening was a decided success. One hundred and eighty people took the five o'clock car for the Club house. The entire house was elaborately decorated. Corn, apples and jack o'lanterns and autumn leaves were in all rooms and strings of black cats made of cloth were festooned about the walls, making very effective Hallowe'en decorations. After the arrival of the car, a grand march was held and the guests all marched to the dining room where the dinner was served. At seven o'clock the Marietta orchestra arrived and dancing was begun, lasting until eleven o'clock.

All were costumed and some were especially interesting as well as amusing. Mrs. Harry Chamberlain was gowned in her wedding dress and wore a veil. Misses Nellie Sugden and Laura Morse were dressed as clowns and were very good. Miss Waldine Rathbone had on one of the latest directoire gowns, pink with large black dots. It was extreme and effective.

Mrs. William Hastings wore an enormous Merry Widow hat and old fashioned shawl, which created much amusement. Miss Carol Hall was dressed as a ghost and Mrs. Harry Curtis as a witch. Both were effective.

Miss Carol Shaw represented a Mexican girl, Mrs. Ed A. Merydith was a Sis Hopkins, Mary Harper a Hobo. Mrs. C. T. McIlyar as a chorus girl with large hat and ballet dress was awfully good. Mrs. George Cann and Miss Blanche Leeper were colored Topsys and created much amusement. Mrs. Ed B. Follett, Mrs. J. Henry Best and Miss Hope Turner were colonial dames.

Miss Kitty Nye was very good as a college student. Mrs. Herbert Milshall represented a Spanish girl and Mrs. Beman Dawes a summer girl. Miss Hanna Sleigh and Mrs. Julia Flanders were "ye dames of ye eighteenth century" and were very good. Dr. Ballard in overalls and wearing a red wig was unusually good.

Charley Grace and Fergus O'Connor were hoboes. Elmer Thorniley, Uncle Sam. Eddie McTaggart and Mr. Merriam, Beau Brummels, and Harry Chamberlain, King Harold.

 

"Fourth"

Marietta Daily Leader, July 6, 1898

Picnics and Excursions On All Railroads and Boats.

Everywhere the Report of Patriotic Gun, Pistol and Cracker Rent the Air.

The Day Born, was Not Without Its Sad Accidents, and We are Called Upon to Report Death, Whose Sting Will Last forever, and Injury, Whose Hurt Will Last a Lifetime.

Old King Sol rose bright and early Monday morning and July 4th, 1898, was born. Not, however, without its casualties. A light shower about seven o'clock cooled the scorching rays of the sun and the day started off one of patriotism and pleasure. Daylight found many a young patriotic boy on the street with cap and pistol, doing honor to Uncle Sam's birthday.

The day was a fitting one to celebrate. One hundred and twenty-two years ago last Monday was United States declared herself to be a free and independent country. Today we are in the midst of a war with Spain, fighting for the freedom and independence of the poor, half-starved, imposed upon people of Cuba.

In the midst of shot and shell at Santiago de Cuba, aboard the men-of-war in the harbors and on the high seas, amid the noise of paper cap and pistol along the streets of the cities, in the fields, the valleys and on the hill tops, in fact everywhere that the stars and stripes float, the American people are with one accord. All hail Columbia! The land of the free.

Early in the day excursions began to arrive on the different railroads and boats. The T. & O. C. E. brought in about 800 people, the B. & O. S. W. 300, the Z. & O. 200, the C. & M. 345, the Ohio River 150. The steamer Barnsdall brought down about 50, Oneida 100, and the Sonoma about 100. The streets in the early morning were crowded with people, some with baskets, some without, all going according to their various desires, to the different places of amusements, all with one thought, a bright and pleasant holiday, one of rest and vacation.

Trades and Labor Picnic

Promptly at seven o'clock the steamer William Duffy left the wharf boat with the first load of picnicers for the Buckeye-Eureka Park at the head of the island, where the Trads and Labor Council of Marietta gave a large picnic.

The steamer Ollie Neville, the ferry boat at New Martinsville, had also been chartered to assist the Duffy in getting the large crowd to the picnic. The boats, alternating, left the wharf about once an hour, making it possible to catch a boat about every half hour.

Everything possible was done by the members of the order to make this a gala day long to be remembered. How well they carried out their part we all know. Refreshments of all kinds, swings, hammocks and amusements galore were to be found on the island.

Schlicher's full reed band led the procession early in the morning to the boat. The orchestra accompanied them to the picnic and furnished music for the dance loving people throughout the day and evening.

About 3,000 people enjoyed the day at the island and late in the evening returned to their homes, reporting a good time.

German M. E. Sunday School

The members of the German M. E. church and their families left at ten o'clock on the steamer Sonoma for Bartlett's Grove, where they put in the entire day. About 100 enjoyed the picnic and all report a very pleasant day spent in the beautiful woods at Bartlett's. Nothing happened to mar the pleasure of the day and all returned late in the afternoon, a happy crowd.

Colored Knights of Pythias

The Colored Knights of Pythias, Marietta Lodge, held a large picnic at Fountain Park on the T. & O. C. E. R. R. to which was invited a large number from Parkersburg, Belpre, Rainbow and from different points along the T. & O. C. E. The Marietta train left at 7:00 and by 10 o'clock the grounds were packed. About 1,500 people were present. Sports of all kinds were indulged in. Th wheelbarrow race was won by Charles Strawder, bicycle race by Otto Singer. No one was able to reach the top of the greased pole.

Band Wagon Picnic

The Misses Dye, Curtis, Cooke, James Clerc, Smith, Grafton, Leeper, and Messrs. Torpy, Hutchison, McClure, Reed, Harper, Leeper, Payne, and Bay, chaperoned by Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Reeser, enjoyed a bandwagon picnic at Devols Dam Monday, where they took supper and returned late in the evening. 

The Misses Florence Dye, Mary Brigham and Mr. J. Herbert West and Mr. Will Brigham drove up the Ohio and took supper for their Fourth of July.

The Misses Helen Chamberlain and Minnie Leeper and Mr. Walter Sniffen and Eugene Minshall took their Fourth of July supper up the Muskingum River.

Several families drove to the different parts of the country and enjoyed either their dinner or supper.

The Races

The races at the Fair Grounds were not a success either for speed or in a financial way. The crowd was small and but little interest was taken. Rather than disappoint the few people that attended, the owners of the horses gave a free blow-out. They gave two races, both mixed, in which the following horses entered:

    Spanish Boy, owned by F. B. Biszantz

    Elmer D., owned by Robert Gates

    Oudan, owned by Ellenwood & Smith

    A gray from Parkersburg 

 

Spanish Boy won in three straight heats in 2:25, 2:24-1/2; 2:28. In the second race were Billy H., owned by Kelly; Walter B., owned by Curry & Holdren; and a bay mare. Race won by Walter B. in 2:35.

Business in the city was generally suspended. In the evening from all parts of the city could be seen displays of fire works of all kinds. The heavens were bright with skyrockets and roman candles. A large number of balloons were also sent up.

At the St. Cloud Hotel, a large crowd of people, men, women and children, gathered to witness the display there.

The Chinamen on Butler Street also had a patriotic turn of mind and lent a hand in celebrating the day.

Casualties of the Day

The steamer William Duffy had the misfortune to break a hog-chain in the morning on her first trip up. The damage was quickly repaired, however, and the boat continued on its way.

The Ollie Neville Ashore

The Ollie Neville, the New Martinsville ferryboat, after landing a large party of picnicers at the head of the island and had started back to the city with about twenty-five passengers, in attempting to make a landing at Buell's, ran on a rock and tore a hole in her hull. The Duffy happened near and put her pumps at work. The water was soon pumped out and the hole stopped up without serious damage.

Burnt By a Fire Cracker

Charlie, the seven-year-old son of Mrs. Charles Loomis, Third Street, while shooting fire crackers was badly burned on the hand. It is a painful, though not dangerous, wound.

Hurt By a Torpedo

James Ancell, while on his way to Marietta from Parkersburg, was hit on the arm by a torpedo thrown by some unknown person. His arm was badly lacerated and his nose cut. It was a very painful accident and will keep him from his work for some time.

Foot Badly Hurt

Mrs. Charles Frantz, 117 Fourth Street, while standing across the street from the St. Cloud hotel watching the display of fire works, was hit on the foot by a skyrocket, which had broken and flew across the street, part of it going through the plate glass window of Charles Peddinghaus' and the other hitting Mrs. Franz on the foot. The foot is badly cut, but will result in nothing serious. 

William King was slightly hurt by a roman candle.

We have heard of no other accidents. Drunkenness on the streets was conspicuous by its absence. There was no lawless ness and everybody seemed to carry themselves in good form.

New Record Hung Up at Post Office

The Marietta Daily Times, Tuesday, December 23, 1924

Fifty Thousand Letters and Cards Cancelled on Monday.

Receive Nearly 2,000 Parcels.

Fourteen Truck Loads of Packages Delivered in City.

Fifty thousand letters and cards were sent through the cancelling machine at the post office on Monday, which was in all respects the largest single day the Marietta office has ever had. This new record for the number of letters and cards stamped makes the previous high record of 38,100 hung up during the Christmas rush of 1923, seem like the usual Monday rush.

Thirty-nine employees at the Marietta office and eight rural carriers working out of this office were pushed to the limit on Monday.

Parcel post packages to the number 18,025 were delivered. In addition, 150 C.O.D. packages were delivered and the money collected. It took 14 large truckloads to get out the parcels on Monday afternoon and the boys and men handling this mail were kept on the jump.

Postmen starting on their regular routes from the office had all the appearance of so many Santa Clauses except they were minus grey whiskers and red and white uniforms. Their pouches were loaded to the guards and they were backed up and forced to make several trips.

The large work room is the scene of intense activity. The parcel post packages were piled half way to the ceiling during the morning, letters and cards were packed here and there in masses and the clerks were working swiftly to again see light.

During the morning the letters and cards were coming through the slots so fast that it was necessary to keep two men at the counter in order to sort them. The stamp cancelling machine was kept running at capacity for a time, but because it takes longer to sort and place them to cancel, the machine was never going at its best.

Post office officials stated that it is impossible to tell yet just what the receipts for Monday were, but it is evident that they were larger than they had ever been before.

Tuesday started out like another record breaker. The indications are that this will be another big day and may surpass Monday.

While everything was being handled in an orderly and systematic manner, a good way to cause a riot on Tuesday morning would have been to stick your head in a door leading to the large work room and yell a "Merry Christmas."

Hallowe'en Wild Night in Marietta and Lawlessness Results in Many Arrests

 The Marietta Daily Times, November 1, 1929

Marietta police declare that Thursday night was the wildest they have experienced in many years. Dozens of calls were answered in nearly every section of the city. Numerous arrests were made and a busy session of court was held by the mayor on Friday morning.

Destruction of property was reported in many parts of the city. The boys and young men celebrated Hallowe'en and they failed by a wide margin to confine their energy to harmless things.

One of the favorite diversions seemed to be the breaking of electric lights. Porch lights were knocked out at many points and even the street lamps suffered. The usual trick in the case of a street light was to untie the rope and let the light crash to the street. Lem Hess, city electrical superintendent, estimates the damage in his department at $75.

One of the worst outbreaks occurred on Phillips Street, where five boys bombarded the Carl Wunderlich automobile with pumpkins. The car, a new one, was damaged considerably. From that stunt the boys turned their attention to the home of W. M. Jones, where they smeared up the porch and plastered the front lawn with chicken feathers.

Jones chased the boys down the street, firing a 38-calibre revolver at them. The police brought the boys and Jones to headquarters. Earl Steed and Raymond Stegner were placed in jail while their three companions, Lewis Klein, Denver McCain, and William Becker, were ordered in on Friday. Jones also was ordered to come before the mayor. On Friday morning the case was certified to probate court.

Another outbreak occurred on lower Putnam Street where Hugh Smith and Roy Barnes engaged in a fight. They were under the influence of liquor, according to the police, and the battle was a vicious one. Both were arrested. Barnes' wife later secured his release by posting a bond of $100. The pair pleaded guilty on Friday to fighting charges and each was fined $15 and costs. Barnes paid both fines. Smith, it developed Friday morning, had sustained a broken shoulder in the fight.

Lat Thursday evening Mrs. Nellie Baker called for the police. She reported that Hugh Perry had attacked and beaten her in front of the post office property. Perry was arrested. He was fined $5 and costs on Friday and paid.

Elmer Lang, arrested in the city park, demonstrated to the world that he has one faithful friend - his dog. When Lang went behind the bars his dog raised such a commotion that he too was allowed to enter the jail and he slept on one of the iron cots along with Lang. The latter was fined $5 and costs on Friday.

 

Baskets of Food Will Be Given Needy

The Marietta Daily Times, December 23, 1933

Christmas Cheer Will Be Brought Many Homes in County

Christmas cheer will be brought to many poor families in Marietta through the distribution of Christmas baskets, each with food enough for a bounteous Christmas dinner. The fraternal organizations of the city, each with its list of private charity cases in the confines of the lodges, are doing their work in distributing food and relief where it is needed.

The Salvation Army, general medium for the distribution for the poor and needy families of the city is arranging to send out 100 baskets that are needed. Although contributions this year are far below the cost of furnishing the 100 baskets, Captain Garland has carried through his original plans confident that generous citizens will come to the rescue and make up the deficit in expense. Today, Saturday, marks the last opportunity Mariettans will have to contribute to the Salvation Army Christmas fund.

The 117 children at the Washington County Children's Home will enjoy a chicken dinner at noon on Christmas Day, and there will be all the good things that make a Christmas dinner. The Santa Claus of the home will make the distribution of Christmas gifts to all the children on Christmas morning, when he will hand down the presents from a large Christmas tree in the dining room. The Christmas dinner table will be decorated with greenery and small lighted trees. The children presented their annual Christmas program at the First Methodist Church on Friday evening before a capacity audience. The program was much enjoyed.

The Woman's Welfare League assisted by the Boy Scouts will fill the baskets in the Salvation Army building this evening and deliver them Sunday afternoon in time for the holiday. 

The Times-Auditorium benefit show on Saturday morning brought in a splendid collection of canned goods and provisions which will prove of great assistance in supplying bountiful Christmas dinners.

The Salvation Army is offering an attractive Christmas season schedule. Sunday morning the program will include special singing and a sermon on "The Gift of the Ages." A pageant will be given Sunday evening at a Christmas Candlelight Service. Mariettans are given a cordial invitation to attend these special programs.

Superintendent and Mrs. L. A. Hall of Washington County Infirmary have arranged for a Belgian hare dinner for the inmates of the home on Monday, and there will be all the trimmings. There are 90 men and women in the county home family, all able to enjoy the dinner. There will be a boiled beef dinner on Sunday on account of the double holiday. One of the classes of the First Baptist Church will present a program at the home at 2 p.m. on Sunday, and there will be distribution of a Christmas treat.

American Legion Auxiliary of Marietta Post No. 64, according to its annual custom of looking after Christmas cheer among World War veterans in Marietta and Washington County will send out a quota of Christmas baskets for families of needy veterans.

The Children's Home

 Marietta Intelligencer, December 15, 1860

It is some time since we have alluded to Miss Fay's Institution, "the Children's Home." We wish now to offer some remarks, which the approaching holidays suggest. All who have little children to love and care for, are now busily engaged in preparing some gift for the comfort or amusement of the dear ones, and anticipating with delight the smiles with which they will be received.

Now, Miss Fay has under her charge twenty-one children, all but three of whom are under ten years of age. All bright, active children, as fond of amusement and fun as the more fortunate little ones who will be loaded with toys and surfeited with dainties during the coming holidays. The noble lady who has undertaken the care of these poor friendless children, finds it as much as she can do to feed and clothe them, and it will of course be impossible for her to provide for them a holiday entertainment, or present them each with the trifling gifts which children all enjoy so much, and need for their reward and amusement. Will not some of our benevolent ladies move in this matter! Perhaps provide a dinner and be themselves present to cheer and encourage not only the children, but the heroic woman who has devoted her life to them. Articles for use as well as amusement would, doubtless, prove most acceptable.

Here is an opportunity of doing much good at very little cost, and the children as well as their parents can aid in it. You will gladden the hearts of twenty-one little children who receive very few of the good things of this life, you will greatly encourage and strengthen her who has assumed the position of mother to these children, and you will receive into your own hearts the blessing that is promised to those who minister to the wants of the widow and the orphan.

Any articles left at this office will be taken care of and forwarded to their destination.

Witches, Goblins, Ghosts, Make Merry on Halloween

 The Marietta Daily Times, November 1, 1947

"It's the largest parade we've ever had in Marietta," one man remarked to another after the start of Friday night's Halloween parade. It is doubtful if the likes of such a parade had never been seen in this city before. The Marietta Lions Club led the parade of the city's 23rd Halloween celebration with the caged lion whose eyes shed great rays of yellow light and whose mouth radiated a glow of bright orange. The Marietta Tiger band added to the affair with its 125 pieces, and it was followed by a long line of happy masqueraders.

There were ghosts, witches, dancing horses wearing tap dancing shoes, little crepe paper pumpkins, angels, the three bears and Goldilocks, frogs, "sports" wearing the famous "Glo-bow" ties, and other characters too numerous to mention. The Norwood Drum Corps and the Salem-Liberty band, decked in their white and red uniforms, who donated their services for the parade, did much to make the parade a success and also added to the hilarity of the group.

From the Municipal Stadium one could see the numerous glowing torches which lit the way for the long parade. The contestants for the prizes were strung from one end of the stadium track to the other, and the judges finally succeeded in lining them up along the yard lines.

Prizes Awarded

The contestants were lined up according to the costumes they wore and the prizes they sought. The boys who sought to win the prize for wearing the fanciest costume lined up along the goat line; those seeking to win the prize for being the most comical lined up at the 10-yard line; and so it went.

Jack Painter won the boy's fancy prize and Dale Thornton received second prize. Jess Berdine received first prize for the boy's comic costume and Jack Holdren received second. The prize for the fanciest costume in the girl's group went to Karen Henderson. Second prize in this division went to Gerry Lee Hickman.

In the girl's group, Dolores Buzzard received first prize for the most comical costume; Jean McClure received second. Violet McIntyre won first prize in the women's comic division and Helen Fryman won second. The prize for the most fancy woman's costume was awarded to Mrs. McComas; second prize went to Lenore Fields. The fancy group prize was won by Beverly Darnell, Linda Darnell, Sharon Reed and Jacqueline Reed. The group comic prize was won by Mrs. James Schafer and Miss Frances McClure.

The judges for the contest were Rev. D. J. Barthelmeh, Mrs. Glenn Rogers, Paul Petty, and Miss Joan Sutton.

The parade, an annual affair sponsored by the Lions Club, was under the supervision of Thomas L. Schwendeman, chairman of the parade committees.

Donn Winans and George Cranston were general chairmen of the celebration; Bradley Vrooman and Howard Taylor were in charge of the Boy Scouts, the judges, the prizes and the theatre; Leonard Boord, Donald Boyer and James Stowe were in charge of the trucks, the judges' stand and the bugle corps; Harold Oyster, Lester Krieg, W. S. Hawn and Walter McCarthy had charge of the decorations and the dance which was held following the parade at the Armory; Norman LaFaber was in charge of city affairs and the police for the parade; Herbert Smith headed the proclamation committee, and R. C. Ritchey handled the advertising.

The dance at the Armory following the parade was a taxi dance which lasted from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., with music furnished by Bob Rice's orchestra. 

While the parade was said by police to have been the largest ever staged here, not a single accident was reported. All available police were on parade duty.

Law enforcement officers had an unusually quiet Halloween. Little property damage was reported in the county, while some street lights were reported damaged by boys with air guns. Several boys picked up by police have been ordered to appear in Juvenile Court next Monday. The usual hot spots - the West Side and Norwood sections - were extremely quiet, most of the calls for police coming in from residents north of Putnam St., according to Police Chief H. O. Wolfe.

*     *     *     *     *    

“Flash on Glo Bow Tie” illuminated clip on tie, c. late 1940s. The tie is made of rayon in a blinding blue and yellow print, but add two red light bulbs strung with wire attached to battery packs and you’ve lit up eyes from across the room. Old as Adam antiques of Providence, Rhode Island. 

https://oldasadam.com/goods/glow-bow/

Fourth of July

 The Marietta Register, July 8, 1864

The Fourth of July passed off very quietly in Marietta, even the shooting of fire-crackers by the boys was not in the usual profusion. At 9 o'clock A.M., the children, parents and friends assembled on the Commons above Putnam Street and, to the music of Major Payne's Martial Band, marched to the College Grounds, where exercises were held. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Battelle and addresses by L. H. Sargent of Cincinnati, who is known as "Sunday School Sargent," and by A. E. Chamberlain, President of the Cincinnati branch of the U.S. Christian Commission. Music, refreshments, and a social time were then the order. For this entertainment, the children are indebted to D. P. Bosworth, R. P. Iams, and perhaps others.

 

Santa Claus Will Be In Marietta Saturday

The Marietta Daily Times, December 15, 1932

Santa Claus will be in Marietta Saturday in his workshop that will be in front of the court house on Putnam Street Saturday. That merry old sprite, Mr. Claus, will keep regular office hours and will greet every child who visits him at his workshop Saturday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

At certain times during the day Santa will give away candy to the children who visit him. The workshop itself is a delight to the children and interesting to the grown ups as well. On the walls are pictures of Humpty-Dumpty, and All the King's Horses are there and the cow is still jumping over the moon. If the children do not see Santa Claus in his famous workshop they will be missing a real Christmas treat.

The be-whiskered old Saint is going to make a visit of some days in Marietta and his workshop will be moved around to different places in the city. Just where it will be Monday has not yet been determined. That is up to Santa Claus to decide. He wants all the children and parents as well as other grown-ups to be sure and see him before he leaves Marietta. The interior of the workshop has been repainted and decorated especially for the children.

It's a long distance from the North Pole to Marietta, but old Santa Claus has made the trip so that no child will be disappointed. When Santa was in that parade through Marietta some time ago, he promised to return and Saturday he will be here.

Stores to be Open Monday and Tuesday Evenings Next Week

The Register-Leader, December 20, 1918

On Monday and Tuesday evening of next week most of the stores in the business district will remain open for the holiday trade. The stores are enjoying a good holiday trade and the shops all bedecked in their Christmas best.

For the most part, it is believed the shoppers have done their Christmas buying early this season, though there are many who have yet to finish up and from now on until Christmas the stores will be rushed in all probability.

The dry goods stores have arranged to remain open Monday and Tuesday evenings and many of the other shops will also be open. Some of the stores have been open in the evening during the entire week.

Marietta to Have a Christmas Tree

The Register-Leader, December 19, 1916

Marietta is assured of a Community Christmas celebration. The glad tidings were heralded after the Christmas Celebration committee of the Chamber of Commerce met Monday afternoon.

It was reported to the committee that $45.75 had been collected or subscribed during the day, and with the filing of this report, the celebration became assured, as the committee had funds previously subscribed amounting to about $60. It can be readily seen, however, than an additional amount is yet needed to defray the expense of the dinner for poor children and the program.

In past years the Community Tree on the court house lawn has not cost the committee anything, the pine and its decorations having been donated. This year, it is believed will be no exception, and the Community Yule Tree is expected to shine forth its tidings to all Marietta during Christmas week.

It was decided that supper should be held Thursday, December 28th at 5 o'clock. The committee will ask the managers of the Armory for the use of the basement floor for the supper. The idea of holding the supper on Thursday is due to the fact that Christmas day is a very busy one for most folks and then many baskets are sent to the people who will be invited to the supper. The tickets are being printed and will be given out through the schools this week. Mr. DeVore has charge of this work.

The Christmas Sing will be held on Monday afternoon at 4:30 and will be in charge of Prof. Bird. The program will take place on the court house steps unless the weather is bad. In that case the proposition made by some kind citizen to pay the rent on the opera house will be accepted. Several hundred voices will very likely take part in the sing. 

The big tree will be placed in front of the court house this week, and will be lighted the first time on Monday night. The securing and placing of the tree will be in charge of Mr. DeVore. He has a tree in mind and he says will be the biggest one ever used here. One of the electrical companies will be asked to trim and light it.

The supper will be in charge of Mrs. Becker, and the trimming of the small tree and the buying of the candy and whatever presents are to be given will be in the hands of Mrs. Gaitree. Mrs.. Middleswart and Miss Fell are also members of the committee and will assist the two mentioned ladies in their work. 

One thing the committee would like to announce this year and that is that the supper will not be open to the public. Only those having tickets will be admitted, unless through special permission by the committee. The committee will hold another meeting Friday afternoon. Until there is notice to the effect that enough money is in hand, the public is asked to please give the matter of a small donation serious consideration.

 

Halloween at Marietta College

 The College Olio, November 17, 1883

It is the general opinion that Halloween carryings on are utterly useless and barren of results. For the past twenty years there has been a regular programme for the night, which has been more or less strictly adhered to. The evening is begun by four class suppers, after which each class marches to the campus, accompanied by the music of two-cent tin horns. A fire is next kindled with boxes, barber poles and other paraphernalia collected on Front Street. Then follows a rope pull between the Sophomores and Freshmen. The rest of the evening is consumed in successful or futile efforts of the lower classes to burn each other in effigy. For several years this programme has not been fully carried out. This year the solitude of the Dormitory was undisturbed except by Freshman tin music. In all probability this is the last year Halloween will be celebrated.

The most cruel deed that was done Halloween by the boys was to frighten several of the young ladies of the city, who had assembled just across the street from the Campus, from carrying into execution their long-formed plans. They had intended to consult the oracles that night in regard to their future by walking around a square at midnight and performing various other superstitious acts. However, as the boys made their appearance about that hour, the young ladies dispersed to their homes.

Emancipation Anniversary

 The Marietta Register, July 29, 1864

The colored people will hold a Celebration on Harmar Hill, Monday, August 1st - forenoon and afternoon. Dudley Asbury of Harmar makes an address before dinner, and John M. Langston of Oberlin, one of Ohio's best speakers, at 2 o'clock P.M. A table will be furnished on the ground for dinner at reasonable rates. In the evening there will be a Festival at Marshall's Hall in Marietta, the proceeds to be devoted to the benefit of the Colored Church.

The Fourth

 The Marietta Intelligencer, July 9, 1846

We believe almost everybody in Marietta in one way or another participated in the festivities of this Anniversary. We hear of picnic parties on Harmar Hill, on the Island, in Virginia, and on College Hill. 

The Sabbath School connected with the Methodist Episcopal Society celebrated the day in the Brick Church on Putnam Street. Mr. James F. Given delivered an oration, after which, and the exercises of the S. School children, refreshments were served in the basement.

The Sabbath School of the Universalist Society assembled in the morning at their church on Second Street, where addresses were made by some members of the school and an oration delivered by Rev. Eaton. A dinner was prepared in the orchard adjacent to the church.

The several Sabbath Schools in Harmar had a union celebration and were addressed by Rev. Messrs. Dana, Bing, and Bates and by several of the teachers in the respective schools. A dinner was furnished in the market house.

A large company assembled in Mr. Prentiss' orchard near the College, where a bountiful table was spread and where brief addresses were made by Prof. Kendrick, Mr. George M. Woodbridge, and other gentlemen whose names we have not learned.

In the evening, the concert at the Congregational Church "came off." It was numerously attended and the Library Hall, in which the Ladies of the Society spread their refreshment tables, was crowded - a part of the time almost to suffocation.

We hear of celebrations in various parts of the county - as at Newport, Beverly, and Fearing - but have received no accounts of the exercises.

Sad Christmas

 Marietta Tri-Weekly Register, December 24, 1891

Marietta will have a sad Christmas. The prevailing epidemic is affecting someone in almost every family. This sickness appears to be seeking the weak places in the weak subjects in attacks and several deaths have occurred, while many others are dangerously sick. As we write, the notes of the funeral dirge of Col. Phillips fall upon the ear; the remains of Dr. Addy and George Irish are in affectionate waiting for the last rites. Dr. Seth Hart, the veteran physician, is hover on the border line, while anxious watch is held over the bedside of many who are frail and very sick. What we say of Marietta is also true of many places in the county. Many who for a day or two were quite sick are up and at their duties again, but not strong and vigorous.

Hundreds Make Merry in Halloween Parade

The Marietta Daily Times, November 1, 1945

With every member of the police department on duty Wednesday night, Marietta celebrated Halloween without an accident of any kind. There were no reports of property being destroyed, Chief of Police H. O. Wolfe said.

Although a special policeman was again detailed to Marietta College campus at the request of college authorities, the students fooled them and none showed up for any pranks. Some of the leaders of Tuesday night's campus celebration took exception to police reports that windows and lights were broken. They said a special effort was made to see that no property was destroyed, and that they were only carrying out an old tradition of the college. They recalled similar celebrations staged by the fathers of some when a cow and chickens were moved into the chapel. With chairs scattered over the campus Wednesday, students were required to stand during some classes, while others sat on the floor.

Somewhat reminiscent of V-J Night was the crowd which thronged Marietta's streets for the Halloween parade and celebration which began at 7 o'clock. Mothers, dads, sons and daughters were all out to enjoy the gala parade of approximately 800 persons which was climaxed at the Stadium grounds where judging was held for the funniest and most tasteful costumes. Adding to the colorful parade was the Marietta High School Tiger Band, the Salem-Liberty High School Band, and the Norwood Drum Corps.

Prize winners in the 19th annual festival, sponsored by the Marietta Lions Club, were as follows:

Men's comic costume - Ralph Gearhart, 627 Ninth St., first prize; John Weiss, 629 Ninth St., second prize.

Boy's comic costume - Richard Hall, 141 Acme St., first prize; Bob McCain, 133 Acme St., second prize.

Boy's fancy costume - Weldon Weber, 306 Putnam St., first prize; John E. McClure, 708 Quarry St., second prize.

Women's fancy costume - Mrs. Ned Hockensmith, Williamstown, first prize; Mrs. Edna Fesler, 172 Front St., second prize.

Girl's fancy costume - Rose Hockenberry, 708 Washington St., first prize No. 1; Jeannie McClure, Quarry St., Judith Nancy Myers, S. Third St., and Sallie Ann Myers, S. Third St., first prize No. 2; Patty Richards, 710 Washington St., second prize No. 1; Sue Humston, 503 Second St., second prize No. 2.

Group prize - Jake Landsittle, 208 Sacra Via, Ray Wilson, 113 Porter St., and Jack Gardiner, 608 Seventh St.

Judges for the event were Miss Florence Hennis, Mrs. Wilbur D. Jones, Fred Mains, O. E. Capehart, and Maurice Mitchell.

Celebration at Newport

The Marietta Register, July 12, 1866

As a slight shower had fallen in the morning, the original design of a basket picnic in a neighboring grove was laid aside, and the people assembled in the Baptist church of the village. Here the oration of the day was delivered by Rev. J. W. Hamilton, the minister of the Methodist charge at this place. The address of Mr. H. showed much thought and preparation and was spoken with an earnestness and animation which fixed the attention of his audience. His style displays much force and energy, and he bids fair to rise to a prominent position in his field of labor.

The regular toasts of the day then ensued, the first of which was: "Our Literary Institutions in the loyal states - their patriotic teachings have been demonstrated in the intelligent members which they have given to the service of their country." The remarks of the Professor were very instructive, but were so far prolonged as to render them rather tedious. 

By this time the sun and breeze had dissipated the remaining traces of the morning shower and the entire assembly repaired to the grove near the Methodist church, where an excellent dinner was enjoyed by all. The after-dinner toasts were then taken up:

"The loyal ministry - true indices to the duties of real citizenship, love to God, love to man, patriotic devotion to our common country." The response was made by Rev. C. D. Battelle, whose remarks were brief but appropriate.

A sentiment expressive of gratitude to the soldiers of the township was introduced with some remarks by George C. Shipman and replied to, in behalf of the soldiers, by Hon. James B. Greene. I regret that I cannot give the words of the toast.

"The fallen sons of Newport: Lewis Nine, Edgerton, Battelle, Greenwood, J. R. Newport, Hall, Gutshaw, Wetzel, Davis, Hill, Seevers, Mathers, Van Wey, Gates, McPeek, and others - let their memories be kept green in the hearts of a grateful people."

This toast was received in silence, save the song "Sleeping for the Flag," which was beautifully rendered by a group of young ladies.

To the volunteer toast, "Our Fathers and Mothers; green be the graves of our sires, honored the gray hairs in our midst today," response was made by T. W. Ewart, in which he spoke highly of those who had formed the early settlements of the vicinity.

The following sentiment was given by a West Virginian: "West Virginia, a proud bulwark against treason and rebellion; no longer the club foot of the Old Dominion, a wide road to prosperity opens before her." Response by Rev. Charles Buckman, also a native of that state.

Rev. Allen Darrow being called for, made some remarks of a patriotic character.

We must not forget to express our commendation of the singing which was excellent. Altogether the affair passed off quite pleasantly. The general arrangements were good and were carried out quite as accurately as could be expected in view of interference of rain, etc. The day will be long remembered by those who participated in its enjoyments as an entertaining and profitable occasion.

H.R.E.
Newport, July 9, 1866.