OCR Text |
Show PageC-- 6 Christmasses, in fact - they were a mixture of traditions brought from European countries. Often even within the home there was Bj Effic W. Adams Christmases have been unique over the past decades. Like all Utah Christmases - all American Manila adjusted toward the pulpit which had been built up into a stage. There was a g curtain made of blankets. The deep window sills were loaded with evergreen boughs from the hills and scarlet berries from bushes along ditch The center of banks. attraction was a Christmas tree freshly cut from Cedar Bench, Manila's own n atural Christmas tree farm (now denuded by "Cedar Hills"). The tree was lit by dozens of green and red candles anchored in clip-o.holders which held them upright. The generations of Christmas celebrants who have not seen a candle-li- t Christmas tree cannot know real Christmas beauty. The flicker and soft flame must be protected with almost bated breathing. After the candles were lit this night, there was just time for everyone to sing or say or shout Merry Christmas, and Santa bounded in to make his impressive entrance before the candles expired. a blending of two cultures as husband and wife or consciously un- consciously united to make their celebrations reflect memories of Christmases celebrated in two different countries. wire-hun- Predominent among Manila's population were the Danish converts. There were the Swensens, the Jhmu Johnsons, Carlsons, A" aula here with a pack r etc. Holmans, Hallidays, The Atwoods represented Alpine Crafts 45 I Better Lone Peak n Stewarts, Ainsworths, N. Larsons, s, riiHinia! Bigger Hansen, Jensens and Nielsens, others. From Sweden bad come the Olsens, more Swensons, Warnicks, and more. From England and Scotland had the Wadleys, the Merediths, cramiuctl full of I lie joy of New location Jeppsons, Drive American traditions, their home being Connecticut The deep South the was by brought Alpine Village (Call for directions) early Thomases. There was a smattering of German. A War veteran had settled here. Also an itenerant named Sailor Bill with no known roots drifted in. was It a truly hetrogenious group - a phrase they had probably never heard of, and which not recognize they would as being applicable to their Civil His bag was bulging . cotton-decorate- pillow-padde- have to do with community Some celebrations. are be the picture of joy and contentment, close to those you love. Your patronage is truly appreciated. A centered. family celebration community involved all. Everyone was invited, everyone 605 S. 1250 American Fork E. 756-287- 3 Primary for many, many years, had the responsibility of making gifts for all new president, another incident happened which became a Christmas remembrance. Among all the rest of the duties of the Primary president that year fell that of being Santa Claus. The Santa which had been; arranged, for failed them at' the Tast moment, so the Primary President donned the bright coat, would be missed otherwise - jMjif i til til V iv n I VI mm 111 ij i i.l Mi mm ay your holiday bloom with everlasting lii fill" 1,11,1 J iWsffliiS!;!;! happiness, and flower X with warm feelings of hope, peace and joy. American Fork Floral 'iiiiSiiliiiiiii!!!:! 8 445 E. State Rd. 756-353- whose inactive or must also see to the food, furnishing from her own pantry those things which seemed to be lacking to make up what Danish people considered a "good supper." She must also see to inviting Santa Claus, to the program, to rehersals, to transportation if needed. Every good ward has had an "Aunt Maggie," and their humble efforts have formed many of our own special traditions of Christmas. At one of the Christmas programs, the setting was beautiful. The benches of the chapel had been jy '.I children were forgot or just waited for Aunt Maggie to do it. She ' ' the parents 9 . ' Primary waist her padded generously to fit the pants, covered her face plentifully with the cotton beard, pulled on the cap and sallied forth to meet the children. All of them wre pleased that Santa knew their individual names, and he was able to caution from to refrain them ill deeds specific they had committed in the past in Primary. It was a fine o o rA Oo O r i am II.. dMprj 1 wd friends, join us us w" o i a CVvJfTW logo! her to rekindle' gainer 0 f PMt " JySY 0 iadilional lTOl V tL w"J. holiday season. A, XJnL WjJi A Merry jf. I "II I 5 1 -- 11 I 0 o -fful Jk -- X-rl- 'o ift&fSR ri.risln.as -. iw n and aL V9E& d cooperated in saving Santa, and although his identity was necessarily revealed, to the disappointment of the children, the gifts were safe and the program went on to its conclusion. At a later program, and a programs were for the children, most frequently the Primary was in charge -as now. In those days, it meant that "Aunt" Maggie Sorenson, president of the A Camera Magic Studio came, Christmas because coat d billowed around his middle. In all the excitement of the exalted moment, Santa got a shade too close to the lighted tree and with a startled gasp the audience realized that all the glimmering light was not from the tree but from Santa's costume flaming. Believe me, everyone group. Some of the memorable Manila Christmas traditions M ay your holiday with gifts, his long cotton beard flowed as he bounced. His 7 S-- performance, and Santa exited with a clamor of bells he always carried, with an empty pack, and panting under all the padding and coats. In the hurried exit to get out of the uncomfortable was a plea for a return of peace to the world, and a petition for the safekeeping good grapes was to make wine, she insisted that they be dried and used as of 29 young men and one young woman from Manila who were battling all over raisens. Bushels of them were converted to this purpose, and served as confections at all socials. the They also furnished continuous for her filling supply of mince meat p ies and plum puddings, which English dishes were added to the Scandanavian delicacies to become the traditional ingredients of Manila's Christmas dinners. At one party however, the food was not so plentiful. One evening many adult friends had planned a dinner to follow an evening of carroling, game playing All the and visiting. luscious food was made ready at one home before leaving so it could be eaten without delay when the group returned hungry and cold from the evening's activity. But lo, and behold, while they were away, the son of the family returned his with teen-ag- group. Seeing the lovely repast laid out, he was elated at the e of his thoughtfulness mother to prepare such a fine dinner foi; fiim and his friends, and they fell to and did justice to it. They left for their planned activities as they were finished. In came the adults expecting to be filled and satisfied with their anticipated dinner. But what was left was only a few sad looking leftovers and a lot of dirty dishes. soon as t. A.P. Warnick. The prayer the world for the protection of their country. This group of 30 represented more than ten percent of the small ward. Going back to happy traditions, some of the Scandanavians had an activity purely their own. It might have been a hangover from the mystical Lucia who in the "old " went country crying throughout the streets the week before Christmas until everyone was awake. Then observance of Christmas would Manila begin. Scandanavians adapted it to their wishes. Long before dawn someone in the household would wake up and shout to every other member, "Christmas Gift!" This was not a shouted request for a gift, but was a prestigeous achievement. It was identified at getting Christmas Gift "on" someone if you shouted it first. After family shoutings, adult members and some brave children would hastily don heavy clothing, mount horses or sleighs and hurry to homes of relatives or neighbors. Woe to those who were still sleeping and "Christmas Gift" could be shouted at them first. They hauled from their and willingly joined the group singing and visiting their way to the next stop. In the frosty, expectant air of the predawn Christmas mornings, this shouting and singing with friends and loved ones was the happinest time of the season. Christmases of the past were beds, were wrapped in deep snow and peace and friendship. were unclouded by commercialism and ar- They tificiality. We get lonely for old fashioned a real Christmas like the ones we see now only on Christmas cards, but which were identified then with Manila and its ward family. Then the air seemed colder and was sweeter. Then there was the unpolluted smell of frost and fir. Then the world seemed so still and breathless on Christmas morning that it could have still been expecting the birth of the Prince of pece. "Then", is a lost and lovely time. . . waiting to and we come back always think it might, but it never does, only as we recall it and retell it ... Cut Or Live Tree? By Mary Coons cut or live tree? This is the question that many people toy with each at the Christmas year conseason. Financial sideration is one large factor, of course, what with all the other money strains this time of year, but there are some definite adA to a vantages living Christmas tree. You have a living remembrance of that one particular Christmas season, you could have a new tree in your yard that can someday provide shade in the summer. Beautifying property is an important consideration. Care of the tree is an important factor in the your preservation of your vestment. Ken Teames Green Acres Nursery the cold.) Although they don't encourage it, you may keep your tree indoors all winter and set it out after all danger of frost has passed in the spring. 4. Depending on the size of your tree's container, you should water your living Christmas tree every four to five days. One or two quarts is water of usually adequate. two After 5. weeks maximum indoors, move your tree to a cold garage or carport and soak the soil with water. There is no need to be concerned if the water and soil freeze. After two weeks, your landscape. 7. If your choose, you may use your living Christmas tree indoors each Christmas season for two or three years. Just leave your tree in its container and remember that two weeks is the maximum time for it to be indoors. If you have any questions, call Green Acres Nursery at 224-212- of .(KjT w -- I i WT lo loyal patrons we extend our thanks and best wishes for a wonderful white American Fork Nursery 324 East State Rd. American Fork 1 Enjoy to ground thaws, follow a planting guide and plant your tree. You will then have a beautiful addition to says your living Christmas tree indoors for up two weeks in the garage or carport, move your living Christmas tree out into the yard where winter moisture is available. 6. In the spring after the in- that many people think that the care of the tree starts outside, but the care really starts as soon as you buy it. Here are some tips that he, Eldon Cannon, and Dennis all certified nurScott, serymen, recommend. 1. If the soil in the container is frozen, it would be helpful to thaw it out before your tree is given a drink of water. It would help to set your tree in a tray or on plastic to catch any draining water. 2. Christmas Any decorations can be used except flock or hot electric lights. The small twinkle lights would be idea. 3. and your tree will begin to grow; and may be damaged as it is set out in longer 756-223- (any were not All Christmases happy. Christmas in 1918 was one of fright and fear. of the the "flu." People stayed isolated in their homes. All meetings and public activities were cancelled. If one had to venture out, he wore a heavy gauze face mask to protect him from others and others from him. Thre It was the year of epidemic was no festivity. There were many sad deaths. One of the saddest of them was ward that of Manila member young Artemus Holmlan. was Art bigger and stronger than any one in the ward, and for him to die and leave his widow and a family of six small children made the ward c sad. The spirit of helpfulness was exerted in ward b their behalf very them. Especially did the family appreciate the gift of . customary for many years in Manila, an early morning program was held at 6 a.m. The usual brightly lighted star on the high gable of the church did not show over the valley, submitting to the national black-ouThe theme of the prowas "Greater gram Love Halth Man no than This, that man will lay down his Life for his Friends." Highlight of the program was not the music of Relief the Society chorus, nor the message of the speaker, but was the Christmas prayer by Brother costume, Santa did not notice that two of the children had followed her out Shortly they came wailing back into the room bawling at the top of their voices, "Santa Claus is bad. Santa Claus went into the girl's rest room." Refreshments at these early socials were plentious, but always homemade. One of the most omnipresnt was home dried raisens from Isabelle Wadley's shelves. William, her husband, grew the best grapes in the he valley, and although insisted the purpose of any members, and tn- - family still remembers . jny of shown the kindnesses 'mS' c'aiftV to ill sure of that Christmases had been unlit for three previous years, and 1944 was also dark. As had been 'f&K2?j' ' Ezra Swenson them a horse who gave and surrey. Having the horse made it possible for the family to farm in get a small where they Vineyard, moved. With the horse they were able to take their butter and eggs to town to Brother butcher Boron's to get sell and them hsop enough money each year to pay taxes and interest on their loan. After many years, and many, many small payments they owned the farm. Without the horse mE.iWK Deck the halls and gather 'round to share in a festive celebration. Hope your holidays are trimmed with treats! a v iff they ahve declared, they would have been helpless. Remember there was no organized Horrocks Engineers 1 West Main - 756-762- 8 American Fork welfare, government help, or social security in those days. A Christmas program that was different was that of Dec. 25, 1944. This was the last Christmas of World War II, although no om was BARRATT BUILDERS SUPPLY 35 North Barratt Avenue AMERICAN FORK 756-355- 1 |