Forum Flashbacks: Dec. 21-27

By Geoffrey Woehlk | December 22, 2023 |

MARYVILLE DAILY FORUM, DEC. 21, 1998
25 YEARS AGO: Three Santa Claus characters, portrayed by Steven Spire, Jarrold Burns and Steven Bush, get ready for questioning while the Northeast Nodaway fifth grade sings “Will the Real Santa Claus Stand Up?” The elementary students presented their Christmas program “One Crazy Night Before Christmas” last week before a packed house. Each grade level sang and performed a scene from the play. They were directed by Vicky Turner.

25 years ago
Maryville Daily Forum, Dec. 24, 1998

Happy Birthday Baby Jesus

Dear Jesus, I like Your presents. I like Your mom. I like Your dad. I like Your birthday on Christmas.
Love, Molly Stiens

Dear Jesus, I like You. Happy birthday. Thank You for giving us trees.
Love, Kelsey Stiens

Dear Jesus, Please make my kitty have a nice time in heaven. We like the Jesse tree. And thank You for growing trees for us.
Love, Robert Redford

Dear Jesus, Did You have a nice birthday? Is your mom a nice mom? My mom is nice.
Love, Andrew Sherry

50 years ago
Maryville Daily Forum, Dec. 21, 1973

One Person’s View
An open letter to Ms. Claus:

If things are done at the North Pole as they are in most every other part of the world, it is very likely that all these years, your husband, well-known bearer of good tidings who somehow manages to keep up with the toymakers every year, is not doing all the work. Most probably, you are the one to whom we should address the letters and give credit where it is due.

I have never been one to like going through channels, so I will address my Christmas list directly to you:

Wanted:

Recognition for all persons who have been too long laboring under lesser titles and doing greater work.
A punch in the mouth for any employer whose first words to a prospective “executive” woman employee are: “Can you type?”
A discontinuation of film delivery to the advertising agency which makes the “I think I’ll keep you” television commercials.
A more appropriate cologne scent than “Hai Karate” for Bobby Riggs. How about “Surrender”?
A year’s subscription to “Ms.” for Phyllis Schlafly.
A change in attitude for the Missouri Congresswomen who voted against the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment because: “We made it on our own; let other women do the same.”
A barrage of letters (10,000 might do it) from supporters of the ERA to William Esely.
Custom-made dresses for male employers who ban pants on women in their offices. (Maybe they’ll see how difficult it is sometimes to do a day’s work in a skirt.)
Hearing aids for everyone who still insists they oppose the ERA because they “don’t want men and women to have to use the same bathroom.”
A redefinition of the word “feminine.”
And most importantly: Peace on Earth; Good Will to All People.

By the way, you might check and see whether your husband is paying his female elves the same as his male elves!

Merry Christmas!

— Katherine Craft

100 years ago
Maryville Daily Democrat-Forum, Dec. 26, 1923

A SNOWLESS BUT MERRY CHRISTMAS

_______________

Though snowless and sleighless Christmas Day of 1923 probably will be recorded in Maryville and Nodaway County as a pleasant, happy and joyful holiday. But the “snowlessness” of the occasion didn’t prevent Old Santa from making his annual round, for thousands of children will vouch that he came in accordance with their expectations. He might have used a powerful motor car, or a roarless airplane, but what matters the means of transportation as long as he broadcast happiness, good cheer and plenty of candy and toys.

The drizzling rain Christmas eve might have dampened the spirit of some who retired early but those who saw a full moon breaking through the mist of clouds shortly before the zero hour of midnight when Old Santa began work in earnest, could have likened its brightness to the Star of the East and the late ones retired with a joyful heart. The midnight mass at the St. Mary’s Church was given to a crowded church and the revival of this old custom seemed to be enjoyed by all.

Christmas Day was ushered in with many expectant hearts. Wagons and roller skates seemed to be more popular than ice skates and sleds. Useful gifts for the older people appeared to be in the majority.

… And Christmas comes but once a year — but the 1924 festivities are only twelve months away.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The 50-year and 100-year flashbacks are courtesy of the Missouri Digital Newspaper Project from the State Historical Society of Missouri, accessible at shsmo.newspapers.com.