Merry Christmas! 2005

from The Odebolt History Pages
 - Bonnie Ekse & Barb Horak (the Girvan sisters), editors

CHRISTMAS PAST IN ODEBOLT

Step back to the year of 1881, when Odebolt was brand-new!

Odebolt Observer
VOL. 2. NO. 26. DECEMBER 28, 1881.

CHRISTMAS TREE

The Union Sabbath school at Mitt's school house, south of Odebolt, displayed a beautiful Christmas tree, laden with valuable and useful presents, to a large and appreciative audience on last Christmas eve. The school house was filled to over-flowing with people waiting for Santa Claus to appear. When he did appear, clothed in buffalo coat, with long whiskers and jingling bells, the children went into ecstasies of joy. The singing and class recitations were good, and as every one received a present, all went home happy. Much credit is due the good ladies, who worked so faithfully in arranging this tree. Much credit is also due the gentlemen who contributed to this cause, and assisted in the work. How Christlike it is to see members of different churches working together in union and harmony. May the spirit of love and good-will bind the hearts of the brethren more closely together as they work in the kingdom of our God. Mr. and Mrs. S. N. Vail wish to return thanks to the friends who gave the valuable and useful present. We shall ever regard it as a token of affection and love from them.

Step back 50 years in memory, to 1955.

The Odebolt Chronicle
VOLUME 67, NUMBER 50, DECEMBER 8, 1955

30th Christmas Tree Erected Here

Odebolt's Christmas tree was erected the first of the week in the down town area, making the 30th consecutive year that a community tree has been erected on that spot.

Thirty years ago the Odebolt Commercial club conceived the idea of having a community tree to help promote their plan "Buy Your Christmas Presents in Odebolt," seeking to have their patrons buy here.

A program was presented [in 1925] which included Christmas carol singing by the high school glee clubs, brief songs and dramatizations.  Col. A. S. Teaquist was in charge of the program under the direction of the Rev. John A. Kettle.  W. A. Kistler played the part of Santa Claus and distributed gifts to the children.

This year as in the past a beautiful, lighted tree adds to the holiday atmosphere and beauty of the season, and with the lights and bells strung above the streets, the lights glistening on the snow, give Odebolt the appearance of a winter wonderland.

Christmas Haircut

KELLER BARBER SHOP
LANGE BARBER SHOP

OPEN EVENINGS
of December 20-21-22-23

Open evening of Tuesday, Dec. 20
for the benefit of local hired help.

WILL CLOSE:
Saturday afternoon, Dec. 24 at 3:30

The Odebolt Chronicle
VOLUME 67, NUMBER 51, DECEMBER 15, 1955


HEY KIDS
SANTA'S COMING
DEC. 17

FREE SHOW       AT THE PRINCESS--1:30 p.m.

FREE TREATS     AFTER THE MOVIE

ODEBOLT
Chamber of Commerce
 

Christmas Past, 2006    Christmas Past, 2004

Christmas Past, 2003     Christmas Past, 2002