Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 26, 1930.
CHRISTMAS IS SPENT QUIETLY AND HAPPILY
With Ordinary Activities Hushed and Spirit of Sharing Predominant, City Holiday is Cheerful.
NO ACCIDENTS OR FIRES MAR JOYS
(BY ENGLEBERT ZIMMERMAN)
Under the spell of Christmas, Valparaiso paused yesterday in the lull of ordinary activities to contemplate the occasion’s significance… give aid to the unfortunate and finally to rejoice in the spirit of Him whose memory Christmas yearly renews.
Spreading the yuletide spirit to every part of the city, Christmas trees glistened and shone in the bright sunshine of a mild Christmas day. Holly wreaths gleamed cheery greetings from the windows of homes and brilliant lighted trees in yards and in homes at night cast a gleam of the age-old message of “peace on earth, Good-will toward men.”
In homes, families were reunited. There was the traditional and overpowering family dinner with much merrymaking and thanksgiving. The night before Santa unloaded his bag at the family tree in the corner.
The weather was perfect over the holiday, and what snow was on the ground disappeared under the warm sun, which shown down the greater part of the day.
Joy and happiness were experienced by the city’s unfortunate and jobless through the open hearts of Valparaiso citizens and service organizations which spread cheer to the most humble homes of the city.
The Valparaiso Lodge of Elks distributed a large number of baskets to needy families, an annual custom with the lodge. The cost this year was defrayed through contributions by the members.
The revival of the midnight mass service at St. Paul’s Catholic church Wednesday night after two years was the signal for a large outpouring of church members and the public to attend this popular service. Rev. John Sullivan, the pastor, preached a short sermon, and special music enlivened the colorful ceremonial.
At Immanuel Lutheran church Wednesday evening, the annual children’s Christmas service was held. Christmas day, special services were held at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., with Rev. George Schutes, the pastor, officiating. Large crowds attended the services.
Rev. A.E. Pflaum, of East Chicago, former pastor at St. Andrew’s Episcopal, officiated at services held at 9 a.m. Christmas day in the church. A vested choir provided music for the service.
Business generally about the city was suspended yesterday. The post office, county building, and practically all business establishments were closed for the entire day.
At the fire station Wednesday, the city fire laddies played Santa to a large number of the poorer children of the city. A sack of candy was handed out to each child who called at the station. At one time a waiting line half a block long extended down the street. A Christmas tree tinselled and lighted was a feature. Clarence Osborn, standby of the firemen, was remembered with a large number of presents. At the Premier and Memorial theatres large crowds attended the afternoon and evening performances. Manager Justin Shauer arranged special programs, including vaudeville for the occasion.
The day was exceptionally quiet and free from any disturbances of any king, according to city police. There were no Christmas accidents or tragedies and the city fire department had only one fire call, and that occured in the waning hours.
