These were some of the stories reported by the Texarkana Gazette this week in history:
100 years ago
Dec. 19, 1916:
DEAR SANTA
415 Spruce St., Texarkana, Texas; I am 7, and my little sister is 4 years old. I learned her to say the presidents, and she can name them from Washington down to Wilson without help, and as good as I can. We want you to bring us each a doll buggy, and doll bed, also a doll chair and table, a little broom, a little suitcase, a little trunk, and some candy, apples and oranges. Your little girls, Drefka and Bhema Yates.
Dec. 20:
"BETHLEHEM" PAGEANT
Sunday school and teachers of Central Christian church will give a pageant entitled "Bethlehem" at their church in with a novel and entertaining program will be enacted. After the pageant there will be a "Winter Gift", which will consist of the displaying of a large mass of edibles, clothing, etc., given by the older pupils for distribution among the worthy poor of the city. Christmas Day Central church people will distribute dinners to a number of people whose names are being furnished to the committee.
Dec. 21:
"TWO-MULE FARMER"
W.A. Smith, a young farmer living in the Mill Creek neighborhood 9 miles east of this city, is accredited by his neighbors with having made 932 gallons of very fine ribbon cane syrup from his crop of cane this past year. He sold nearly all of this in Texarkana, realizing therefore $639. He raised 25 bales of cotton and sold, made a good feed crop, sweet potatoes and articles of food. Mr. Smith is a "two-mule farmer," his friend avers.
Dec. 22:
EXTREME COLD
The mercury registered 11 degrees at 7 o'clock this morning. Fourteen degrees above zero in Dallas this morning, the lowest in December since 1909. Freezing weather extended to the coastline last night. San Antonio, 22; Houston, 24; Galveston, 26; Corpus Christi, 32. It may get some warmer here today, but will be back down below freezing tonight. It should reach 32 degrees today, but drop once again.
Dec. 23:
LETTER TO SANTA
I have grown so much this year I am afraid you won't know where to find me, so I'm writing early to tell you. I will be at my grandmother's at Dangerfield, Texas. Please bring me a horn, cannon, over shoes No. 13, raincoat and hat, drum, leggings, pop-gun, monkey on a string, iron train, a little golf knife and a watch. I hope you won't think I am asking for too much. Meet me at Dangerfield on Christmas morning. Ragland Steel, 1206 Walnut St. P.S. I am much obliged if you bring all this.
Dec. 24:
WELL-PLACED OBSERVATION
Miss Screech: "He said something to you about my singing last night, didn't he?" Miss Pepper: "Well, he did remark how funny the corners of your mouth looked when you sang." Miss Screech: "The idea! How could he have seen them?" Miss Peppery: "Why not? He was sitting directly behind you while you sang."
Dec. 25:
EDITORIAL
A merry, merry Christmas to the faithful and public serving people of Texarkana. They have made a great record in good works this year. May their harvest next year be bountiful.
50 years ago
Dec. 19, 1966:
ODD NEWS
Head Linesman Herald Bergman was knocked woozey immediately after working a Baltimore-San Francisco National Football League game when he was hit on the head with whiskey bottles. As he entered the tunnel to the dressing room, Bergman was first struck on the head by a half empty bottle and as he reeled away was struck by a sack full of empty bottles. "Jim, help me," he called to field judge James Tunney. Tunney and two Baltimore players helped Bergman to the dressing quarters, where first aid was administered.
Dec. 20:
BPW CLUB PREPARES
FOR CHRISTMAS PARTY
Members of the Texarkana Business and Professional Women's Club had an annual Christmas party in the Palm Room at Hotel Grim. Those preparing the party were Miss Roberta Yant, Mrs. Ruth Icenhower, Mrs. Quintell, Mrs. Helena Day, and Mrs. Minnie Carroll.
Dec. 21:
DEAR POLLY POINTER
A closed Venetian blind makes an excellent display rack for your Christmas Cards. Slip the back fold of the card through a slat and let the pretty front show. They could be arranged on the blind in the shape of a Christmas tree.
Dec. 22:
JUNIOR LEAGUE PRESENTS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Members of the Texarkana Junior League presented a program of Christmas music at the Leisure Lodge Nursing Home. They are Mrs. James C. Burrough, Mrs. J.R. Hubbard, Mrs., George Poulos, Mrs. Earl Jones Jr. Mrs. Carroll Wheeler, Mrs. Stan Cook, Mrs. J.B. Rochelle III, Mrs. Lloyd E. Gary, and Mrs. Sam Buchanan Jr, Mrs. Carl Culpepper is director.
Dec. 23:
DO NOT TAMPER WITH MAILBOXES; LARGE NUMBER ARRESTED
Mailboxes are protected by federal law and pranksters or vandals who damage or destroy the boxes and their contents may be in for a heavy fine or imprisonment. Postmaster Arthur L Jennings warned. The postmaster noted that some 25,000 mail receptacles were damaged or destroyed in the past year. It was also noted that 2,641 persons were arrested in the year up to June 30.
Dec. 24:
PERSONALS
Mr. and Mrs. William Lee Sinclair have given the name Emily to their daughter, born Dec. 21st at the Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. The baby girl is the great-granddaughter of J.K. Wadley.
ALSO
Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Watson of Ft. Wroth announce the birth of a baby girl, named Holly, Wednesday Morning. Maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Tyl of 1724 W. 17th St.
Dec. 25:
FOOD AND TOYS DISTRIBUTED
Food and toys were handed out by the Goodfellows and the Salvation Army to the poor of Texarkana in both Miller and Bowie Counties. The Salvation Army filled bags for more than 600 people and they were distributed at its headquarters at 329 Walnut. A.H. Goodson said the Goodfellows delivered 150 boxes of food and toys, the total donated to the Goodfellows fund was $856. Merry Christmas to everyone!!