“Christmas Memories from the Carnation City” with Robb Hyde, a fun 45-minute program featuring photos, music, and stories of 100 years of Christmases in Alliance, will be presented in the Rodman Public Library Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 2.
Robb Hyde has been poking around local history for several decades now in various roles at all of Alliance’s Three Families museums. In advance of this Holiday Season, Hyde found some particularly great stories—and more than a couple of grainy B&W and color pictures — to tell of Christmas in our town during the 20th century.
As expected, they were in old file folders, library microfilm and closets, but also in 21st century resources such as the Alliance Memory website, Alliance Review online archive, and even Facebook. The program will have nostalgia, insights, surprises, and cherished memories for those who attend.
Many will recall the excitement of a Thanksgiving evening trip to Main Street to view the newly lighted Christmas decorations. They’ll also recall snowy afternoons for a Christmas shopping trip to Toyland at Alliance Hardware, candy and buttered fries at Heggy’s, the wooden floors of Murphy’s and Jupiter, and ice cold buttermilk at the Market House.
Others will think about visits to Carnation Mall for a ride on the kids train and visit with Santa at the center court pavilion before hitting Kmart, Camelot, and Bed, Bath & Beyond. There will be memories of shop and community group Christmas parties, favorite sledding and skating spots, as well as Mr. Jingeling on TV . . . and a Tale of Two Christmas Carols — one from WMMS and the other from Carnation City Players.
Those attending will have the opportunity to participate in a lively quiz about Christmastime favorite TV, music, treats, and movies. Holiday punch, coffee, and cookies will also be on the menu.
Attendees are also urged to bring one of their own memories of Christmas in Alliance to share with all who come. It can be nothing more than to tell us an event that you loved, or a taste you remember. You can also bring objects such as a Christmas ornament, a jolly photo, or a Holiday keepsake and the group will spend part of the time sharing.
Registration is requested.
For more information, call 330-821-2665, ext. 204.