Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 45, Number 300, Decatur, Adams County, 22 December 1947 — Page 29

• • 'O' •DAY, DECEMBER 22, 1947

r ' i _ R r I I I I I i >i * I We re so glad a t this time of « yea r to wish 5 voit MERRY fl CHRISTMAS J I l Braun's Maralhon Service I A Nuttman & 13th S « « ' i I I Gleaming as the ra- fl I diant bells that deck fl I your Christmas tree I are our wishes of- - Merry Christmas '■ I and a’ Happy New fl I Year to yon. fl ■ 8 i 1 i * i |IS . . A I tWßwz i I Gtwtmwfty fl <5 I « I « I ?5 8 H. P. Schmitt Locker Service fl 8 L*>2i3 l »sta3ia2<3i»ifc>i»»»>j»3»s<>»»a3i»»<3rt!si2iaa>iSia3ia§iaaa3ix I * /f . , -V) We Welcome Wl The I I**?! Christmas Season fl fi i * / « LLZ—- *** 4 —£ 8 We look forward to Christmas each year. not because it’s another Holiday, but because we enjoy the privilege of extending our sincere good wishes to those we serve. 8 a MERRY CHRISTMAS I and a fl 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR ’ 8 jK >5 8 8 Adams County Chapter I AMERICAN RED CROSS fl _ fl ft **&^3i?i»xa2i5 1 **«<’«>< ig<!gtgic!gigicis«g!gfgig!«>ejs!g®»c?g!e , 4:’s>€’g!gie!€!g!g(4;«!€’€’€’g!st?®'2 w A ■ 8 i* Here’s to a Merry Christmas and a New |iP~ 4nr*- Year studded with fl “ '”18 fcsd old-fashioned senti- Js ~~ x > ments: happiness. tranquility and prosperity I 18 8 8 a | a 8 8 a i ? i 8 I I s I I fl 8 A 8 ■ Lee Hardwares. _ I

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A4fl 1N at this Yuletide season the strains of Christmas carols are floating into the hearts and homes of millions of people, carryng the spirit of Christmas. It is at this holiday season that the impulse J sing grips everyone, from the crooning infant to the oldest and most confirmed "monotone.” There are many kinds of carols, some for every mood and taste. Hymns or chants celebrating the Nativity have been sung since the earliest days of the Christian church. Some of the carols, like "Deck the Hall with Boughs of Holly,” “Good King Wenceslas” and the wassailing s° n Ss, have no direct relation to the Nativity, yet they are fully expressive of various phases of the Christmas spirit. Best loved and most frequently sung of the carols is "Silent Night.” It was Christmas time in the hamlet of Obernsdorf, South Germany, in 1813 that this beautiful song was

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composed. A young priest, Father Josef Mohr, was returning from the bedside of a parishioner when he looked down upon the sleeping hamlet surrounded by snow. It lay there silent in the dark night, lighted only by the bright stars and a few glimmering candles. That first Christmas, he thought, must have been like this and there came to him these words: "Silent Night, Holy Night! All is calm, all is bright , , In his study he finished the verses, then took them to Franz Gruber, the organist, who caught the spirit of a hymn. "Silent Night” was sung for the first time in the little wooden church in Obernsdorf that Christ- , mas Eve. Later a group of Aus- | trian Tyrol mountain folksong singI ers introduced the carol to ether ( parts of the world, including America. Published in 1840, it has been translated into almost every language and is a favorite throughout the world. "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful” or "Adeste Fideles" is another hymn of the ages which apparently is desI tined to live for centuries. It has been translated into 76 languages. The words are sometimes ascribed to St. Bofiaventura, bishop of Albano, in the thirteenth century. It is most commonly believed, however, that it was not written until the seventeenth or eighteenth century. The hymn often is called the Portuguese hymn because it was sung in the Portuguese chapel in London about 1785 to the tune now inseparable from it: "Oh come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant; Oh come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem .. :• An American song which carries the spirit of Christmas is the sweet and beautiful carol, "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.” The poem was written by Edmufid H. Sears, a New England minister, in a religious journal. The music is by the American composer, Richard S- Willis, who was struck by the unusual beauty of the poem and "just set down the notes that fit the words”: "It came upon the midnight clear That glorious song of old . . One of the most popular Yuletide hymns, “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” follows the traditional carol style. The first two stanzas depict the angels hovering over the earth and singing their joyous song, the third brings words of comfort to the weary and the fourth prophesies the happy days when all the world shall join in the angel’s song. “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” another American contribution to the famous Christmas songs of the

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• s THE IfecATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT, DECATUR, INDIANA

worjd, was written by Phillips Brooks, a Boston minister. On a trip to the Holy Land, Brooks stood on the starlit hills on Christmas Eve e.nd looked down upon the little city of Bethlehem lying still and peaceful In the night. On the next Christmas, back in America, he wrote the song that was to become famous: "O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie . . .” Written for Sunday school singing, the song at first was anonymous but, when the hymn gained immediate favor. Brooks admitted authorship. Many musical settings of this beautiful poem have been made, the two most commonly used being by the English composer, Joseph Barnby, and the American composer, Louis H. Redner. Charles Wesley, younger brother of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist denomination, shares with

Isaac Watts the honor of being the greatest producer of hymns. His “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” first published in 1739, is among the most popular Christmas carols although it has undergone many changes. "Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King . .." The music is by that distinguished composer, Felix Mendelssohn-Bar-tholdy and hence was written long after Wesley died. Watts’ principal contribution to the world’s holiday joy is the carol, “Joy to the World.” The tune, "Antioch,” is an adaptation of Handel's oratorio, “Messiah." "Joy to the world, the Lord is come; . '• Let earth receive her King . . Watts, too, was a minister. While officiating as pastor of Market Lane church in England his health failed although he was still a young man. He turned to writing verse and became a great poet. "The First Noel,” meaning the first Christmas, is one of the oldest songs about the coming of Christ. One of the ancient medieval carols, it probably is about 400 years old. The poetry is crude, merely a peasant’s attempt to present the New Testament story in rhyme (thus making it easy to remember) but thoroughly sincere and devout. The music likewise is simple, being practically one little strain sung three times, but it is vigorous, joyous, fresh and virile. "The first Noel the Angel did say, IT'ar to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay . . Caroling or wassailing is an old English custom. The original words of this traditional English Christmas song began “Here we come a-was-sailing” and continued in the chorus, “Love and joy come to you, and to your wassail too.” The old song commonly was sung by groups of revelers, particularly young women, who went about offering a hot drink, a merry song and a pretty curtsey in exchange for a small gift. The word "wassail” comes from the Anglo-Saxon "Waeshael,” meaning “Be in health.” And, of course, Merry Christmas would be less merry to both children and adults without that little jingle, "Jingle Bells,” to jingle all the way through the Yuletide season with its mythical one-horse sleigh—which in most parts of America belongs to another day. But, sans the sleigh bells and the sleigh, who is there, child or adult, who does not love that gay and rollicking Christmas ditty to which dear old Santa claus comes skimming into town or to isolated country homes behind his eight reindeer.

I&TTCDI By LYN CONNELLY *TpHE sharp wind laShed furiously ■*■ about Larry's head and shoulders, flirting momentarily with the idea of sending his brown fedora spiraling down the street, but he sensed its capricious tendencies and held the brim of his hat tightly between his forefinger and thumb as he ran toward his car parked on the opposite comer. It would be the last time he’d beat that particular path, he thought grimly. It was Christmas Eve and everybody was in a gay and anticipatory mood. Everybody, that is, except Larry. He had been reasonably happy until that morning when the whole world seemed to have crashed about him. Opening the door of the car, he slid in behind the wheel and started it toward home. The face of Silas Henning, until fifteen minutes ago his boss, came to his mind and again he heard the words that he dreaded to repeat to Rosine: "I know you’re not happy in your work, Larry, and it’s not fair to either one of us when you don’t put your best efforts into what you’re doing. I think, therefore, that you’d better go elsewhere for a job. Today’s as good a day as any to sever connections." Fired on Christmas Eve! Os course, what Henning had said was true. Larry wasn’t happy being a bookkeeper at Morrison’s appliance shop. He had always yearned to be a writer, and wrote numerous short stories during his spare time. When Rosine told him of their expected second child he had taken the job at Morrison’s through sheer desperation. No longer could they live on their savings. He considered the job as temporary, but it had j g rWI I -aijj ■ U p He picked up the letter at the same time she answered, “Truth magazine." lasted seven months with still no prospects of entering the field he desired. Henning had seemed sympathetic, although he had cooled suddenly the past week. Perhaps in his daydreaming he had been inaccurate in his figures. At least Henning spared him any embarrassment if that were the case, but he could have waited until after the holidays to fire him. "And Bob Cratchit thought he worked for Scrooge,” he mumbled, pulling up before his house. LJIS feet dragged as he trudged toward the door. He mustn’t tell her tonight, he decided. He hoped he was capable of carrying off an act until the day after Christmas. Opening the door, he let himself in as unobtrusively as possible. Rosine was on a step ladder in the living room, decorating the tree, while Chuckie, aged five, sat on the floor, agog at the proceedings. "Hello, darling,” his wife called out gaily. He tried to equal the happiness in her voice as he replied, then kissed Chuckie and started for the kitchen. "There’s a letter for you on the radio,” Rosine said. “From whom?" His heart leaped hopefully at her words and he hurried toward the radio. He picked up the letter at the same time she answered, “Truth magazine." It was from Truth. His hand trembled as he opened it. “Dear Mr. Shannon,” he read aloud. “Our mutual friend, Silas Henning, recently submitted one of your articles for our consideration. We believe it show’s promise and since we were given a splendid recommendation by Mr. Henning, we are writing to ask if you would be interested in a job in our editorial department. If so, call for an interview this week.” The telephone was ringing, but for a moment, Larry and Rosine merely stood as though mute, staring at each other. Larry became conscious of the bell first and picked up the receiver. It was Mr. Henning, laughing heartily. “Bet I had you worried, eh, Larry?" “Mr. Henning! I didn’t know . . . how did you. . .’’ Larry was tongue-tied. Rosine walked to his side, putting one arm gently about his shoulder. "I found that article you wrote on your son and the atomic age and sent it in to Asherton,” Henning explained. “He’s a good friend of mine dnd editor of Truth. Well, I won’t hold you, Larry. Just wanted to wish you a merry Christmas." “Merry Christmas, Mr. Henning," Larry said as the telephone clicked at the other end. “Merry Christinas— and thanks fw the best one I’ve ever had."

■HI fOii By DANIEL F. LINDSAY TOM LARKIN opened the kitchen * door. His wife looked up with a hopeful smile as he entered. He just shook his head. “No maQ at all?" she said as she went on fixing dinner. "Oh, there were a couple of ads and a bill from the seed company.” He hung his hat on a hook and crossed to the pump. His white hair was damp around his face when he straightened up again. "It’s just not like Bill,” she sighed. "Bill’s got an unforgivin’ streak, always did have, even when he was a little feller.” Pa’s old briar gave off a pungent odor as he lit it. "But this is different, Tom," she said, putting a pan of biscuits in the oven, “tomorrow is Christmas. It’s a long way to the coast. Maybe he wrote but didn’t mail it in time." "Ma,” his tired old voice was filled with bitterness, “there’s no pt fes “She could see Pa striding into the living room." need to stick pins in yourself by hopin’. Christmas or no Christmas . . . that boy is still mad." The old lady’s eyes shone with faith. “He might stay mad all year long but when Christmas comes . . . he’ll write. I know. I’m his Ma." “Don’t forget," Tom said as he blew smoke at the ceiling. His eyes crinkled at the corners, “I’m his father.” “Dinner’s ready, Pa,” she said, filled with a deep longing and fought to keep the tears out of her voice. "I c’n understand that boy still bein' mad at me, but why does he have to take it out on you?” “You’re wrong, Tom," Ma replied as she lifted her head and smiled. “The day after Christmas, first delivery, we’ll get a letter. You’ll see.” “Not from him,” he shook his head grimly. “You’re forgettin’ Judy,” she reminded him as they sat down. "She’s a good daughter-in-law.” “Oh, I’m not blamin’ her,” replying as he covered his biscuits with gravy, “Judy’s a fine girl. It’s his bull headed pride.” She got up and taking the coffee pot off the cook stove filled his cup. They ate on in silence. Finally he pushed his plate back. “You aren’t eatin’ much,” he scolded. “I’m just not hungry, Pa.” •“I see,” he stood up. “I’m goin’ out and turn the heater on in the hen house. It’ll be cold tonight" His old shoulders slumped forward as he went outside. She shook her head and started picking up the dlsnes. Her mind sank back into the past. To the days when Christmas was alive with the excitement and laughter of young voices. She could see Pa striding into the living room bearing a large evergreen on his shoulder. Behind him there was always a highly excited little boy, bearing an axe. She wondered if the little boy ever thought of it. DA CAME back on the porch. She smiled as he kicked his toe against the threshold. It's a wonder, she thought, that there’s any threshold left after all these years. He came into the kitchen, dumping an arm load of kindling in the box behind the range. “Snowin’, Pa?” He shook his head and took off his wraps, replying, "Stopped." She hung the dish towels up to dry. He pulled a rocker in from the living room and sat down. “Everything all right in the barn?” Ma asked as she threw a few lumps of coal in the fire. “Sure,” Pa said. A sad smile crossed his lips, "What’s the use pretendin’, Ma? We're both feelin* blue." She sat down at the old kitchen table and started peeling apples, uttered, “I know it.” "Gonna bake me a pie?” he asked. She nodded. "Apple was always Billy’s favorite, too.” “Now, Ma, what’s the use of . . ~" he stopped as they heard a car drive up in the yard. “Must be Jim Rogers. Said today that new calf of his was sick.” He opened the kitchen door and peered out into the night. She could hear him catch his breath as he watched a man and a woman get out. "Ma. who do you think?” his voice was low. “I knew.” Ma laughed as she laid the paring iauie down with a ha> py smile, “I kuetv it all the

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE

* i S ! * MERRIE j W CHRISTMAS ' f | r, -— g Old and traditional as Christmas itself are our new and bright wishes for a * sparkling year of j health, wealth, good } cheer and happiness. | | Wolff Brothers Grocery ; * Preble, Indiana # J K 1 I » S V 8 Mi ftO I * We propose a toast kohs i to your health and happiness this gay, bright, wonderful Christmas. May your holiday be best-ever! t / 1 j SWEARINGEN'S j r on the highway I BBRSH I I I Season's Greetings | I X K * Into every chimney fl » of every home—we’re fl /fl | dropping a Christmas package of best « « /fl Yuletide wishes for * everyone. i § | HARLOW GARDENS s fl 232 N. 13th fl a D’s remembering folks like M ilnß y° u a t Christmas That warms the heart and lends the day a very spe- tt’iUTl 4 cial touch—so j . A MERRY CHRISTMAS ? to you and a HAPPY ‘ NEW YEAR. | l U4S fc'v M,tLER ' s North End Grocery Jr !■ W?- -ff- ■■ \ , > r^ r " r "vx'