Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 53, Number 301, Decatur, Adams County, 23 December 1955 — Page 10

PAGE TEN

f / </yCAz <-*•* fe. ; ggjSggjjr”- ** /f To every member ot our community, we extend sincere wishes for a happy, hearty Holiday Season that is fiUed »»* *>• iw <* food health, good cheer and ?S food fellowship. mlOfcw - A . & DECATUR LUMBER COMPANY

0, Holy Night M\ x. 'ft -S*yn >?aWlK’Brt 'T< < \ n/f j A ts» X~«\ J J ■ , wD. \J 5 w\' i ,r i A ~ *nPrk 7w i -■ (Jj/ | \ ■ wvGia 1 ' ' Bl n/ I JI L tiki pEw Kt 4 j ■vk W 1/ 11 W Kv U 11 ; w W JWiF z > f iJ ft As lb JlLw 'IB X HB ’ ‘ ii ! fl-7 t\ I r . \Jy ij| I» r\ i L™f t■ - ' W iKf ■ r B B « ■ IK li ■ > W Fl l iW ' Il F I v |tl/f |! f | c l ri '* > u/»" griß/-'... :-y 7 .'w ■ .1 m t- • z 4 / LJ hv' x z _. m! yl s you celebrate the Birthday 1 f!• of Him, who was born in Bethlehem % r Xl u P on e Night of long ago, may the tl W ? true spirit of Christmas surround you and your i loved ones, liftingyour hearts anew with its glorious f promise of “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men." | ; ' '., .- ’ ■ ! - t' , * - ■(«■. " ■ | • 'l -.” ■ 1 Decatur Super Service

*' o J 1 - - It was Christmas in the village ot Trenton. Snow-covered rooftops gleamed white in the pale moonlight and the night echoed with the boisterous song ot Hessian Mercenaries celebrating the season ot peace on earth—celebrating with greater spirit than wisdom. Christmas trees, first to be seen in America, dangled tinsel and toys. The cobbled streets were alive with laughter. Across the Delaware things were not so merry. Especially did this holiday season of 1771 find little merriment among the soldiers of the Continental Army, under command ot George Washington, spending the icy Christmas on the frozen hills ot Pennsylvania overlooking the Delaware. In almost constant retreat since his loss to Lord Howe in the battle ot Long Island, Washington was in a desperate situation. Supplies were almost gone. The new year would end the enlistment period for many ot his tattered soldiers. England had already promised to pardon all who had taken up arms against the Crown it they would return peaceably to their hornet. Washington knew he must taste victory now or never. By lantern light, he loaded 2400 men, 18 cannon, ammunition, and horses into fiat-bottom boats. With lanterns extinguished, the boats began to make slow progress across the river that was clogged with lew Mocks. * When the church clock at Trenton struck 7 a na. a young American officer named Alexander Hamilton looked down upon the town from a high hffi where he had managed to set up his artillery. Washington gave the signal and the rumble of the cannon echoed through the silent streets of Trenton. naught completely by surprise, the Hessian aoldiers flung away their guns and swords and fled tor their lives. As the Hessian commander lay dying from a bullet wound, he directed an aide to read a message he had received the night before but had not opened. It warned him of Washington's impending attack. The village of Trenton and 1.000 prisoners were Washington's prizes. He probably could not forsee at- the time that he had given his nation a great Christmas present His daring attack and surprising victory laid the foundation of independence upon which the nation still grows and prospers.

THE DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT, DECATUR, INDIANA

H'lnrn Bag* By F. L. Rewley TH® Loneliest place in the wobld Is a summer resort at Christmas time. Joanne Decker watched gloomily as a half dozen men trudged through the snow skirting I Arrowhead Lake. They would return in a few hours carrying Christmas trees on their husky shoulders Joanne sighed heavily a as the last man disappeared into the brush. This promised to be the dreariest I Christmas Joanne had ever known. Even the postman’s whistle failed to rouse her. It was only when Mr. Rogers stood at the far end 1 of the drive waving a letter that a faint glow of curiosity came to her eyes. The oldjjcjtman nevgr signalled unless he had something important Maybe it was a letter from Eddie! Slipping into a coat Joanne raced eagerly down the snow-covered path, unmindful of her open-toed slippers. “It's from Lynne Grove," said Mr. Rogers with a grin. “Lynne Grove?" Joanne stared dreamily at the letter in his hand. Then Eddie hadn't forgotten her! Perhaps he was even coming back L B ■ H \ W| “Yen get a letter," said Joanne accusingly. “A nice registered letter from Eddie Long." to Arrowhead Lake to marry her, as he had promised. “It’s tor your sister," said the old man. “Registered too —but you can sign it.” Joanne turned the letter over gingerly; on the flap, in bold, familiar writing, was the name E. Long. So Eddie Long was writing to her sister Mary!. And after all the wonderful promises he had made to her. She walked numbly , back to the house. Mary met her at the door. “Did we get mail?" she asked innocently. Accusation “YOU got a letter," said JOf anne accusingly. "A nice registered letter frqrn Eddie Long!” Mary was startled; she blushed like a schoolgirl. “I thought so!" Joanne cried bitterly. “All these months you’ve been feeling sorry for me because Eddie stopped writing—and you’ve kept in touch with him behind my back. What a hypocrite!" Mary blinked helplessly. Joanne ran up to her room and slammed the door. The radio was on; Christmas carols only emphasized her loneliness. She switched it off. Her eyes settled on a paper box under the dresser. Drawing it out she scowled at the lovely figurine nestled therein. It was her Christmas present to Mary. With a sob she picked up the little figure and dashed it to the floor. ' Joanne heard the murmur of serious conversation downstairs. She hoped Mary was catching it. Suddenly she decided to teach them all a lesson. Christmas or not. she would leave home. She could board a bus this very morning. She knew exactly where to go; her friend Betty Giles had urged her repeatedly to spend a weelc-end at their new home in Coopersville Surprise Meeting The bus-station was alive with holiday tourists Joanne felt most conspicuous in her blue-jeans and red sweater She gpsped in surprise when a familiar voice asked: “Where to. Joanne?” Eddie Long’s expressive brown eyes smiled down at her. He had her in his arms before she could remerriber any good reason to resist. “Merry Christmas, darling!" he cried as their lips parted. “I’ve waited more than a year for this. Bus why the suitcase? Mary told me you’d be at home for the holidays; that’s why I sent her the letter announcing my arrival.” “Mary? I—l don’t understand ' “Well, ft was supposed to be a surprise. Last summer, when I was on my way out here. I met with an accident. Mary and your mother knew that I was hurt pretty bad and they didn’t to frighten you When I showed signs of returning to normal they suggested that I spend Christmas week at your place. You’ve got wonderful folks, Joanne. Best in- i laws a man could ask for." 1 . Ci

Burk Elevator Co.

•* ■* >** ■a -' ' J " v * ' ‘"U Al CltMdttU- i . -*• . ' ■ > : ’ < - • ■' *' ■ ,°; . . ’’ * ‘' Decatur Dry Cleaners

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1355