Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 62, Number 302, Decatur, Adams County, 23 December 1964 — Page 10

PAGE TEN

■• 1 W * SheS f ° r JQ a Happy and Healthy jZi Holiday to al our .-’V) '-J—..-' \J\ (>B I L 1 jj’v’ friends. / I \ • We thank you w Mg|||p v\ ■ *f/v j 3jggj*v- r / C Jctr 51 nt€i 3 Ned C. Johnson e Residential Realtor Farm Auctioneer Commercial Appraiser Decatur, Indiana Phone 3-3606

\ . ? KV'/Cmr ft -ifZ* zJB fetfwl I“ W j£?' ; 'fl' iff- A Pjf“ - -i. RSWiMliOanWaM Op '~ wBBmK/ jjlwll \hv i “- ,J JX w...,- e>. j^Wt? ifStAJF Wtwß I Ml I J» d j JIIJ RlIMi UL. w fOuuSuuMiiiPVKr ■BtUAUIHiIKbi ■ *7 t ■* xf " ‘ f wfi n • • j*.. / XT J** S Ch,iSt,naS . ... J «■ y ; "* I •••* ...and we’d like J to extend our sincere wishes V .< I H 1 ‘ O to one and all for an old-fashioned [ B|| t,-- i I HO> holiday filled with joy and / g|3 g BBf E^j|jii ; x and cheer - Ma v the > E?JS Eb 5 S»! y » s P ec >al happiness of the holiday , >; g? t E|g J ~ season be reflected y jKf 7 ‘ iA 1 : /x throughout the days to come. / ' ' A. || *7 y' B fe A- s»am ■-' Ji i/ ■SMk, „ I\ V sr ADAMS DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, INC.

THE DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT, DECATUR, INDIANA

■3 FUN FOB AU, . . . Strategy games offer fun for and young alike and mort on r-the market are designed to provide pleasure for players from Age 6 to adult. The Good Witch 1 VisJU Italy's Young Christmas Eve tut Italian children plate their shoes by> thq Crcplace. The shoes are placed in anticipation of the arrival of •’Eef.-na”, the good witch, who comt-3 down the chimney on a Lroom to fill the shoes left out TofTier — sweets for the good youngsters, coal in the shoes ofthe naughty. r . French Observance Features Manger Scene Many French homes have not only the Christmas tree but as well , the traditional Creche, or manger scene, populated with terracotta figures called aantons. Midnight Mass is a tradition with French Catholics and when they return home they take pgrt in the Reveillon, an elaborate feast of many courses. Before retiring, French children place their shoes near the fireplace in anticipation of a visit from “Pere NoeL" IN MEXICO During the holiday season in Mexico, the greeting is “Feliz Navidad" and almost every home boasts a nacimento, or creche. Some are elaborate, xnany sure simple and homemade, yet each is a manger scene complete with the traditional figures of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise Men, shepherds, animals and the Star of Bethlehem.

Christmas > a . At The ■b’ ' • 1$ Club U VOU’BJE A BUNCH of silly I old fools, and that’s my honest opinion,” Ben Addam* flicked hi* half-used cigar unerringly toward the corner cuspidor. A moment of sudden silence enveloped the Park City Meh’* Club. Some twenty men were silent as church mice. Ben Addam* was the eldest man in the room, indeed, he had founded the chib for retired businessmen. Years ago, he stepped aside to let younger men run the show and this was the first such comment be had made in five year*. John Wheeler, in the golden voice that had soothed many a ■ Jury box, spoke up. "Now, Ben, What’s so silly about, it? Not a ( man here had any plan* for Christmas. I asked you myself, j i i <p L ““smf ja^TWgTfrer I John Wheeler spoke up, “Now, Ben, what’s so silly about it?” and you said you weren’t planning to do a thing. What’s wrong with us having a little party?” * Not Pleased Ben Addams answered without looking up from the new cigar he was lighting. “Passing out presents like a bunch of school kids. Even with a Santa Claus, too. You know I don’t believe in this tom-foolery. Not a man here under 75 and you’re acting like this was kiddie-land.’’ Wheeler turned his head to cough, effectively hiding a smile that turned the corners of his mouth. “Maybe we’re due a second childhood, Ben. Indulge us, if you will. Maybe the spirit of Christmas will do us all some good.” Agreed Ben Addams threw another half-used cigar away. “Very well, gentlemen. I’ll go along with your little game. But, don’t think you’ll rope me in on a birthday party next week, or a ‘welcome to spring’ celebration. And, if you have any such plans for next Christmas, count me out. I have more important things to do.” John Wheeler, with the look of an apprentice lawyer who had just won a case before the Supreme Court, rose from his chair, and ceremoniously clapped his hands. “Thank you, Ben. We do appreciate your decision to join us. And now, Gentlemen, shall we relax? Santa will be here soon.” It was a signal. Santa appeared, followed by a timid, bashful collection of youngsters. Ben Addams sat upright. The children ranged in age from two years to twelve or so. They were neatly dressed, obviously freshwashed—and Ben knew every one of them. They represented some of the really unfortunate families in the community, They gathered about the tree and a small girl stepped forward, then posed motionlessly, her speech suddenly forgotten. “Merry Christmas,” prompted Santa. The wee one smiled. “Merry Christmas, Mr. Addams. Merry Christmas, gentlemen. We have only a song to offer, but it comes from our hearts and with the wish . . . with the wish . . . that the spirit of Christmas remain with you always.” Fade Out All too soon, it seemed, the song was jended. The members of the Park Ci«y Men’s Club applauded roundly as the youngsters bowed, then disappeared the way they had come. When once again the house was still, John Wheeler pointed to an empty chair. Ben Addams was gone, too. Outside, it was snowing ever so softly. Officer Pat McGinty leaned on the side of the black limousine. “Evening, Dwight.” “Hi, Pat. How’s things?” “Quiet as Christmas Eve. Waiting for the boss to come from the -club?” “He’s taking a walk. Didn’t stay at the club long.” “Maybe he is out delivering baskets this year, Funny thing to me he thinks be can send baskets to needy families for twenty years by taxicab and never realize curious folks are gonna’ find who’s paying the taxi bill. He should know better.” “I think he does, Pat Look in the back seat We’re delivering baskets personally this year.”

• I 11 ana fwp»> ’ Cscv.iac. tot pl 1 J? i The Decatur Casting Company

7 jjgL P -. . .'. Vhristmas in ■>^'~^ jm , i ourcommunity * sa Cai ifll s P®tial time, when friends and no * 9 * > * Mr> wit^our am '* ies |\ is precious, kV. May we wish ?' you a Christmas 'K'- \ I season t * >at ' s WyJE - J - filled with joy and love. * ’. . mam [Christmas COMMUNITY OIL & GAS 7th and ADAMS STREET Lawrence Kohne ~ ■- JZ ' Ferris Kohne

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1964