The Mail-Journal, Volume 20, Number 49, Milford, Kosciusko County, 21 December 1983 — Page 8

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed.. December 21.1983

Yule tree has ancient roots

From the forests of 15th Century Germany to the parking lots and street corners of most American cities, the Christmas tree has been firmly planted in holiday celebrations. This year, an estimated 30 million American families will use an evergreen tree as part of their Christmas celebration. It is an enduring tradition, one which has its roots in Egyptian, Roman and European history. The Egyptians decorated their homes with palm branches in December as a symbol of growing things. The Romans decorated trees with trinkets and topped them with an image of the sun god, Saturnalia. In the Middle Ages, people decorated fir trees to celebrate the Feast of Adam and Eve which was held on December 24. The use of an evergreen tree began in the 15th Century in what is now part of Germany. The practice spread across northern Europe until it became common by the 19th Century. From there it spread to the United States in the 1700 s via Hessian mercenaries who fought in the American Revolutionary War. The custom soon spread in this country. The early colonists, blessed by an abundance of wooded land, were able to cut their own trees or order them from local farmers. However, as more

rMetcalf & Payne, lnc?| "Since 1955 Plumbing Huting, Air Conditioning Camelot Square - Downtown North Webster J ■ — •Best qtfish® B .til f l At this time of year, I extend my warmest wishes and express my deep appreciation for your loyal support. Tom Stiver Agent P.O. Box 335 L Syracuse. IN 46567 • Representing American National Insurance Company American National Properly & Casualty Company Members ol the American National AMERICAN Family of Companies NATIONAL

TO YOU AT May You Have The Spirit Os Christmas, Which Is Peace. B 1 3 KLvH The Gladness Os Christmas, FffmHiM Which Is Hope, v4 x The Heart Os Christmas, RV Which ls Love - The Gift Os Christmas. F ▼ Which Is Chris.. ' —Adopted • AjwjM *' The Christian Church Os Milford ®HLwr!! Slßmll On Christmas Mamina... Wm**' Wckme. BKXftM 9:30 A M. Sunday Bible School Hour fl ® 10:30 A.M. Morning Worship Hour aIMI ■ Dismissed) find me — ■Ui..j4 itfrapi w* Fr>d Wa,l> Corl sh »° w — • yw — Associate Minister ji n u*/»u . * ■> • Minister SltSll SBAKIB — Candlelight Christmas Eve Service At 10 P.M. forme sfifUSU* CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF MILFOKD JmwnMi9:l3 Fourth And Henry Streets 658-9151 Milford

people moved to the city and the use of trees continued to climb, the Christmas tree lot was born. Mark Carr, a Pennsylvanian, set up the first recorded lot on the sidewalks of New York in 1851. His operation was supplied by two ox sleds of trees, most likely Balsam firs, which he hauled over the Catskills and into the big city. Soon thereafter, President Franklin Pierce became the first president to set up a tree in the White House. This practice eventually evolved into the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony which is held each year on the White House Lawn. From its humble beginnings, the Christmas tree has become a big item of business throughout the entire year. Due to a depletion of our natural forests, most of the trees used by today’s families are grown on large plantations. It takes a great deal of care to grow a healthy tree. The evergreens are closely monitored through their development from seedlings in the greenhouse to the harvest anywhere from five to 16 years later. Trees are pruned annually and monitored for proper moisture, insect infestation and disease. In addition, growers must remain alert for Christmas tree thieves who steal trees from the fields.

If a tree survives these hazards and develops a full, bushy appearance, it will be cut, bundled, loaded on a railroad car or truck and shipped to one of the many retail lots around the country. Once on the lot, the tree must pass its final test; the scrutinizing eye of a prospective buyer. Buyers can perform two simple tests to determine if a tree is fresh. First of all, needles on a fresh tree will bend, not break, when compressed between the thumb and forefinger. Secondly, when a tree which is not fresh is dropped on the stump end from a few inches off the ground the outside green needles will fall off in abundance. Once the tree has been taken home, there are several things that will help preserve its beauty. Keep the tree outside until it is time to decorate. If the tree has been purchased more than a week before decorating, keep the trunk in water. Avoid the use of hazardous decorations. Check all lights for safety and keep the tree away from heat sources. Following the holidays, trees can be used in a variety of ways. They make excellent bird feeders when laden with orange slices, bread or suet and placed in the yard or garden. Branches may also be used as mulch in the garden and the trunk makes good fuel. These tips will help you to enjoy your Christmas tree just as millions of people have done through centuries of use. Yule log The Scandinavians built huge bonfires at the winter solstice to represent the spring sun’s return. Thus, the Yule log was adopted as a part of its Christmas celebration. College students support 'bad guys' In surveys taken over the last two decades, college students have shown more and more sympathy towards General George Custer's Indian foes which means more than 100 years after his last stand at the battle of Little Big Horn, Custer is still taking a beating. Psychologist David Cole said in 1961, 55 per cent of the students interviewed had bad things to say about the Sioux; but 10 years later, the negative reaction had dropped to 20 per cent. Cole says that over the same period, students registered similar mounting approval of the Japanese at Pearl Harbor and the Mexicans at the Alamo.

x .wJBBBwvWw *1 BL t s *“**'7 We ■k ~~~ Cl - 1 - r « I B W i I ' $ lyk JMrtfe I RECEIVES HONOR — Lorree Snyder Mench. front center, was honored at the Syracuse Town Board meeting on Tuesday night for her bugle playing. She has played for the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Pictured around Lorree are Wayne Coy, Oscar Doll. Bob Meadows, Ed Droke and Gus Liske. (Photo by Tom Charles)

Syracuse Town Board opens police car bids

By TOM CHARLES Staff Writer The Syracuse Town Board heard bids on a new police car and accepted the proposed salary ordinance for 1984 in a public meeting on Tuesday night. The low net bid of $8,763.61 on a 1984 Ford LTD was placed by Eby Ford Sales of Goshen. Eby also had the second low net bid of $9,528.56 on a 1984 Ford LTD Crown Victoria S. Christmas bells Bells come in all shapes and sizes. From tiny bells tied to children’s shoes, all the way to bells that ring high upon church steeples. According to legend, bells were originally discovered in the Fifth Century by Bishop Paulinas in Campania, from which came the Latin word for bell, “Campanula.” Novelist Victor Hugo calls bell ringing, “the opera of the steeples.” Go ahead and ring those Christmas bells with joy!

The third low bid was placed by Bob Porter Chevrolet Olds Pontiac of Ligonier. Their bid of $10,478.94 was for a 1984 Chevrolet Impala four door with a police package. Bud Wolf Chevrolet of Indianapolis submitted the remaining bid of $11,258.84 on a 1984 Chevrolet Impala with a police package. The board voted to send the bids to Police Chief Warren Swartz for his inspection. Swartz will then report back to the board when he has made a decision The board also voted to adopt the proposed salary ordinance for 1984. The new ordinance includes a $12,506 salary for the clerk- ‘ easurer which has now become u full-time position. Board member William Hess noted his concern that the new salary ordinance contains “some things on which the board should get together. There are a lot of open spots in the ordinance.” Board President Carl Myrick noted his concern before the ordinance was passed. Police Chief Swartz brought before the board his request that two ordinances, 83-19 and 83-20, be repealed. These ordinances dealt with emergency traffic procedures during the bridge construction work on SR 13. The board voted to repeal the ordinances. Swartz also read a letter of appreciation to Lorree Snyder Mench and presented her with a certificate in honor of the bugle playing she has done for the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. “You have unselfishly given of your time and talents for the citizens of the Syracuse area,” Swartz said. Members of the American Legion

*.’ta©O6el*. ■m [0 HE Our warmest wishes for happiness at this Christmastime go forth to you. 20tlj Qtenturn fitstsiirstit At Intersection US 6 • SR 15 3 Miks North OfMlHord •31-4*13

and Veterans of Foreign Wars were in attendance to assist with the presentation. In addition, he read letters to the Indiana State Highway Department and the citizens of Syracuse thanking them for cooperation during the bridge repair on SR 13. Jock Dock, street, water and wastewater superintendent, reported that the new street sweeper and truck are in. He also reported that Phase I of the town sewer and water mapping project has been completed at a cost of $3,350. He was given permission to proceed with Phase 11, a detailed block-by-block mapping, at an estimated cost of $4,500. Board member Joe Morganthaler presented letters of recognition to Dee Stiver and William Pitt, both of whom are winding up their duties with the Board of Zoning Appeals. “This board certainly thanks you for carrying out the duties of this often thankless job," said Morganthaler. The discussion from the floor was limited to one concern raised by Rich Bellman, owner of Lakeland Sanitation. He stated that “the board was, in my opinion, defrauded on the garbage pick up bids because they (Clevenger Disposal) cannot get the equipment to do the job.” The board noted his concern, but did not act on the issue. William Hess also raised the problem of elderly people who have their driveways plowed shut by city snowplows. He said that this creates a problem for them because they cannot shovel themselves out. Myrick responded by acknowledging that this is a problem, but states that “there is absolutely nothing this board can do about it. There is no other way to plow the streets.” He urged that neighbors take responsibly to help alleviate the problem. Morganthaler then repoted to the board that the cost for the last city election was $2,259.80. The total cost figured out to more than $5.00 per vote cast. Most of the remaining business was tabled until the board’s next meeting on Tuesday, December 27, due to the absence of Jim Hughes and Steve Butt. The board tabled discussion on the new town hall and floridation for the city’s water system. Both items will be discussed at the December 27 meeting. The board will hold a short executive session following next Tuesday’s meeting.

iv- i • WISHING All OUR , CUSTOMERS MERRY CHRISTMAS FIRST NMTONAL BANK OF WARSAW i am seuAi oeeoeruMiTv implovsk Member F.D.I.C. x Milford Branch

JOYOUS NOEL °I , ' I TTX o 0 A cheery Christmas greeting to all our 1 good neighbors and I friends from: | ZIMMERMAN I GRAVEL I 658-4063 II Milford J jap* ★ -— Lots of laughter, Lots of cheer! That’s our wish for Christinas the new year! LEVERNIER’S BODY SHOP Corner Emeline & James Sts. llrl 'DTeiiry Christmas (Day all your dreams be fulfilled. Thanks for your continued support. "Just A Little Better" Hwy. 13N (34-1332 North Webster