JERRY PERSON -- A Look Back

Jerry Person

Christmas was a big holiday for the people of Huntington Beach in 1949.

The big war was over, and the boys were coming back home. America was now

the strongest country in the world, and Americans all over were holding

their heads high and looking forward to the coming of Christmas.

There was no such thing as a nondescript holiday season or being afraid

of saying something politically incorrect. Ann Minnie of the Chamber of

Commerce stopped by with an old photo of a Christmas-decorated Main

Street, with its lighted bells, candy canes and garland reaching from one

side to the other. This week, we’re going back to look at how people of

Huntington Beach celebrated a 1949 Christmas.

The city’s biggest event was the Salute to Santa parade down Main Street.

Thousands lined Main to watch 20 bands and their majorettes. Officials

from all over the state attended the parade -- Atty. Gen. Fred Howser,

Assembly Speaker Sam Collins, Sen. Jack Tenney, Orange County Supervisor

Willis Warner, Mayor Jack Greer, chamber secretary William Gallienne and

Miss Meri Christmas Noryne Jordan.

But the biggest round of applause from the crowd came at the end, when

the kids spotted St. Nicholas on his float. While over at the Lake Park

Clubhouse, “Cap” Sheue and the ladies of the Lions Club were having an

evening Christmas party, with each couple bringing a toy to be donated to

the Fire Department’s Toy Turnout for needy children.

In Memorial Hall, a free Christmas musical was given with a large chorus

and string ensemble. The hall was decorated by the Huntington Beach

Garden Club and attended by City Council and chamber members.

At the Golden Bear cafe, the Stitch and Clatter Club were celebrating

with a Christmas dinner. The Elks held their party in the Surf Theater,

with Santa Claus riding through town on a city fire truck and handing out

candy and fruit to the kids. On hand were theater manager Joe Hamann, Bob

Jurkovich, Police Chief Don Blossom, Blondy Trimble, and of course,

William Gallienne.

In the Boy Scout Cabin in Lake Park, Troops 2 and 65 were enjoying a

Christmas dinner of baked ham, salad, sweet potatoes and apple pie

furnished by Dwight Clapp and the Rotary Club. Guests that night included

the Rev. Robert Blume, Marcus Howard and Angie Mollica.

Not to be outdone, Cub Scout Packs 101 and 102 were visited by Santa

himself at the community center. Candy, cookies and punch were served as

scout leader Wesley Cowling acted as the master of ceremonies.

Over on 10th Street, the Senior Woman’s Club held a Christmas luncheon

for its members. Their tables were decorated in a Christmas motif, and a

program was presented by Bertha Pann before refreshments were served.

In the Huntington Inn at 8th Street and Pacific Coast Highway, the

American Legion Auxiliary hosted its Christmas dinner, followed with

local entertainment.

But Christmas meant more than just Santa, and in church, many special

services were held.

In the Christian Church, the Rev. Hurst gave a Christmas Cantata,

“Angelic Tidings,” with Virginia George singing “Glory to God,” and

ending with the choir singing “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.”

At the First Church of Christ, a Christmas Eve service was held. At the

Wintersburg Methodist Church, a party and program was given that included

carols interspersed with scenes of Christmas and a message by the Rev.

Charles Bacon. A play written by Bacon, titled “Golden Gifts that God

Returned,” also was performed.

The Foursquare Church held a one-act Christmas drama, “The Christ at

Christmas,” under the direction on the Rev. Pete Nyenhuis.

This is only a sampling of how we celebrated Christmas and wished each

other peace on earth in 1949.

* JERRY PERSON is a local historian and longtime Huntington Beach

resident. If you have ideas for future columns, write him at P.O. Box

7182, Huntington Beach 92615.