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.
