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A Santa in our
Hearts
By Phyllis Mong
Senior Scribe
At Christmastime, many years ago - during 1973-1974 – Santa was called
to visit many towns. Lo and behold, Santa was called to a small town in
Ohio. It was Greenville and he was asked to be in the Holiday parade.
So, Santa got his bright red suit, black boots all spruced up and bells
sparkling. He had his beard brushed and combed out. He was looking good
to meet all the children and parents which lined the downtown sidewalks
by the hundreds.
It was time for the Christmas season to begin.
Riding down Broadway I could see the tears in Santa’s eyes to see such
an overwhelming crowd. As he entered the Little House that was prepared
for his visit in Greenville for a few weeks before he moved on, lines
of children and their parents talked to him expressing their wishes for
toys. All explaining they had been good boys and girls. They were
handed a special treat.
Santa remembers one little girl, maybe two, dressed in a pretty blue
velvet hat and coat. Today, that little girl is married and has a
little one of her own. Santa would call the little girls and boys by
their name. Most never realized this was because their names were on
their jackets. What a thrill to them that Santa remembered their name.
That goes for adults, too.
Santa left his little house on occasion, to walk around downtown
greeting people – calling them by their names also. What a surprised
look they would get. Santa would ring his bells and visit all the
downtown stores, passing out candy canes to the many shoppers. There
were so many stores at that time, people shopped downtown. Santa
enjoyed each evening and many parties he was able to attend. Since the
reindeers were at a local farm, the friendly Greenville Police
Department escorted Santa uptown to his little house.
Santa has so many memories living in Greenville. One bright sunny day
when the snow covered the ground, Wanda Rismiller picked Santa up to
visit the residents at the Darke County home - this was before the home
was destroyed a year or so later by fire. It was a wonderful experience
Santa had that day. It was a fun and exciting day for all, but
especially Santa. One little lady “Ida” said Santa was full of the “Ole
Knick.” Tears were in Santa’s eyes that day also.
After so many memories Santa had in Greenville, it was a time to move
on to a different town. Times have changed over the years, but there is
a Santa in our hearts and always will be. Young and old cherish your
memories!
Have a wonderful and blessed Holiday Season!
Santa – 1973-74
Postscript...
Good Morning,
Was good to see both of you yesterday. The Santa article was in Sun,
Nov21, 2010, Early Bird. Ck'd CNO this morning and think Bob will have
an article on Sat CNO. It's probably the same article not sure. ! Think
there was only one story. Couldn't believe 40 yrs ago I was at the end
of the parade and this year I was at the beginning. Both wonderfull
tear jerking times, guess i'll always be a kid!!!!
Have a great day,little misty but nice. Take care.
Have a Merry Christmas with many Happy Days!!
Love,
PM :-)
That's okay, Phyllis... I'll always be a kid, too. It's a wonderful time. Bob
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