Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1921-12-29
FIRST COMMUNITY
TREE A SUCCESS
REGARDLESS OF THE EXTREME
COLD WEATHER HUNDREDS
OF PEOPLE WERE THERE

Audubon's first community Christ
mas tree on Saturday night, was a
decided success from every point of
view. But had it not ben for the
women of the community IL would
not have taken place. The idea was
evolved at a meeting of the Column
bian Club at which time Mrs. w. w.
Smith was appointed chairman, with
Mrs. j. A. Lougheed as assistant.
The ladies enlisted the support of
many others, with the result as
above stated
The large tree was placed in the
center Of the street intersection near
the Prick drug store. Hundreds of
colored lights illuminated the tree,
and suspended over 1t was a large
white star. II made most pleas
ing spectacle.
Promptly at seven o'clock all of
the church bells in the city Joined
in a chorus to inform the populace
that the outdoors program was soon
to begin. The children of the pub
lie school and all of the Sunday
schools, together with their parents
were at the big tree. On account
of the extreme cold weather. not
many Of the country folks were able
to be in attendance.
A large chorus choir sang 10y
to the World "Hark, the Herald
Angels Sing" ''Hark. What Means
Those Holy voices?" and SILENT
Night" A male quartet on top Of
the Frick drug store sang the first
verse Of silent Night" and when
they had finished, the people who
had gathered around the big tree
took up the strain and finished the
hymn.
After the singing Of the songs,
Santa Claus arrived by automobile.
This created much merriment. and
we must say right here that Audu-
bon had real Santa Claus who
knew how to entertain the children.
After all of the children had seen
him and he had shaken hands with
several of them, he proceeded to
hand out stockings well filled with
candy and nuts. About 500 sacks
had been prepared and practically
every child was provided with a
treat. AS Santa Claus drove away
those who fingered around the tree
gave three cheers for good old San
ia.
Nothing that was ever attempted
In Audubon before was given such
hearty support by the people of the
town. All seemed to vie with each
other in giving the committee In
charge their undivided support.
Much credit is due the Manual
Training class of the high school for
making the big star which shone so
beautifully above the tree.
Mrs. R. F. Childs spent several
days in reconoitering search for
a suitable tree. There were plenty
of trees in the country surrounding
Audubon, but most of shem were
situated in beautiful groves. and he
owners would not part with them.
She finally found beautiful tree
at the Robert Fry farm east of town.
When Mr.. Fry. was informed of the
plans, he Immediately consented 70
let them have the tree. Clark Ar
mold and Frank Mclaughlin had a
hard time getting the tree to town,
but finally got it here in good con-
dition, Walter Graves then kindly
consented to put up the tree and
when it was in place the Consumers
Electric Co. began the task OF wiring
It. Practically all of the work was
done gratis.
The Audubon Community Club
agreed to defray the expenses Of the
tree and the treats, Taking it all in
all. the frs Community Christmas
all, the first Community Christmas
than merely guess that the custom
will be continued from year to year.