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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-12-23, Page 4PAGE 4--GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1987 Each year as the Christmas season ap- proaches, I can't help but recall previous holiday seasons and the festivities of that tune. There are a few Christmases that I'll most likely never forget. Like the time when Todd, my younger brother, and I snuck downstairs to the Christmas tree without waking Mom and Dad. We were so excited we couldn't waste a minute to see what Santa had brought us. After seeing Santa's gifts and emptying our stuffed stockings, you would have thought we would be busy playing with our new toys when Mom and Dad did make it downstairs. But, that was hardly 'the case. We didn't stop at Santa's gifts. We went on and opened all our presents under the tree. Boy, were Mom and Dad ever upset when they came downstairs and saw us amidst a pile of wrapping paper, bows and boxes. They did forgive us, eventually. Needless to say, each following Christmas Day we didn't even go near Lou -Ann DeBruyn the Christmas tree before Mom and Dad got out of bed. And then there was the year that Santa visited us twice. Mom and Dad had decided the four of us needed a vacation and what better time to get away than at Christmas time when Todd and I were already on a schoolbreak. When we found out we would be going to Florida and a visit to Walt Disney World was inevitable, we thought we were the luckiest brother and sister, on the earth. In spite of such an exciting Christmas present, I can stipl remember my brother asking Mom how Santa Claus would find us if we weren't at home for Christmas. Everyone knows moms always have an answer for every question and Mom simply told Todd that Santa would find .us no matter where we were at Christmas. That seemed to alleviate Todd's fears. Not only did Santa Claus find us at our hotel rooms in Florida but he had stopped at our home in Blenheim as well. For when we returned home a few days later, Todd and 1 found more presents from Santa near our Christmas stockings. I think that was the Christmas when Todd 4' Y • finally began to wonder about Santa because Santa had never wrapped presents he had left for us until that Christmas. And I still remember the expresion on my mother's face the day she walked into the living room and discovered the Christmas tree toppled over. It seemed Fluffy, like any cat, just couldn't resist trying to climb the tree. I also remember Todd and I listening to the Santa report on the focal radio sta- tion. Each Christmas Eve, CFCO-AM tracked Santa's travels by watching for Rudolph's red nose. Todd and I were allowed to stay up until the announcer said Santa was approaching our area and then we had to go to bed. I don't think there was ever a Christmas Eve that we weren't under the covers by 8:30 p.m. One tradition that our parents started when we were young children was the opening of one gift on Christmas Eve — to ti tide us over until the next morning. That tradition, it has since grown to include Mom and Dad, is still carried on in spite of the fact that we are both in our twenties. Although Christmas has changed a lit- tle bit through the years, it's still as ftit► and family-oriented as ever. Fsti manage to be the one who is the ost ex- cited at Christmas time and, until ast year, I was still the one who woul waken my brother, my mother and fathe so we could unwrap our gifts. But, this year brings a bit of a change. This year, I'T be sharing Christmas with three families — my family, my hus- band's large family, and my husband. Perhaps new Christmas traditions will begin this year. As Christmas Day approaches, may you also share in the joys of this holiday season. Merry Christmas! Oninion THE NEWS PORT FOR GODERICH & DISTRICT SINCE 1848 P.O. BOX 220 HUCKINS ST. INDUSTRIAL7'PARK 0ODERICH, ONT. N7A 4B6 /C1./Fa the 1. FUEBT ALL ROUND COUT NNEWIPAP D MI CANADA oderic I ICunJncm Cbec 3500.4500MM1 Nfc. c N.A Baur New�p�pm Curpewm 1984 SIGNAL -STAR PUBLISHED BY SIGNAL -STAR PUBLISHING LIMITED Founded in 1848 and published every Wednesday at Goderich, Ontario. Member of the CCIUA and ()CNA, Subscrip- tions payable in advance $23.00, (Senior Citizens 520.00 privilege card number required) in Canada, $80.00 to U.S.A., 960.00 to all other countries, Single copies 60c. Display, National and Classified advertising rates available on re- quest. Please ask for Rate Card No. 18 effective October 1, 1987. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with the reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for but that balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell, and may be withdrawn at any time. The Signal - Star is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduc- ing purposes. General Manager Advertising Manage SHIRLEY J. KELLER DON HUBICK News Editor Features Co-ordinator Sports PATRICK RAFfIth LOU -ANN DE BRUYN TED SPOONER FOR BUSINESS OR EDITORIAL OFFICE...please phone (519)524-2614 Second class rrt�il registration Member: PCNA number 0716 PNO Silver linings abound during Christmas time To say that Christmas is a very special time of year may be the ultimate understatement. It is the major annual celebration of Christian society and, despiteconstant attempts to commericalize the festivities, the true meaning of the day seems to find a way to shine through brightly each year. Christmas is a time when everyone tends to look for the bright side of things — the silver lining. Even though the everyday problems and crisis still exist, they can for a brief time be put aside. and replaced with the many joys of the season. True, there are still far too many people who face a Christmas bleaker than others due to poverty or ' other personal crisis. However, at the same time, the good work of such organizations as the Salvation Army and the Huron County and local Christmas Bureaus and many others, is never more evident than at this time of year, as they strive to ensure no one's Yuletide season is completely devoid of good cheer. There was much concern earlier this year that the Christmas prospects of everyone would be dampened by global financial disaster in the wake of the "Black Monday," stock market crash. While many investors did indeed suffer substantial losses, it appears today's economy is better equipped to handle such blows than it was in 1929 and we will not, at least for the time being, have to deal with a major economic depression. While localized skirmishes continue to impede the path of world peace, there appears to be cause for hope for a more stable world situation as the world's two most militarily - powerful nations recently took a historic step toward nuclear arms elimination. Locally, it appears that Goderich has come off a strong year, with a record number of building permits issued indicating a great deal of people have a high degree of faith in the future of this town. The community groups are alive and well too, taking on too many worthwile projects over the course of the past year to mention them all in this space. The celebration of the Christmas season itself has been especially beautiful here in, Goderich this year. Tile Christmas Festival of Lights, put on by the Town of Goderich this year was exceptionally well done 4nd served as a good kick-off to a whole season of concerts and and special Yuletide events. . Many other organiztions made special efforts to make their Christmas events even more attractive than usual this season — notably, the people of Bethel Pentecostal for their creative live re-inactment of the nativity scene. Calvary Baptist's "Old Fashioned Christmas," concert was an equally refreshing show, the many area schools again presented a fine array of skits and musical numbers at their annual seasonal concerts and the many other local organizations also did a fine job on their various Yuletide efforts.. Nothing in this life is perfect, we know, but Christmas Day, perhaps, comes the closest to being the perfect example of a genuine holiday. It brings out the very best in people in terms of generosity and good will toward others. If even a fraction of the Christmas Spirit can be carried with us into the coming new year, it should be a very good year indeed. — P.R. Christmas is a wonderful season. Every year at this time, people put aside their differences, overlook minor annoyances, make special efforts to be extra pleasant and generally maintain a more cheeful outlook on life. Part of the reason for this, aside from the basic festive nature of the season, is that at Christmas time the air around us abounds with the sound of Yuletide music. I mean, how could anyone manage to keep a frown on their face when everywhere they go, somewhere in. the background they hear the sound of Bing Crosby singing White Christmas, or some choir or other doing Silver Bells? It's impossible. The only problems with the constant stream of carols — and don't get me wrong, I love 'em — is that they're the same ones every year, without fail. Some of these songs apparently date back cen- turies. They're still great songs, but some of them could use some updating. And so, without further ado (or adon't) .. GOOD KING BRIAN (To the tune of Good King Wenceslas) Good King Brian once did frown,. On the Gallup pollsters, "The voters, they with me dissent, Now I trail Ed Broadbent?" "Never mind that," Riesman said, Free Trade, it is coming, That will pick our party up, And save you from a dumping." "But what if Meagan does not sign? While he is still the president. Will I still live at Sussex drive? Or will it be that Broadbent? See what I mean? Same catchy tune, but with characters a little more recognizable. Let's try again. Attractive new Salvation Army cLadel dedicated in special ceremony in 1962 25 YEARS AGO December 27, 1962 Shareholders of the British Mortgage and Trust Company meeting at Stratford last week, approved a bylaw splitting the company's share 20 for one. Each of the 50,000 shares is therefore to be divided into 20 shares of the par value of $5 each. The bylaw was passed at the company's 84th annual meeting. It will be carried out after necessary legal formalities and approval of provincial authorities—probably early in 1963. W.H. Gregory, president, acted as chairman of the meeting; W.A. Pike was appointed secretary. Mr. Gregory an- nounced that new records have been established in several phases of the com- pany's business. Total assets reached $60,718,450,. an increase of more than $15,000,000 over last year. Wilfrid P. Gregory, Q.C., executive vice-president and managing director, highlighted the events of an extremely active year at British Mortgage. The attractive new Citadel of the Salva- tion Army at Waterloo and Lighthouse streets in Goderich, recently completed at a cost of $35,000, will be officially dedicated and opened in a ceremony to be conducted by Commissioner W.W. Booth and Mrs. Booth at 2:30 pm,'Saturday, December 29th, as it is announced by Cap- tain Alice Bailey. A fragrant Christmas gift from "Sunny Italy" bestowed its riches all over the place last weekend, but will never reach the intended recipient. Evidently, some resident of Italy, with heart overflowing GOD REST YOU WALL STREET GENTLEMEN (To the tune of God Rest You Merry Gentlemen) God rest you Wall Street Gentlemen, Expenses you'll defray, Just because the market bottomed out, Shouldn't turn your feet to clay. You brokers all have made a buck, More than you like to say, When all the trading started up, It was your lucky day. So what if a few souls lost their shirts? Along with their life savings, "The computers' fault, it was" you claim, Don't listen to their ravings. Sell them shares rf IBM, Since the crash, tate price dropped some, LOOKING BACK with Yuletide spirits, decided to mail a bot- tle of the, "vino" to his friend in or near Goderich. Alas. The sentiment was strong but the package was weak; the bottle . underwent a fatal fracture and the bottled sunlight seeped out through the surroun- ding mail. The sad situation came to light on arrival at Goderich post office, with the sad result that the intended recipient spent Christmas in sober reflect, warming his heart only in the warmth of good intention. 50 YEARS AGO December 30, 1937 On Tuesday afternoon, two London of- ficers placed the stamp of approval on the new armory building on Newgate street, warmly congratulating the officer in charge, Capt. D.R. Nairn, and the town of- ficials who superintended the remodelling of the building. The inspecting officers 'were Major An- drews, district engineer, and Col. Hen- nessey, district supply officer. Those see- ing the renovated building can scarcely recognize it as the old 'National' Shop with is present immaculate row of offices on a balcony, furnace room, whitewashed walls and cement floors. The office will be com- pletely outfitted this week and will be in readiness for a reception by the officers of fr©m this., angle Patrick Raffia Tell them that very soon, you think, The stock will split up two for one. JOY TO THE WORLD (To the tune of Joy to the World. What else?) 'C' company, Middlesex Huron regiment under Captain H.A. McIntyre of Clinton, on New Year's Day. The officers will be glad to receive any and all who care to in- spect the building between the hours of two and four Saturday afternoon. Christmas day was made happy for many families in Goderich by the efforts of such organizations as the Lions Club and Daughters of the Empire, as well as the local churches."- For days before, Christmas toys and clothing, candy and nuts and fowl and gathered lists were made out and great hampers filled, with the result' that happiness reigned it is hoped in every home on the day of days. 70 YEARS AGO December 17, 1917 Last Friday saw the close of Dr. Strang's official connection with the Collegiate In- stitute where for 46 years he has served ably and faithfully as principal and as classical master. The staff and students took this opportunity to express their ad- miration of the worthy veteran and their appreciation of his worth and work and presented him with a purse of money together with hearty wishes for many years of pleasure leisure to enjoy the fruits of his labours and a well-earned rest. Dr. Strang, who was completely taken by sur- prise, made reply in his happy manner, reviewing his connection with the school and his pleasant relations with all his associates, and assuring both teachers and pupils of his appreciation of their goodwill and their gift and of his continuing interest in the progress of the Collegiate. Joy to the world, Glasnot has come, And with it, Mikhail and Rasia, They came to see if democracy, Was all that it's cracked up to be. And sign a missile treaty, x And sign a missile treaty, And sign, yes sign, a missile treaty. Yet while the deal was signed, The Persian Gulf was mined, And the fighting still goes on, Until all the bombs are gone, So keep working on it Ron. Had enough yet? I thought so. Okay, so when it comes to lyrics I'm not Paul McCartney. Who is? Look at it this way. It can't be any worse than than the Christmas poem I wrote last year and I didn't get any negative reaction over that. Of course, I didn't get any positive reaction either.