Merry Christmas!

                             

Merry Christmas from me to you.  This will be the last post for 2022 as I am going to take some time off to be with family and enjoy the season...and, to finish my shopping!  I hope the last 12 months have been good to you, but if not, my wish is that this holiday season will help you salvage some good of what's left of the year. 

Enjoy your families and your time off.  I will strive myself to remember the real meaning of Christmas, for as someone once told me, if Christmas isn't found in our hearts, if won't be found under a tree. 

I am thankful for you, my dear readers who have kept up with me all these years.  I so greatly appreciate your support, your contributions, and your friendship.  I will return to this after the New Year.  Let's set the stage to share some more Menasha memories in 2023.  See you then!

Santa Takes "Flight"

December 3, 1960, Appleton Post-Crescent

Continuing a tradition that began in the late 1940's, Santa tours the Twin Cities, courtesy of his friends in the Fire Department, handing out treats everywhere he goes.

Gifts for Everyone

 December 18, 1907, Menasha Record

We first encountered the Schultz Brothers Drug Store in 2014: https://menashabook.blogspot.com/2014/07/schultz-drug-store.html.  This store was located at the corner of Main and Milwaukee and lasted until the 1940's.  It should not be confused with that other Schultz Brothers, the five and dime we all recall.

Santa Visits

             

December 22, 1980, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

December 24, 1980, Twin City News-Record

Santa definitely gets around and is sure to be the most popular elf in the room, guaranteed. It is reassuring to note that despite all the technology associated with our modern way of living, it has been proven time and again that the direct route to Santa is the right one.  Who can argue with bending his ear in person?  And it might end up with you walking out of there with a candy cane to boot.

For Immediate Delivery!

December 15, 1949, Twin City News-Record

Despite how old  this technology looks, it really was state-of-the-art for its time.  Plastic cabinetry, automatic shut-offs, battery power that allowed portability.  It was a teenager's dream come true.  

Over the Moon

December 15, 1949, Twin City News-Record

Christmas gift ideas from Moon's Jewelers, back when pens were fine writing instruments instead of throwaways and watches did one thing...they told time while also letting the recipient know that they were considered special.    

Gift Ideas by the Score

 December 15, 1949, Twin City News-Record

If you needed a gift for your teacher, what could be easier than getting handkerchiefs?  I swear my elementary school teachers must have had enough hankies to outfit an army after my token gift and the many others from my classmates.  

Tree Center

 

December 15, 1949, Twin City News-Record

I recall having ice cream like this as a kid and marveling at how they managed to get a tree inside the ice cream.  Guess I was a few years away from understanding the nuances of molds and other tricks to get special effects in cooking.  Even if I had understood it at the time, I still would have been impressed.

Olympic Dreams

 

December 18, 1980, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

Peggy Fleming and Dorothy Hamel, look  out!  A familiar sight in winter time in the city...emulating Olympic skaters while dreaming of gold medals. 

Shopping

December 18, 1980, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern

It's that time of the year when festive lights combine with sincere shopping excursions to create a dramatic backdrop to the season.  Who wouldn't be in a great mood with all that the holidays bring?