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Mail Tribune 100, Dec. 26, 1922 By Alissa Corman Dec 26, 2022 12:00 AM A A News from 100 years ago The following news items were drawn from the archives of the Mail Tribune 100 years ago Dec. 26, 1922 THE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE A GREAT SUCCESS With thousands of people of all ages from the city and immediate vicinity surrounding the big and beautifully decorated Christmas tree on the public library front lawn, Medford held its community Christmas tree observation on Sunday evening, beginning at 5 o’clock. It was by all odds the largest attended and most successful Yuletide affair of its kind ever held in the city. Besides the immense crowd assembled about the tree, hundreds of autos loaded with occupants lined the sides of the streets surrounding about the public library and the city park adjoining. It had been one of the mildest just-before-Christmas days in local history — a spring-like day with sunshine and cloudiness alternating, but fortunately just before the hour of the celebration the sun disappeared and twilight fell, enabling the brilliantly lighted tree to show out more impressively and making the time seem more like Christmas eve. The program began with the ringing of church bells to remind the sick ones at their homes and others of the hour for the community to assemble and unitedly join in an outpouring of Christmas cheer and gratitude. The program consisted of selections of the D. O. K. K. band, Wilson Wait, director, alternating with Christmas carols sung by the 1,500 school children of the city under the direction of Miss Sherwood, supervisor of music of the public schools, and the high school girls’ glee club, all of whom were assembled close to the tree. The band furnished the accompaniments. Then 1,800 candy canes were given out from the Christmas tree as all the children marched by and the celebration was over in plenty of time for the people to dress up, dine and attend the Christmas services at the various churches. The money to provide the expenses of giving the community Christmas tree was raised by a collection taken among business men. The city council also donated $10 to the fund. LOCAL AND PERSONAL Following the two days holiday the groceries, meat-markets and banks did quite a rush of business today. However, many families will live for a day or two on their leftover turkey and other Christmas goodies. ----- Much interest has been shown in the elaborate holiday masquerade at the pavilion tomorrow night. A big evening of fun and amusement has been planned, and many novel favors and prizes will be distributed to the guests. For the benefit of those who do not appear in costume there will be plenty of masks and carnival caps on hand. Director Launspach has prepared an exceptional program of all that is new in popular new dance hits. — Alissa Corman; [email protected]