150 years ago
December 23, 1875
THERE WILL BE A CHRISTMAS TREE for the children of St John’s Church Sunday-School, in Cowan’s Hall, on CHRISTMAS EVE at 6 o’clock. Friends are cordially invited, and can use the Tree to present gifts to each other. A collection will be taken up for the Sunday School.
BOOKS are the most lasting and valued of all presents. A selection will be found at the Gleaner Office. A fair assortment of BIBLES is now on hand. WESLEY’S HYMNS at greatly reduced prices, ranging from 20 to 80 cents. Sunday Magazine for 1875, $2. Leisure Hour for 1875, $1.75. Stationery and School Books kept in stock as usual.
125 years ago
December 20, 1900
ORMSTOWN Our 3 brickyards turned out during the past season a million each, and all have been sold at higher prices than prevailed a year ago. Shipments have been made to Cornwall by the new bridge, the G.T.R. transferring the cars at Helena junction.
A very beautiful memorial window has been placed in St. Paul’s church this week by the Cross family in memory of their parents. The scene represented is that of Mary Magdalene recognizing the risen Saviour in the garden on the morning of the resurrection.
100 years ago
December 24, 1925
[Front page!] “A Merry Heart Maketh A Cheerful Countenance” THUS, it is written in the Old Testament. And so it is written on the faces of young and old today! In those twinking eyes and happy smiles of folks around us, we read fulfillment of the CHRISTMAS MESSAGE. – Peace On Earth, Good Will Toward Man. Not only read it – but understand. Yes, realize that it comes from merry hearts that know no malice – hearts that, with every beat, send forth Happiness and the warmth of Love and Best Wishes to all Mankind! Everybody seems young again! Glad to live and let live. Finding untold joys in giving with a generous heart – minding not the cost but feeling well repaid if only with a smile. Finding happiness in making others happy. Ah –verily – ‘tis the spirit of Christmas! And from cottage window and palace hall beams further evidence of this Joyous Season! Welcome holly wreaths here and there. Gayly trimmed furs and pines looking ever so stately with their scores of sparkling ornaments, strands of golden tinsel, multicolored lights or humble candles. E’en the stars of the Silent Night add their brilliance to the scene. Truly, what could be more enchanting? Fascinating? Sacred? … “MAY YOUR GIFTS BE MANY AND YOUR JOY KNOW NO BOUNDS”.
75 years ago
December 27, 1950
Weather Man’s Christmas Present – Christmas Day Cold and Bleak – Everyone received an unwelcome Christmas present on Christmas day in the cold wave that suddenly clamped its icy fingers over everything on Sunday evening (Christmas Eve). Enjoying almost balmy winter weather all through this present winter, which by the way, officially started December 22nd, the sudden change came as a great surprise.
HYPNOTISM BY T.V. CALLED DANGEROUS … Hypnotist T.G. Warne-Beresford warned that hypnotism by television would definitely be risky. Suppose the viewers became hypnotized and then the television program suddenly changed?
50 years ago
December 23, 1975
HOPE YOUR ASSETS weren’t frozen during that cold spell which started on Thursday. Plenty of folks with frozen noses, fingers, and toes, though.
SERIOUSLY THOUGH the year has slipped by quickly, hasn’t it. The older one gets, the faster the hours, days, weeks, months, and even seasons pass. We at The Gleaner sincerely wish everyone Compliments of the Season.
SANTA is on his way. Hope he’s real good to every boy and girl from 1 to 100 who reads this newspaper.