23 Dec 1954
Page 1
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Newspaper
De Leon Free Press
Location
De Leon, Texas, United States of America
Date
Dec 23, 1954
Page
1
The article recalls the first Christmas night watch by shepherds near a grotto in Shepherds Field and Beit Sahour, noting two pilgrimage sites and a recent restriction on flock movement west of Bethlehem due to regional conflict.
A verse recalling the Christmas star over Bethlehem and the birth of Christ. The poem echoes angels and shepherds praising God with themes of peace goodwill and joy at Yule. It attributes the reflection of the star to its enduring radiance and tribute to Holy Night.
Mr and Mrs Thomas E Pittman and son Stephen of Long Beach California recently visited his mother Mrs Iva Pittman and uncle J Doss Miller Jr. On return they saw his sister Mrs Marshall Sterling in a Tulsa Oklahoma hospital and Mrs Elvin Allgood and family in Altus Oklahoma Friends of Mrs Sterling report she is recovering satisfactorily and left hospital early this week Mr and Mrs Clyde Perry and family Ontario California arrived Saturday and will spend Christmas with his mother Mrs Gladys Perry and other relatives
Word reached De Leon that L. S. Stewart a former resident of Duster and De Leon area was found dead with a gun nearby at his Dadville Alabama home. He was 55 years old with a widow and several children surviving. He had been despondent and in failing health for some time.
Lt. Elza Perry Jr. son of Mr. and Mrs. Elza Perry Sr. of De Leon, reports to Tyndall Air Force Base Florida to begin eight to ten weeks of Aircraft Controller School training. The program supports the Air Defense Team and Tactical Air and Army Combat Team.
Eastland County peanut farmers expect a 3 percent increase in peanut acreage for 1955, reaching about 32 000 acres. ACP administrator E E Powell said allotments have been mailed to all peanut farmers and mailing was completed this week.
Thousands flocked to town last Saturday to meet Santa Claus and add items to their wish lists. Candy and fruit and nut packages were handed out to lucky attendees, making it one of the largest crowds since the Peach and Melon Festival.
A Sunday fish dinner brought together Mr and Mrs Fred Lutz and guests including Mr and Mrs John Ragsdale Mr and Mrs Feliz Terrill Jr Mr and Mrs Beryl Lutz and son Mr and Mrs G E Riley of De Leon and Mr and Mrs Buster Brazuell of Comanche for a pleasant afternoon at the Luiz Wome home.
W. L. Lee Fannin died December 1 in a Washington hospital, just 24 hours after heart surgery. Survived by wife, father Sam Fannin, three brothers, four sisters, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral attended near Ranger Friday by Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Moorhead and daughter Mrs. Grady Ritter of Big Spring. Fannin was a nephew of Mrs. Moorhead.
Oliver Springs decides to cancel New Year’s Eve programs across surrounding communities citing scheduling conflicts. Oliver Springs Church announces the cancelation.
City Hall will close all day Friday December 24 and Saturday December 25 for holiday observance. Officials urge residents to plan ahead for essential services and reopen Monday.
The Free Press announces a New Year’s Eve party at the High School auditorium next Friday December 31 from 8 30 p m to midnight. The event features entertainment for the public and invites all to watch the old year end and the new year begin. A complete program and sponsors will be announced in the next issue.
Mr and Mrs Roy Slaughter of Midland welcomed a baby girl named Nell on Saturday December 18. The newborn weighed five pounds six ounces and is the couple’s fourth child, joining three siblings. Grandparents are C H Timmons Jr of De Leon and Dave Slaughter of De Leon. Mrs Timmons visiting Midland this week.
De Leon residents attended Tarleton College Collegiate Choirs Christmas Candlelight Concert on Thursday evening December 16. Members from De Leon included Mrs. Leslie Daniell Mrs. Jack Donahue Mrs. Russell Howell Mrs. Lucille Duke Mrs. A. R. Parsons and Misses Roger Mae Smith Bertha Ross Ann Parsons. Dwain Leslie and Miss Wanda Clark were also choir members.
Miss Ann Parsons performed a piano recital in Tarleton's little auditorium on Thursday December 16 as a pupil of Dr D W Morton head of Fine Arts. She was accompanied by her mother Mrs A R Parsons and later attended Tarleton Collegiate Choir Christmas Candlelight Concert and the post concert party.
College students arriving for the Christmas holidays include Misses Ermilee Holdridge Joy Nowlin Barbara Schuman Bobby Warren Shirley Bassett Nancy Johnson Joe Helen Railsback Rodney Irby Bob Howell and Miss Margaret Holdridge.
De Leon area residents expect many visitors for Yuletide festivities and church programs during the holidays. People are urged to drive safely and be careful with fires as Christmas trees can ignite easily. The Free Press extends Merry Christmas wishes to all unchanged readers.
The Free Press outlines Gorman’s annual Indian Trail Basketball Tournament from December 29 to January 1 with boys and girls games listed for Wednesday to Saturday. Matchups include Gorman vs Cross Plains, Rising Star vs Desdemona, and Abilene vs De Leon among others, with subsequent rounds and consolation games.
Officers of the O B S gathered at the home of Mrs. A L Cox for a Christmas party with festive decorations and a lighted Christmas tree. Mrs. T C Burlison was presented with ice tea spoons, and cake and coffee were served to a list of members and guests.
James Loyd Kay born April 24, 1889 in Central Texas died December 14, 1954 at German Hospital aged 65. Funeral service at First Baptist Church December 15, 1954 with Rev. Murray Kay officiating and burial in De Leon Cemetery. Pallbearers included Wade George Robert Kay Everett Hansford Clarence Flood and more.
The North Side Baptist Church hosts a Christmas program Wednesday at 7:00 PM. The public is invited to attend and sing praises to the Saviour.
Brownwood three De Leon students, Eugene Fleming, William Stover, and Glenn Newton, are listed on Howard Payne College fall semester honor roll. Fleming is a freshman Bible major, Stover a freshman Chemistry major, and Newton a senior business major.
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