20 Dec 1956
Page 1
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Newspaper
Petal Paper
Location
Petal, Mississippi, United States of America
Date
Dec 20, 1956
Page
1
A reader recalls a prior editorial on a fable and reviews Mencken’s Christmas story claiming it blends psychology theology and ethics with strong morals. The reminiscence includes a Hatsysburg Santa anecdote about a tired helper and audience reaction, ending with a biting holiday remark.
A neighbor recalls a child declaring their family poor and turkey-less before Thanksgiving. The same household reports a courtesy invitation from the Kings of Pascagoula and a plea not to call collect while awaiting a call.
The newspaper notes Dr. D. M. Nelson, longtime president of Mississippi College, plans to retire, a move described as a body blow to liberal education. The piece, from Hattiesburg, contains a Christmas Story anecdote and ends with an apology for the ragged Page Two item.
Fred Ammermeyer, a Baltimore freethinker, organizes a massive Christmas party for the city’s destitute. He enlists Leopold Bortsch and local freethinkers to supply beer, cigars, turkeys, and stage entertainment while demanding no evangelical pressure or public confessions from guests. The plan garners broad support from breweries, dairy and meat suppliers, and trust-backed food outfits, with hall rental paid in advance.
WDAM Channel 9 will telecast The Spirit of Christmas on Sunday December 23 1956 from 4 30 to 5 00 pm. The program pairs The Nativity and The Night Before Christmas featuring the Mariaonettes led by Mable Beaton. The piece coincides with a health report praising TB control progress and chest X rays as key in early TB detection with 33 new cases found in Forrest County this year and 28 patients treated at Magee Sanitarium.
East Forest PTA held its December meeting in the school cafeteria with National Book Week observed. The high school boys quartet performed under Jimmie Brent and David Hamilton accompanied by piano, while Mrs. Margaret Porter directed. Mrs. Hermen Grantham spoke on improving school books and Mrs. W. G. Barlow discussed Reading Good Books. A skit by Mr. and Mrs. Warren Ratliff featured excerpts from Merry Christmas Mr Baxter. Prizes were awarded to Lois Devis, Helen Cameron, Magpie Craft, and J D McElhaney. A social hour followed, hosted by the Hospitality committee.
Postmaster Tressie V. Brogan urges early mailing as the Christmas rush peaks. She thanks customers for cooperation and asks use of air parcel post for gifts and air mail for distant cards to ensure delivery before the holidays. Pack proper addresses and return addresses and mail before 10 am or 1 30 to 3 30 pm.
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