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This newspaper page contains 14 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Thomson Review
Location
Thomson, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Dec 24, 1953
Page
4
The article explains a method to fireproof a Christmas tree using ammonium sulfate mixed with water, recommended to be prepared days before decorating. It also mentions preparing the tree, placing it in a tall container, and keeping it in a cool location away from direct sunlight.
The Christmas tree trade is a nationwide multi million dollar business with about 15 million trees shipped for the holidays. Prices range from 1 to 5 dollars, and regional variety includes balsam spruce in the lake states New England and Appalachia while Douglas fir dominates the Pacific coast and Colorado uses lodgepole pine and Douglas fir. Harvesting begins in fall as cutters enter the woods.
The article notes that farmers on eroded acres harvest Christmas trees 10 to 15 years after planting. Landowners maintain swamps and thinning operations supply trees for metropolitan markets, creating a cash crop from land once deemed marginal.
Nearly 30 million Christmas trees will be sold in the United States this year. Select a bal sam or Douglas fir for longer needle life and lower flammability. Cut the base and place in water or wet sand, then anchor in a moisture-containing holder. Avoid radiator proximity and note that no tree is completely flame proof.
The note describes treating a tree with a chemical solution including ammonium phosphate and other compounds, with steps to weigh and mix for four to six days, then applying a water mix for a shiny needle finish. It also advises measuring ceiling height before buying a tree and suggests reuse of trimmed branches for door sprays, mantels, or swags.
The first known Christmas card was produced in 1842 in London by William Egley. In the United States Louis Prang published early Christmas cards and, by the 1870s, produced thousands of cards, earning the title grandfather of the business.
Do not give children dangerous toys or toys with sharp points. Supervise electrical toys. Do not decorate with lighted candles unless unavoidable. Keep the tree away from stoves and fireplaces. Never leave a lit tree unattended. Avoid unsafe ladders. Keep candles away from decorations. Make the tree fire resistant. Do not leave toys where people may trip. Wipe icy steps and sidewalks. Drive safely in cold weather.
Agricultural engineer Frank Andrew of the University of Illinois recommends automatic water systems to improve livestock production. Animals drink heavily when water is accessible, with dairy cows drinking 10 to 20 times daily. Install an automatic heated drinking waterer correctly, ensure proper grounding, and source from a local dealer to reduce labor and prevent fires caused by carelessness.
The piece surveys the age of Christmas songs and traditions from 1604 to 1868 and notes that Adeste Fideles is the oldest among popular carols, with origins contested between 1250 and 1680, while O Come All Ye Faithful predates Hark the Herald Angels Sing Silent Night and O Little Town of Bethlehem.
In their respective countries ageless wanderers slip toys under sleeping children's pillows while seeking the Babe of Bethlehem. Christkind embodies the Infant Jesus bringing happiness to well behaved children as Polish and Hungarian youngsters search for angel hair strands signaling holy angels near to grant gifts.
Farm safety expert Gordon McCleary of the University of Illinois urges farmers to declutter barn work areas and store tools safely. Ensure ladders and stairs are sound, extend ladders if needed, and improve lighting to reduce hazards during winter chores.
An exploration of Epiphany gift customs across nations noting the Magi arrival and the varied figures such as Spain’s Three Wise Men, Italy’s Befana, and Russia’s Babushka. The piece discusses how these gift bearers are depicted, their paths to Bethlehem, and differences in following the Wise Men.
Fragmentary passage notes how Christmas customs vary, mentioning joyous blessings and the custom of firecrackers and bonfires among settlers. The text hints at regional contrasts with northern Louisiana perspectives on such celebrations.
Lanark residents heard Christmas songs over the town loud speaker each noon while relatives and friends traveled from afar to attend the funeral of Charles Rowland on Wednesday afternoon.
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