Certainly not all that have taken place over the years, but accounts of long ago Christmas events found in newspapers. Different names and faces, but notice how similar the programs and activities are to what one might observe today.
1917
1918 1917
Troops of the 155th Infantry regiment of the Mississippi National Guard were stationed throughout the Caddo oilfields to keep the peace during a strike that occurred in late 1917/early 1918 across the southwestern United States. Area residents displayed warm hospitality to these "soldier boys," with records from the time reporting that citizens of Mooringsport and Vivian served Thanksgiving dinner to those stationed within their midst.
These acts of kindness continued at Christmas, as celebratory activities were held for the troops in north Caddo Parish communities Caddo (Oil City), Mooringsport, Trees, and Vivian; as well as at the state fairgrounds where the regiment was headquartered, and in the DeSoto Parish communities of Mansfield and Naborton. Note that "Caddo" was Caddo City (now part of Oil City) and Mrs. W. H Murray mentioned below was an OC resident.
Notice of Christmas services to be held at the Oil City Catholic Church.
Shreveport Times 22-Dec-1918, Page 24
1920
Seven year-old Francis Charles Radaz, Jr.; son of Francis, Sr. and Pearle (Bates), wrote a letter to Santa Claus in 1920. The "Boy" was possibly a misreading (due to a child's handwriting) of his younger brother's name, William Malloy, who went by the latter. Though there were no cell phones or tablets then, Francis was still interested in the latest technology; which a "moving picture machine" certainly would have been.
Corsicana (TX) Sun 24-Nov-1920, Page 7
The family was originally from there, and several family members lived there at the time. The elder Francis worked for the Texas Company and the family resided at what is now 106 Pine Street, across from the Oil City school, and next door to the old Mandina home.
Monroe Morning World 24-Mar-1935, Page 6.
1921
An inter-denominational Christmas celebration held at the Methodist Episcopal Church that also included participation by the local Christian and Baptist churches. Mrs. R. T. Alexander was likely Mrs. Typhena Ellen (Benson) Alexander, wife of Dr. P. T. Alexander. (Hattie) Ruth Vaughn was an Oil City school teacher of that time.
Shreveport Times 28-Dec-1921, Page 6
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| Hattie Ruth Vaughn |
1922
A community celebration is held at the baseball park.
Shreveport Times 26-Dec-1922, Page 5
Reverend Tinnin shown in college a couple of years earlier. Note what is now the First Baptist Church was called the Central Baptist Church in the 1920s.
1924
A local Goodfellows Club was formed. The organization provided for poor children at Christmas, those "afraid Santa Claus will overlook them." By the way, the Harrington mentioned in the article owned the Ford dealership at that time.
1926
Notice of a planned community Christmas tree and program held at the Methodist Church.
Shreveport Journal 20-Dec-1926, Page 12
Goodfellows again provide Christmas cheer to poor children.
Shreveport Times 24-Dec-1926, Page 18
1927
A community Christmas tree is lit in the school auditorium.
Shreveport Times 18-Dec-1927, Page 8
1945
Howard Fortson Post No. 138 and auxiliary of the American Legion held a Christmas party and welcomed 33 returning veterans of World War II. 200 guests attended the affair, called to order by post commander, Dick Robison.
Among those recognized was Navy Seabee Ervin Fedd, whose birthday happened to be that day.
1954
On 09-Dec-1954, Mayor Donald Lavine opened the Christmas Season by turning on the lights of a 26 foot Christmas tree set under a lighted derrick, the idea of oilmen R. D. Wilson and Bill Bailey.
Shreveport Journal 09-Dec-1954, Page C-1
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| Mayor Donald Lavine |
A few days later, the Stroller column in the Shreveport Times mentions a young blind boy's experience of "seeing" the tree and derrick.
Mrs. Lois Thompson's third grade Christmas program, December 1960.
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| L-R: (Standing) Gayle King, Sharilyn Herndon, Shirley Allborty, Billy Wingo, Garvin Fike, Addie Tubbs, Peggy Fowler, Jimmy Thacker, Marian Tarver; (Seated) Jimmy Wingo, Gil Beck |
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| L-R: Santa, John Ridge, Wayne Hall, Jerry Green, Pat Weaver |
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| L-R: Ronnie Thomas, Johnny Head, Bill Stevens, David Stanfield, Kathy Hargrove |
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| L-R: (Back) Diane Robison, Charles Hicks, Angie Wendell, Kenneth Spoon, Roger Sanders; (Middle) Don Vaughn, Tommie Maxwell, Judy Marcus, Terry Elmore; (Front) Darlene Batts, Janet Latham, Roy Easley |
Not pictured: Arley Holliman, Jenny Poindexter, Ann Smith, Rodney Walker
1960 Oil City Junior High School Bengal (yearbook)
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