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Health & Fitness

Christmas in Alvarado

Over the years, the Alvarado community has celebrated Christmas in many ways.

In 1867, the Christmas holidays were marked by a flood "so great that water covered the stage roads and filled the streets in town. The residents were obliged to go about in boats, an din that manner they attended the Christmas Ball."

The Oakland Tribune reported in 1936 that "approximately 30 children will take part in the program to be given by St. Anne’s Church on December 17th. Costumes are being made by Mrs. Clara Jacinto. The annual Christmas party will be held in connection with the program."

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The Alvarado Grammar School held Christmas plays, funded by the local PTA. In 1930, "half of the cost of the costumes for the Christmas operetta was also borne by the organization." In 1934, it was reported that "the Alvarado Grammar School pupils presented a Christmas program with several skits and music by the Alvarado School Band."

In 1945, the merchants of Alvarado wanted to spruce up the town for returning soldiers and "the Alvarado Chamber of Commerce voted at a recent meeting to appropriate funds for street decorations during the Christmas season. This is the first group in Washington Township to sponsor a town-wide decoration program. Merchants interviewed during the past month by Mrs. Annie Baird and Mrs. Isabelle Mondragon indicated they would cooperate in decorating their stores, the women reported. President Walter Oakey appointed Leslie Maffey, principal of the local grammar school to supervise overhead street decorations if highway authorities grant permission for them", as reported by the Oakland Tribune. In the spirit of Christmas the local merchants closed their stores on Christmas Day. Other local businesses got into the Christmas spirit. In 1936, "employees of the Leslie Salt Company were presented with a Christmas bonus."

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Different organizations held Christmas parties. In 1936, the "Alvarado Aerie of Eagles held its annual Christmas party at the IOOF Hall last night. Approximately 100 people were present. Joseph E. Lewis, President, was in charge." "Chief Anthony Vargas was toastmaster at the annual Christmas turkey dinner for the Alvarado Volunteer Fire Department. Firemen’s families and the commissioners were the guests", reported in 1949. In 1937, the Alvarado SPRSI, the Portuguese Society of Queen Saint Isabel, held a Christmas at the Odd Fellows Hall. There was "a program, a tree, and gifts and refreshments. Mabel Rogers is in charge of arrangements."

The newspapers even carried reports of family groups meeting for the holidays. "Mrs. Fred Joyce of Alvarado entertained a group of her friends at a Christmas party at her home Friday afternoon. Bridge was played and a luncheon was served", was reported in the papers in 1932.

The Daily Review in 1936, reported on the Santos family; "A family gathering was held at the home of Mr. & Mrs. A. Santos and family on Christmas Day, when all local members joined in the celebration. Among them were: Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Jacinto and children, Betty Anne and J. Jr., Mrs. & Mrs. John Menezes and daughters, Alice and Alberta, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Dutra, Mrs. Mary Davilla, Morris Davilla, Hubert Jacinto, Mr. & Mrs. A. Santos and daughters, Alvina and Winifred. Christmas eve the same group met at the Menezes home. Cards were played, in which Jesse Jacinto and Alvina Santos carried away first honors, and Clara Jacinto and Tony Davilla the consolation prizes. An appetizing midnight supper brought the reunion to a close."


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