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Published on 12/18/1995 All articles from this issue

Pages Of The Past

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25 years ago in the Town Crier

As reported in the Dec. 23, 1970 edition of the Town Crier, the Christmas tree at State and Main streets, decorated by nine Los Altos Brownie troops, was judged the best outdoor display in the 1970 decorating contest sponsored annually by the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce.

Rancho Shopping Center was selected as second best in outdoor display, and Palo Alto-Salinas Savings and Loan received a special award as the "judges choice."

In addition to plaques for the winners, a special certificate of appreciation was presented to Marion Jackston for her "outstanding contribution and display every year."

The Town of Los Altos Hills was accepting donations for the purchase of outdoor Christmas tree lights to be used in decorating the living tree at the corner of the Town Hall.

As of Dec. 20, 1970, Edward Rexworthy recorded a total seasonal rainfall in Los Altos of 10.44 inches. Normal rainfall to a corresponding date was listed at 4.50 inches.

There was still no 1970-71 teachers' salary schedule in Los Altos, while there was less than a month to go before trustees were to receive teachers' salary requests for 1971-72. The teachers voted to reject t offers from the school board, objecting in part to the terms regarding merit pay and to ask for a fact-finding panel.

50 years ago in the Los Altos News

As the Los Altos News observed, it was the first war-free Christmas in four years and families were reunited again. Los Altos homes were brightly decorated and open house parties continued all through the week to welcome the returned servicemen.

Most downtown merchants featured holiday decorations in their window displays. They were also urged by the business association to anchor Christmas trees to their flagpole standards, making Main Street an avenue of green.

As for the first time since the start of World War II, the big oak tree at Main and First streets was illuminated with Christmas lights. It was a holiday observance that began in 1937. This oak tree became a favorite landmark in Los Altos.

Regretfully, it had to be removed in 1970 because it had succumbed to disease. It was replaced with a Canary Island pine tree that is also decorated each year for the holiday season, thus continuing a cherished tradition.

The local grammar school was festive for the holiday season with small trees in each classroom and a large one in the main hall. The PTA furnished cake and ice cream for classroom parties and the children traded gifts with schoolmates. Santa Claus visited each room, adding to the day's excitement.

During the week the children brought nuts and fruits for patients at Dibble Hospital and placed them around the big tree where the children gathered and sang carols on Dec. 21, 1945, the last day before Christmas vacation.

-Researched by Ellen Shaw of the Los Altos History House Association.