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Published on 12/22/1997 All articles from this issue

Pages of the Past

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25 years ago in the Town Crier

The Dec. 27, 1972, edition of the Town Crier reported that Christmas decorations ranging from a moving Santa and prancing reindeer to a set of life-size replicas of Peanuts characters captured awards in two annual Los Altos holiday decorating contests.

The Board of Realtors attracted more than 50 entrants in its home decoration contest. Winners of the originality title were Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Cravens, who had erected the life-size display of Peanuts characters at their Morton Avenue home.

The Chamber of Commerce recognized effective commercial displays presented by various merchants. The City of Los Altos was cited for its unusual Yule lighting.

At the recommendation of a consulting engineer, the school board of trustees voted in December 1972 to vacate immediately the rapidly deteriorating school administration building on San Antonio Road next to Hillview Avenue. The 60-year old building had served as Los Altos' first school, then became the administration building.

Evacuation of the venerable building also meant the end of the district's central telephone switchboard that had one number serving all schools and departments in the district. It was "goodbye" to 948-4427, which was replaced by 21 new phone numbers.

Though there was a slight precipitation (.07 inches of rain) on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day 1972 was clear and a bit warmer with a high of 62 degrees and a low of 37 degrees.

50 years ago in the Los Altos News

According to the Dec. 25, 1947, issue of the Los Altos News, church and school, adults and children, all joined in a series of programs, parties and musical entertainment to herald the observance of Christmas in the Los Altos community.

An audience estimated at more than 1,000 filled the Mountain View High School auditorium to view Los Altos Grammar School's annual presentation of its "Gift to the Community of Los Altos."

Close to 150 children were entertained at the Los Altos Golf & Country Club at a party that included movies and a visit from Santa.

Special programs and awards highlighted Scouting events.

And bell chimes and singing at the churches marked the special occasion for all ages.

The window of Payne Furniture Company on Main Street was awarded first place in a window display contest sponsored by the Los Altos Business Association. The display depicted St. Francis of Assisi standing in a snowy setting surrounded by birds.

- Ellen Shaw of the Los Altos History House Association