A Kelowna Christmas – 70 years ago
Newspaper relic provides some insight into life, times during Christmas of 1948
Earlier this year, my friend Tony was telling me about a vintage newspaper which he has in his collection of Kelowna memorabilia. The Wednesday, Dec. 22, 1948, edition of the Kelowna Capital News, running to more than 60 pages, provides its readers with information about Central Okanagan Christmas celebrations and events, and holiday merchandise and services provided by local businesses and organizations.
As such, it is a good source of social and economic history.
Much of this newspaper is given over to Christmas advertisements, as Kelowna merchants wished their patrons the best of the holiday season, while tempting them with a myriad of items and services. These advertisements, no doubt created by the talented Capital News’ artists – Murray Cowie, Tommy Lee, Gwen Lamont, and Ormond Turner – are simple and clear in their messages:
The Real Estate Department of The Okanagan Investments Ltd. and The Okanagan Trust Company wished their patrons and friends “A Very Merry Christmas,” page 1
On page 3, Copp’s Shoe Store and staff wished each and everyone “A Bright Merry Christmas.”
“Friendly Greetings – A Merry Christmas – a Happy New Year, too” was the page 4 Christmas wish from the staff of Lakeview Grocery & Meat.
Rannard’s “Your Friendly Clothing Store” wished its patrons “Peace on Earth – Goodwill to Men,” followed by a short Christmas poem on page 7.
“To One & All A Merry Christmas” was the sincere wish by Capozzi’s Grocery, on page 9.
The Bert’s Bowlodrome advertisement on page 10 read, “Every Best Wish … May the Joys of the Christmas Season remain with you throughout the year.”
“A Very Merry Christmas and Joy to all” were the sentiments expressed by Lipsett Motors Chrysler, on page 12.
George A. Meikle and staff, on page 15, recorded that, “We are glad to repeat The Old and Sincere Wish That Your Christmas may Be Joyful, and Your New Year Bright, Happy and Prosperous.”
Ribelin Photo Studio’s advertisement on page 32 wished its many patrons “Best Wishes for a Happy Xmas and Glad New Year.”
An advertisement which caught my eye is found on page 39. “The Ferry Coffee Shop and News Stand,” located “at the Ferry Wharf,” reminded local residents that they could complete their last minute Christmas shopping at that establishment, which featured a fine variety of toys, dolls, cups and saucers, shells and shell lamps, musical powder boxes, broaches, tobacco products, candy, chocolates, and costume jewelery.
And the weary Christmas shopper could even take a break and “Try our Coffee & Doughnuts!”
Vital public information is provided on page one of this Christmas newspaper edition, the business hours of drugstores during the Christmas season: P.B. Willits & Co. Ltd. was open from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Day; Brown’s Pharmacy Ltd. was open from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. on Boxing Day; Brown’s Pharmacy was also open from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on December 27; and W. R. Trench Ltd. was open from 10 to 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on New Year’s Day. This information was crucial for people in need of medicines and prescriptions during the holiday season, when most of Kelowna’s business offered reduced shopping hours.
Holiday entertainment highlighted in the newspaper included the Rotary Ice Festival, featured on page 2; this two-day event was held on December 29 and 30, and was a popular event, judging by brisk ticket sales.
Local residents were offered much more than the aforementioned Rotary Ice Festival, as reported on page 11:
“Somewhat over one hundred old-age Pensioners, senior citizens, enjoyed the banquet provided for them last Friday night [December 17] when the Rotary Club of Kelowna invited them to the Anglican Parish Hall where a turkey dinner was prepared by the Anglican Young People.
“Guests were driven to and from the Hall, and were made to feel at home during the brief evening’s entertainment. After dinner, a short musical programme was given. Each guest was visited by Santa, who made a presentation of a small gift.”
A variety of holiday dances and parties were mentioned on page 19:
— Legion’s Children’s Christmas Party: December 22.
— Finn’s Hall: December 27 and New Year’s Eve.
— Zenith Hall: Christmas Eve. — East Kelowna Hall: New Year’s Eve, featuring the “Rhythm Rascals.”
— Okanagan Mission Community Hall: Boxing Night and New Year’s Eve, with entertainment “on the newly sanded floor” by the McKenzie Brothers
— Junior Chamber of Commerce: held at the Scout Hall, on New Year’s Eve.
— Elk’s Hall: New Year’s Eve. There was certainly no shortage of opportunities for local residents to “trip the light fantastic” as they celebrated the Yuletide and welcomed the New Year, 1949.
Of course, local churches were an integral part of the Christmas of 1948. Services and offerings by several churches – The People’s Mission, First United Church, First Lutheran Church, Free Methodist Church and Evangel Tabernacle – were highlighted on page 28, under the heading “Worship With us This Christmas.”
Sunday Schools, special Christmas services, choirs, and prayer meetings were offered to local residents wishing to partake in the religious aspect of Christmas.
The December 22, 1948 edition of the Capital News provides a snapshot of Central Okanagan 1948 Christmas celebrations. However, the sentiments expressed on page 33 by “Mc. and Mc., Kelowna Ltd.” resonate the most, as we now observe Christmas 2018:
“Lighted trees and hearts aglow, the shimmering tinsel casts sparkles of light about the living room, as colorfully dressed packages await eager hands, and Christmas lights blink a warm welcome. In millions of homes throughout the world this Christmas scene fills kindred hearts with gladness. Christmas time...when all hearts glow with good will and a sentimental faith in mankind.
“Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy, and peaceful News Year to all.”