PAGE 6 JANUARY, 1958
SANTA CLAUS KEPT AN APPOINTMENT
Review Of 1957 Christmas Parties For Children
It’s just a fond memory now, but one that
will not lose its luster until another round of
Christmas parties for Firestone children is on
schedule next December.
As has been the case for many years, the
Benevolent Visitor from the North Country
kept his date with more than 2,000 Firestone
Textiles children under 14 years of age.
The traditional occasion was the three Yule-
tide parties at the Webb and Palace theatres in
Gastonia, Saturday morning, December 14. The
children’s Christmas festivities this past
Christmas marked the 18th annual program
sponsored by the Company.
Some 1,700 children attended the theatre
shows. Those youngsters holding tickets to the
programs—but who could not attend—received
their gifts from the Plant Recreation Center.
At the Webb theatre there was a show at
9 and another at 11 a.m. At the Palace, the
show began at 10, In addition to the visit of
Santa, there was a program of selected car
toons and short movie features at the Webb.
Along with St. Nick at the Palace, there was
the showing of a full-length “western” with
the usual suspense.
At the conclusion of each performance at
both theatres, Santa Claus directed the distri
bution of gifts, passed out according to the
children’s age groups.
Above—The first show at the Webb made a good
impression on two-year-old Anita Bentley. Her
father, Leroy, liked the program too» A parent or
relative accompanied "littlest" partygoers.
Middle—Nell Pursley (right). Industrial Relations
secretary, was one of many employees who helped
to spread holiday cheer. Here she passes out gifts
to Ronald Miles (back). Dale Owens, Patricia and
Judy Wooten.
Right—A mechanical toy meant fascination to
Bryce and Susan Pursley.
Above—These youngsters were typical of those
absorbed in the exciting plot of one of the short
movie features. Front: Teresa and Steve Michaels;
back row: Jimmy and Billy Meek.
Middle—W. G. Henson, III, found it difficult tak
ing time out for a picture, before investigating the
contents of his gift package.
Right—At the Palace theatre these children made
good use of wailing time before arrival of Santa
Claus. Popcorn tasted fine to Jatana Jackson and
Frank Hardin.
A
Above—The Bringer of Gifts found many interest
ing question askers. Rickey Parks speculated on a
guitar for Christmas. More important, he wanted to
know if Mrs. Santa Claus had fluffy, white whiskers,
too.
Middle—Antoinette Lightner and Simon Williams
were among the first to go through the gift line.
Their smiles told something of the excitement—and
gratitude—they experienced.
Right—Danny Joe and Lester Worthy must have
put in a standing order for next Christmas, for they
conferred seriously with Saint Nick minutes before
he headed back to headquarters in the North Coun
try.