Historic Hood River
Christmas Eve, 1949
12-24-2014
Notes
This Alva Day Christmas Eve photo of Santa was taken at the residence of Mrs. Goin. Though I’ll admit when I first saw this image in the negative Santa looked like a member of ZZ Top.
Happy Holidays from Historic Hood River.
Bill Seaton
I wonder if Mrs. Goin was related to Kenny Goin. He was in the 3rd grade with me back in 1949.
Charlott
Well, I can tell you much about this one. The Mrs. Goin was Grace Goin who lived in Hood River. She was a widow and after the death of my own grandmother, a few years later she married my grandfather, Perry E. Wells of the Pine Grove district. I wish I could get a better fix on the date, but think that is probably her grand-daughter Vicki Bryant. I think the girl on the right would have to be the daughter of her son Ted and his wife Mildred Goin. They also lived in Hood River. Wish I could figure out who Santa is, but looks like a woman.
I had to notice the bird cage. She loved parakeets and after she moved to Pine Grove she actually turned one upstairs bedroom into a room where she had parakeets nesting in cages. The photo on the piano of the girl is that of her grand-daughter, who soon after she married was killed here in an auto accident. I think her married name was Miller.
So this Grace Goin was my step-grandmother…
Charlott
Yes Bill, she was Kenny Goin’s grandmother. His parents were Ted and Mildred Goin. He had the older sister also named Mildred, but they called her Midge.
l.e.
I am on my i-phone so very hard to see HHR when it first opens, but I immediately thought "Alva Day".
I expected to see a self portrait of Alva as Santa and wife Io sitting on the floor.
Kind of surprised to enlarge and see a funny bearded Santa and Mrs. Goin.
Thanks for the Christmas scene Arthur!!
l.e.
I love to read comments here by readers who have personal involvement.
Thanks Charlott.
Steve r
Anyone else see it ? " The Christmas pickle is a Christmas tradition in the United States. A decoration in the shape of a pickle is hidden on a Christmas tree, with the finder receiving either a reward or good fortune for the following year. There are a number of different origin stories attributed to the tradition, but it was primarily thought to have originated in Germany. This has since been disproved and is now thought to be an American tradition from the late 19th century. "
And – what’s written on the bottom of the girl’s shoes- ?
Arthur
My guess is that’s Alva Day impersonating Santa.
I think the shoes say "Welkin’s Mainstreet".
arlen sheldrake
is that a string of popcorn on the tree? it has been a long time since I thought of that decoration. seems one had to have a piano back in the day. the American flag is something I don’t remember having inside the house…..ZZ Top? And a Merry Christmas to you all!
nels
This is such an iconic scene of the day, almost as if I stepped into my own grandmother’s house. From canaries to piano with pictures on top, popcorn strands on the tree, the necessary live Santa, the decorative floor lamp, saddle shoes and probably the full skirt. Guessing the shoes are Christmas presents. Wishing all a similar sentimental Christmas with memories of Christmases past.
Maria Kollas
I would like to wish all who participate in this project a very happy Christmas. Wonderful job, Arthur and your helper as well as all the commentators, who put ‘color’ in the photos! Thank you so much. Happy New Year to all!
Arthur
I really do enjoy seeing these photos through all of your eyes. When I look at this one my brain converts it to a faded yellowing Kodacolor print with "Dec 64" in the margin. I guess it all depends on when your holiday memories were formed.
There will be a special Christmas post tomorrow which is sure to leave you grinning.
As to my "ZZ Top" comment, look at the photo in negative and you’ll see what I mean:
https://flic.kr/p/qeQQVC
Jim Gray
Ted & Mildred lived next to my parents on June street, about a block and a half west of Alva Day’s house.
db
I don’t see the pickle on the tree, but I remember we had a pickle ornament. I’d forgotten all about it. My favorite was a silver pine cone. I always got to hang, and my brother got to hang the pickle. Great memories. My brother has been gone for 53 years now.
Susan Baldwin
Ahhhh, like being transported to Grandma’s house. Thank you – Merry Christmas!