History at a Glance

Items from the December issues of the 1959 Shelton-Mason County Journal:

On Dec. 3, Police chief Paul Hinton reminded local merchants that "this is the time of year when shoplifting, bum check passing, and till tapping are at their peak. A gang of hoodlums who tapped tills here for $1,100 about a year ago are still active and may be in this area any time."

The Washington State Employment Security Service announced there was a shortage of experienced Christmas tree bundlers in local yards. Anyone with experience in bundling and tying Christmas trees for shipping was asked to contact the employment office.

The Shelton Chamber of Commerce and the Shelton-Mason County Zonta Club were joining to revive Shelton's Christmas Home Outdoor Decorating contest. Prizes would be awarded in three categories: Nativity, Novelty and Traditional, with first and second prizes to be awarded in each division. First prize was a merchandise gift of $20; second prize a merchandise gift of $10.

An ad for Ziegler's Studio and Camera Shop asked, "Isn't this really the way you want to take pictures?" and outlined the wonders of the new Polaroid Land Camera 3000. "In just 60 seconds you can hold in your hand a magnificent picture, finished right in your camera, of what you snapped only a minute ago." Prices started at $74.50.

The Shelton Safeway store's full page Dec. 3 grocery ad for its "Safeway's Manager's Sale" honored Mrs. Ruby Fitz, who had been with the store for over 17 years. Prices included 10 pounds of oranges for 99 cents, a 1-pound can of Boyd's coffee for 59 cents, and a 53-ounce package of Cheer Blue detergent for 81 cents.

Eells and Valley Appliance Center announced the opening of "Toyland," featuring "the largest quality toy assortment in Christmas Town U.S.A." Shoppers could register to win a free bicycle to be given away Dec. 23.

Lumbermen's Mercantile ran full-page ads every week for its 27,000 square feet of modern store space packed with merchandise for the holiday season. The "L-M" offered everything from furniture and hardware to clothing and toys, all of which could be purchased with their revolving charge account.

The last of a series of five merchandise award drawings took place Friday, Dec. 11, under the 100-foot tall lighted Christmas tree on the Post Office lawn. (Shoppers were given tickets for each purchase made at local stores during the week, which they signed and entered into the drawing. On Fridays, all the tickets were deposited in one collection box and drawings were made for merchandise prizes.) Santa Claus was on hand to give candy to "good girls and boys" who came to visit him. The night also marked the beginning of many businesses remaining open for evening shopping through Dec. 23.

Just before Christmas, the Northern Pacific Railroad announced that Christmas tree shipments from Mason County for 1959 included 107 reefer cars, 114 box cars, and 38 truck and trailer loads, most going to California and Arizona.

Contributions to the annual 40&8/Journal Christmas fund were coming in slowly. On Dec. 16, with only two weeks remaining to reach the $900 goal, contributions were at $264.50. Under sponsorship of the "S-Club," Shelton Junior High students contributed $116.

A stray goat was fished out of Goldsborough Creek by Ed Holmes, of Route 1. Holmes tied the goat to a nearby telephone pole and notified Shelton police. When the police later received a call from a Mr. Cooley of Longview reporting a missing goat, the police referred him to Holmes. How the goat ended up in the creek was undetermined.

In mid-December, members of the Hoodsport volunteer fire department installed a lighted Christmas tree and Nativity scene on School Hill, to "once again herald the coming Christmas season with its many community activities." Students of the four schools in the Hood Canal School District were preparing to present a Christmas program in the Hoodsport gymnasium on Dec. 18.

On Dec. 17, an advertisement for Jim Pauley Inc. advised that "Best Loved Santas Will Give the Family a Second Car for Christmas." Several used cars were listed for sale, including a 1952 Ford for $175 and a 1951 Buick for $150. On the same page, Timber Appliance declared that "Best Loved Santas" would give gifts of appliances.

The Dec. 31 Journal announced that "You wonderful, warm-hearted Mason County neighbors have done it again. - the 40&8/Journal Christmas Fund is all it needs to be." The final total was $878, plus nonmonetary donations such as candy, nuts and toys. Christmas baskets were delivered to 59 homes, where a total of 105 adults and 240 children enjoyed the food and toys. In addition, 12 single men were fed Christmas meals at the Cota Grill.

■ Jan Parker is a researcher for the Mason County Historical Museum. She can be reached at [email protected]. Membership in the Mason County Historical Society is $25 per year. For a limited time, new members will receive a free copy of the book "Shelton, the First Century Plus Ten."