Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Hinker
----Source: Tribune Record Gleaner (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 12/26/1974
Christmas (Santa Visit - 1974)
Mingling with Mary (By Mary Woods)
Enjoying a chat with the Jolly old man with the white beard who brings so much happiness to all at Christmas time is Shawn Hinker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Hinker of Loyal.
Once again, the Christmas season is upon us and the air is filled with happiness, and greetings of best cheer, and lasting peace is heard on every street corner. Christmas means many different things to us, and for the children of the world, Christmas is the time when they wait for that famous man, known as Santa Claus, to come to their town, and listen with contentment to all their wishes. It was just a few days ago that this writer visited with Santa, and he told me how he felt about being who he is.
“Kids are precious little tots when they sit on my lap or stand next to me, and whisper what they dream of finding underneath the Christmas tree,” Santa stats with a smile. “They wish for things like horses and dolls, and trains and coloring books, and last year so many wanted snowmobiles but this year the going things seem to be clothes and games.”
Santa states that most of the kids are bashful, and some even scream when mother or dad puts them on his lap for “that first picture with Santa,” a picture that will be treasured forever.
Of course, when Santa arrives in town the question of how he came, is perhaps the one most asked. Santa states that he usually leaves his reindeer at the city limits, and sometimes he must leave them at the North Pole for they must get rested up for the long night that is quickly approaching. Last Saturday many youngsters saw Santa arrive in the city of Loyal by ponies … after which he visited with the children for over four hours.
Yes, Santa has some funny things happen to him, too, and he told me that perhaps the funniest thing that did happen to him was the time that he forgot to buckle his belt properly and as he was leaving a Loyal home, with gifts beneath the tree, his pants fell down. We won’t tell whose home it was, but they will remember for the man of the house had his movie camera out … what time for Santa … but now he looks back at it and smiles and laughs.
Santa always gives out a bag full of candy to all those who come to visit with him. His candy and goodies are fixed in equal quantities, and the men of the community help him out when it comes to making sure that everyone gets some.
Reflecting on the days so many years ago, Santa states that children never change. Now and then someone asks if they can touch his big white beard … and they do and find out that Santa’s beard is not like their daddy’s.
Yes, Santa Claus, a face that brings so much happiness to the children, and to the parents who bring their children to the place where he is welcoming all. The man who we only see in December, but is never forgotten.
There is no doubt that all of us in TRG land, and in the surrounding areas should be very happy with “our Santa Clause” for he brings with him happiness to all … and that’s what he wants to do.
Another year is quietly rolling past us, and as a closing remark, I wish to extend my sincere happiness and peace to all of those who have made my column throughout the past year so enjoyable to do. I look forward to meeting more and more new faces throughout the coming year, and hope that all of the world will live in peace … today … and forever. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
