We were driving east on US 30. Somewhere in Southern Idaho we crested a rise and swooped down into a town at the base of the plateau. It was dark, probably two hours after sunset and it was snowing. We were of course a bit tense, driving carefully, yet not wanting to lose a lot of time. Slowing into the town, perhaps Montpelier, I'm not sure, we were careful to keep it well within the
speed limit, prudently observing conditions. In the business district what to our eyes should appear but Christmas decorations adorning the town! Boughs and bells strung across the street, red and green lights shining on the strands, four to the block and crisscrossing at intersections. The street lamps were enshrouded in golden halos as the snow swirled through the streets. Christmas!The entire town was in the rear view mirror in probably less than three minutes, yet the memory lives on in my mind's eye all these sixty-seven years later,
Merry Christmas!
4 comments:
Thanks for sharing that special memory of a happy surprise on your wintry journey.
Thank you, Chuck. Some memories are just too good to keep to ones self.
Those days started to wane during my 1970s childhood. I remember driving through little towns like Lakeville, Indiana, and seeing them all lit up.
About ten years ago was the last time this happened to me. I was driving from South Bend to home in Indy after Thanksgiving and came into Logansport, not just all lit up, but getting ready for their annual holiday nighttime parade. Quite a sight!
Jim, I believe the energy crisis of '73 had a lot to do with the modification of decorating habits. Certainly true for individual homeowners. We had one street in town where everyone became notoriously competitive. After the oil embargo, virtually nothing, and the competition never returned.
Nice for you to have that Logansport experience.
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