Old Kenilworth: Christmases I Remember
As a young boy growing up in Kenilworth in the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s, I have memories of Christmas time. Harding and McKinley schools were hubs of holiday activity. Teachers would ask who could donate this or that for classroom decorations. Before consulting parents, someone called out, “I’ll get the tree.” Our beloved custodian, “Mr. Bill” (William Hartshorn) built Christmas tree stands for every tree.
Miss Margaret Ray’s art students made tons of white cut-out snowflakes and snowmen that found their way in abundance onto every school window and door. Students fashioned never-ending chains from strips of green and red construction paper held together with a thick paste from huge jugs of peppermint-smelling paste. Some couldn’t resist tasting it – I tried once – we all survived. Kids created long strands of popcorn to encircle the tree from top to bottom along with the red and green paper chains. Tree lights were brought in from home, but first had to pass Mr. Bill’s safety inspection before adorning any tree.
Music teacher Miss Lorraine Conover put on Christmas concerts – as they were called back then. Every child at every grade level was featured singing or playing an instrument. The auditorium was standing room only. Fortunately, the fire marshal was in the Christmas spirit.
Santa visited the schools. One was Anna Ruscansky who arrived in her self-made Jolly Old Elf suit. For over 30 years she brought sweet treats for all. When she died at age 96 in 1996, the St. Theresa organist played “Jingle Bells” at the end of her funeral mass. For a number of years the Lion’s Club brought a Santa via helicopter to Harding School on a December weekend. When the FAA later prohibited such landings, the fire department took over and drove Santa all over town on a bell clanging fire truck. The tradition continues with sirens blaring.
Friday nights were Kenilworth’s “uptown” shopping nights. Stores stayed open late. Then one year it happened! The Kenilworth Businessmen’s Association and the mayor and council shared the cost for first-ever colorful lights to span the Boulevard. The towering, illuminated official Borough Christmas tree stood on the library front lawn. Shoppers scurried into Jule’s and Harvey’s Commonwealth Department Store or to Heller’s Boro Drugs for gifts. More expensive items could be found at Dick Hage’s or Donlin’s Jewelers. Tools and gadgets for dad or countertop appliances for mom could be gotten at Simmenroth’s Center Hardware or Charlie’s Kenilworth Hardware. Hobbies and games for children – the Kenilworth Hobby Shop was the place. Still looking for something? It was off to Whalen & Berry’s 5 & 10. Still short on gifts? Order something from the Sears & Roebuck catalogue or go to shops in Elizabeth.
In my childhood home at 47 Arbor St., my sisters, brother, and I went to bed Christmas Eve with no toys or tree in sight. Miraculously, the next morn there was a fully decorated tree with lights ablaze, an electric toy train chugging around under the tree, and most importantly, lots and lots of presents. Often still in our night clothes, there was no holding us back.
From me to you, enjoy your family and friends – “Merry Christmas!”
Persons with inquiries about this or other aspects of Kenilworth history may contact Walter E. Boright, Ed. D., atdrbori@aol.com or 908-256-5200.
