Inside this edition . . . A Good Book at the Library Where’s the Pickle Santa Land & the Wish Book Cocoa Controversies Dinner at Grandma’s Architecture of Klamath Surviving Black Friday Snowflake Events
Photographer unknown, found on an unidentified Image search
Greetings friends! Christmas and that magical time between Thanksgiving and New Years has always been a favorite time of the year. Since I was about 6 years old, and experienced confirmation that Santa Claus was REAL. It has been a wondrous time. True, over the years, that understanding of Santa, and what he truly stands for, has been growing in depth as well. Most importantly that meaning is to love and show care for others. It was exciting when Rebekah Dodson asked me to guest create this edition of The 13th FLOOR. Being there in the beginning and the creations stages of this phenomenal community magazine designed just for the folks of the Klamath Basin, it holds a special heart spot. Hoping that you enjoy the stories, images and recollections included within its pages. Here’s a toast to the many Christmases of your memories and to the new memories as they are made.
Santa’s Helper
It’s hard to believe that this is our 15th issue of “The 13th FLOOR, A Contemporary EYE on Klamath”. What began as a simple idea to create a fun, informative and inviting look at the wonderful community that we live in known as the Klamath Basin (Klamath Falls, OR and the surrounding area) would be so popular. It has been our pleasure to bring you stories and insights into the people, places, activities and special events we enjoy in this place we call “home”. We have created the directory on the following pages indexing all the great articles and authors who have contributed to this great asset we have in Klamath. We look forward to providing many years of information and sharing about “our little town”, and its local region.
“What’s Up at the Klamath Library” pg 36
“Christmas at Grandma’s” pg 08
“Seeking Santa’s Cocoa” pg 34
Check out some of the great articles we have for you in this edition of “The 13th FLOOR, A Contemporary Eye on Klamath.”
“Black Friday-Survival Guide” pg 28
“The SPIRIT of Home Architecture” pg 18
If you want to know what is unique and special about little community here in the Klamath Basin, this is the place to check it out.
For past issues visit the archive at www.the13thflo orkf.com
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Through the years it has become tradition to establish certain rituals and customs on special days that your family celebrates. For some it’s how the Easter eggs are hidden, for another it’s the order in which the fireworks are chosen for ignition. But the Holiday with the most traditions seems to be Christmas.
We asked around for some people to share some of the traditions and memories of their favorite Holiday.
We welcome new author Brayanna Montgomery, a college student at KCC as she shares with us her story of Christmas at Grandma’s.
Christmas at Grandma’s By Brayanna Montgomery Christmas is my favorite holiday because I get to have dinner with my family, learn the true meaning of Christmas, and create special memories.
One of my favorite things about Christmas is the dinners I’ve shared with my family on past Christmases. Around noon every Christmas day the aroma of pies cooling, ham backing, and bread rising filled my grandmother’s home. In the middle of the table, a variety of fruits, cheeses, crackers, and dips were neatly displayed for snacking. I remember when I was younger, my aunt would run around setting the table in fine china and placing name cards where she thought everyone should be seated. My grandma would watch her and say, “It doesn’t have to be Hallmark perfect. We don’t belong to the Martha Stewart clan for heaven’s sake!” My cousins and I would cover our mouths to keep the giggling in. Once the evening rolled around all the fun and games where over because it was time for grandpa to say grace, then dig in. Sadly, we don’t celebrate like we use to since my grandma passed away, but I’ll always remember the Christmas dinners we enjoyed with her.
Next to eating a delicious meal with my family, the meaning of Christmas is very dear to me. I learned at a young age that Christmas isn’t about presents, but that it is about sharing your joy and happiness with others. When I was six my friends where getting dolls, books, and other toys. I would ask my mom if she was sure Santa wouldn’t show up again that year. She would try to come up with some excuse like he couldn’t find our house, or that he had too many presents and couldn’t fit mine into his sack. Truthfully, all I wanted was for her to wipe away her tears and not to be sad that my stocking hung empty, or that there were only fallen pine needles under the tree. All I really wanted was her to smile and be happy. After I explained this to her, it seemed as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She took a deep breath, smiled and told me that the meaning of Christmas wasn’t about gifts, but that it is actually about sharing your happiness with others, and she was glad that she was able share her happiness with me. Even though I was only six, learning the true meaning of Christmas was the best present I could have gotten.
Finally, my most favorite thing about Christmas is the memories. Not all of them are good, but they aren’t all bad either. My best Christmas memory however, was on December, 18, 2012 at the Wal-Mart here in my home town. I went to the store with a group from my church, $600 cash, and a plan. As I made my way over to the baby section I received evil stares from my group, for they didn’t know what I could have possibly been doing in that section. Somehow I knew exactly what I was looking for and not five minutes later I found it. She was turning the corner to the diapers when I noticed her tear stained face. She wasn’t much older than me at the time and I could tell she was struggling to get the things her baby needed. I walked up beside her and pretended to look at the powder. She mumbled to herself that she didn’t know how many bottles would come out to be $25. Once those words left her mouth I had a good idea what to do next. I explained to her that I was with a church group, had some money, and would like the honor of helping her and her baby get the things they needed. As I reassured her that I was indeed serious and that this was no joke, she thankfully accepted my offer. I helped a lot of people that day, but the look that the young mother gave me is something I will never forget. The feeling of helping others in need is the best feeling in the world and I am blessed with the memory of doing so. In conclusion, Christmas is my favorite Holiday for a number of reasons. A dinner is devoured with my family, memories both good and bad are made, and I get to share the true meaning of this wonderful day with others. Story contributed by Brayanna Montgomery Student at KCC Klamath Community College – Klamath Falls
This groundbreaking Mattel doll, created in 1959, could speak 11 phrases when its "chatty ring" was activated with a pull of the string on its back. Inside the doll's stomach was a lo-fi phonograph record activated by a metal coil wound around a pulley. When triggered, Chatty Cathy would say things like "Let's play school" and "I love you" — a revolutionary technology for the toy industry. The original version of the doll had blue eyes and blond hair; a few years after its release, brunette and African-American versions were released. http://content.time.com/time/specials/packa ges/article/0,28804,2049243_2048651_2049 040,00.html Allie Townsend
“'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there” Over 170 years have passed since Clement Clarke Moore penned the infamous words from “A Visit from St. Nicolas” (otherwise known as “The Night Before Christmas”) in 1822. The world has seen a flurry of activity since the popularization of Christmas in the Victorian Era. Brightly lit trees became prominent in windows, stocking were hung over chimneys, and mistletoe was dangled in doorways. But one thing has remained constant over the winter season, the issue of family gathered around the hearth, the central meeting place for all families. Even Moore knew “The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.” Today our lives are consumed with that last trip to the store, that perfect bow on the package, the delicately arranged cookies on the plate. We welcome family into our homes, though for some of us it’s a chore rather than a delight. Through the difficulties of family gathered through the holidays, have we lost the tradition that the holiday season has always been about? Of children’s brightly lit faced pressed against the cold window pane, in anticipation of the big day? Of mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, and cousins, gathered together to share that perfect cup of cocoa and turn the crisp pages of a new book? This holiday season, look behind the hustle and bustle and the stress it brings. No matter what tradition you celebrate, this is the season of Goodwill for all. This edition we have brought the holiday spirit to your fingertips with a story of nostalgia written by Klamath’s own Brayanna Montgomery, a talented student at Klamath Community College. We share the stories of old, with holiday treats and a recipe for the best cup of hot cocoa. We even look at the architecture of those Victorian houses back in the day, and take a trip to the Klamath County Library. This holiday season remember the words of Moore, and may it ever snow on the Goodwill of the Klamath Basin: “He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
Welcome to The 13th Floor: Winter Edition! Rebekah Senior Editor
A Whimsical Holiday Tradition You can add whimsy and cheer to your holiday traditions by adding a Christmas pickle to your holiday tree. The tradition encourages children to take time to appreciate all of the beautiful ornaments on the Christmas tree. Instead of simply rushing to open their presents, they spend time talking about the unique history of all the holiday decorations.
History of the Christmas Pickle By Dana Hinders If you're looking for a fun new holiday tradition, you may want to consider learning more about the history of Christmas pickles. The Christmas pickle is not an actual pickle, but a pickle-shaped Christmas ornament that is hidden on a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning, all of the children in the house take turns looking for the pickle ornament and the child who finds the Christmas pickle receives an extra present for his or her hard work. While finding the Christmas pickle is certainly an enjoyable holiday ritual, nobody seems to know exactly where this tradition began; however, there are plenty of theories to consider. Although it is commonly stated that the Christmas pickle tradition began in Germany, facts don't support this theory. The German Way's website notes that the German St. Nick arrives on the 5th or 6th of December and German children open their presents on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas morning. Additionally, many Germans say they have never heard of this custom.
Does your family hide the pickle at Christmas? Share your pickle tradition with us on our facebook group page. http://christmas.lovetoknow.co m/History_of_Christmas_Pickles
An alternate theory regarding the history of Christmas pickles attributes the custom to Civil War solider John Lower. After being captured and sent to prison in Andersonville, Georgia, his health took a turn for the worse. As he was starving and near death, he begged the prison guard for one pickle before he died. The guard took pity on him, giving Mr. Lower a pickle that he later claimed gave him the physical and mental strength to continue living. When he returned to his family after the war, Mr. Lower began hiding a pickle on the Christmas tree to bring fortune and good luck to the one who found it on Christmas morning. Today, Berrien Springs, Michigan calls itself the Christmas Pickle Capital of the World. This town celebrates with a Christmas Pickle Festival held in early December and a parade led by a Grand Dillmeister, who gives the visitors fresh pickles. The local residents who promote this Christmas Pickle Festival claim the tradition originated when two Spanish boys traveling home from boarding school for the holidays were stuffed into a pickle barrel by a mean innkeeper and later freed when St. Nicholas took pity on them and tapped the barrel with his staff. (Retrieved from http://christmas.lovetoknow.com/History_of_Christmas_Pickles)
Klamath Falls is very fortunate to have so many beautiful classic homes, in so many different styles of architecture. For many, a passing comment of “Look at that old house” is far as the thought process may ever go. As the era after WWII brought on the classic tract or row housing designs, uniqueness diminished. A building boom was born where we saw blue prints simply flipped from left to right or some other simple modifications being made to alter the homes design. But a hundred years ago, it was all about the exteriors. The home to the left was a classic Queen Anne with lots of imposing gingerbread façade work. These stylish homes were never intended to leave the family who built them, but rather to pass down through the generations. Sadly, due to a variety of reasons, the stately homes have changed ownership, and compassion for their care man times over. There is a “spirit” that lives in these old homes, not the ghost kind, more of a attitude of love that went into their creation. We posted some architectural free share examples on the following pages and a few pictures of actual homes that represent those styles here in Klamath Falls. Take some time and drive around the old downtown core and se what examples of great architecture you can identify.
In 1949, Danish carpenter Ole Christiansen created a set of interlocking red and white blocks, the first of what would go on to become Legos. It wasn't until 1958 that the Lego company (its name derived from the Danish words for "play well") patented the small bricks. The genius was in the simplicity of the unassuming blocks, which allowed children to create freely without limits and in nearly endless combinations. (Just six blocks could be combined in 102,981,500 different ways.) Popularity boomed, and to date, Lego has produced more than 320 billion single LEGO bricks — roughly 52 for each person on the planet. http://content.time.com/time/specials/packa ges/article/0,28804,2049243_2048651_2049 040,00.html Allie Townsend
When: Saturday December 13th 9-12 Where: Starv’n Marv’n Restaurant 1805 Avalon St, Klamath Falls, OR Cost: Special Menu offered for $5, plus full regular menu available. Pictures will be available for $5 also.
Going shopping the day after thanksgiving has become a time honored tradition across America. The tradition known as “Black Friday” began in 1961 as a way to describe the terrible traffic congestion of shoppers, but over the years it has become the day of the greatest deals on the hottest items on Santa’s lists. We have many great opportunities here in Klamath to enjoy shopping on this crazy day. Remember that local merchants as well as the big box stores have great deals on this day! Here’s a little survival guide by a group of contributors from e-wicki.
1 Know what you want before heading out. If you don't have any idea of what you want, seriously question your purpose in heading out into the crowds. Without a plan, it will be tempting to spend money you don't necessarily have on items you don't necessarily need and the experience will be fraught with exhaustion, impulse buying, and possibly even guilt. It is a lot better to have a plan in mind, or else you could be using this day more constructively to take a rest or see a movie! If you're shopping for gifts, write a list of all the people you're planning on buying gifts for. This way, you can keep track of who receives what, creating an organized method for your shopping and helps you to avoid duplicating gifts or missing out on anyone. Decide which person is the recipient of which item. If you're buying things for yourself or for the household, again write a list. If you're after clothes, specify what types of clothes rather than thinking "Oh anything that looks reasonably priced". If you want a pair of jeans, new pajamas and a stack of new socks, write these things down. Anything else is peripheral. Same goes for household items: avoid wandering along in the hope of adding "stuff" to your kitchen or other areas of the house. Think about what is actually missing, broken, or outdated that could do with adding or upgrading to your household rather than buying gadgets you're not even sure what to do with! Plan your budget. If things are tight, a budget is essential. Even if they're not tight, a budget will help to rein in impulse buys and can curb the temptation to buy things just because you think someone else "might like it". Decide how much money you have spare, and stick to that amount.
2 Plan your shopping attack with the precision of a general planning a battle. Not only is the budget and list important, but so are the methods you plan to adopt when going in for the bargain. Timing is everything with limited bargains, so the first thing to keep in mind is hour at which you intend to turn up. The earlier, the better, if you have your eye on items that you know will sell out fast. If you're super keen, you might like to camp out - read How to Camp Out for Black Friday for more details on how to do this. Find your bargains. Collect all newspaper ads, circulars, and coupon packets mentioning Black Friday discounts. Know what is on sale, who is selling it, and during what period those items are on sale – some stores have Black Friday sales going on all day, but others keep them going for only a few hours. Develop a plan of attack by drawing up a map of places to visit in a particular order. It is good to know what stores you need to hit first, preferably the one with the most important items or gifts on your list. Be sure to clearly mark those stores having sales on only at certain times, along with the time marked clearly. Organize your transportation. Remember that the parking lots will often be congested and parking rage can start early on. Are there other solutions than taking the car? Perhaps you can be dropped off and picked up later. Or take public transportation? Or stay with a friend who lives near the stores, and ferry your purchases back there before returning for more shopping?
3 Think laterally. It's a good idea to think about what alternative items you might substitute for items you're seeking that have already sold out. The chances that you won't always get the items you've planned to buy are fairly high, especially with popular items. Look through the catalogs for alternate, and less popular, items, including gift alternatives if you're gift shopping
4 Take along anything you need to help you. While it's important not to be carrying too much, things you will probably benefit from include: a watch so that you know the time, a cell phone to keep in touch with family members and friends also hitting the shops, and bags to carry your purchases in. Even if the stores provide bags, it is a good idea to bring along your own, stronger bags, especially if you plan on carrying the purchases around for a bit before putting them in the car or elsewhere. Be sure to bring along your money! Do a double check before leaving the house to ensure that you have the relevant cards, cash, and vouchers you want to bring along. Check that you have your discount coupons and specials catalogs. Most importantly of all, be sure to bring along your list and a pen or pencil. Find a safe and easy place to keep it so that you can pull it out frequently to follow it and check things off.
5 Ensure that you have plenty of sustenance. Remember to plan meals and snacks into your shopping expedition. It can be too easy to forget food amid the rush for bargains but not eating for energy will leave you feeling tired and irritable, and more liable to blowing up at your fellow customers as they snatch the last limited bargain from under your nose. Visit your favorite food spots to fill up on water, juices, and healthy snacks such as salads, sandwiches and rolls, steamed vegetables and roasted meats. Given that this is the day after Thanksgiving, go easy on the fast foods and try to avoid them if you can. Fatty and sugary foods will cause you to feel a temporary high and then a big crash, which will spoil your shopping experience
6 Hit the shops! You've done the planning and you have your map. Head forth with confidence. Avoid sleeping in. The early bird definitely gets the worm on this day. Most people are up and out of the house before dawn. Most stores open much earlier than usual. Don't think you can sleep until 11:00 and still be able to find those treasures for 50 percent less – they'll be gone before 7 am! Have your game face on and look determined and confident. You can't be a wuss and think that you have a fighting chance amongst the bargain shoppers on this day; assert yourself politely if someone barges in and takes your place in line. But be careful – some people will elbow, kick, pinch, anything it takes to get that last limited bargain, so choose your battles wisely – this is only shopping after all, not a do-or-die life choice. If you don't like people's behavior, don't push your luck because bargains aren't worth bruises. Do not leave your basket unattended. When you see an item you want, keep a tight hold on it; leaving it in an unattended basket will be too much temptation for some and things will "disappear" the moment your back's turned. If you can, try to avoid the layaway lines. You'll find yourself in one the entire day and miss out all the good stuff in other stores. Plus, I've heard more than a few horror stories where items were missing or hard to find when time came to pick up your layaway order. If it can't be avoided this shopping season, this is something to keep in mind for next year.
8 Keep your sanity intact. Do a reality check now and then if you feel yourself getting hot under the collar. This is shopping, folks, just shopping. It is consumerism at its best (or worst depending on your viewpoint), and while participating in it in an orderly and considered way can reap you benefits, behaving like it's a race to the death is neither civil nor sensible. If you feel upset, exhausted, angry with your fellow shoppers, or as if you're about to physically or verbally lash out, your body is telling you it's time to go home. Bother the bargains – look after yourself and your family first. If the whole idea of shopping maniacally during sales really bothers you, participate in Buy Nothing Day instead. It's not without reason that it's celebrated on the same day when the manic panic of Black Friday shopping takes over a large proportion of the population!
Last month I asked the members of the BITE of Klamath group and my friends on facebook to share their perfect Hot Cocoa/Chocolate recipe with me for this article. The following is brief collection of what was shared. They sound so good, I must try them all. Of course I was hoping to get the real “Santa’s Secret Cocoa” recipe, but alas it will just have to continue to remain a secret. My great grandson Roland would not be happy if I did have it, and shared it . . . he will tell you it’s a secret only the real Santa’s helpers know. Kim Swagert I don't have any particular cocoa recipe but the best part about any hot cocoa is taking real whipping cream with a little sugar and vanilla and hand whipping it till its just really thick pourable cream and not entirely whipped then using a large spoon to gently pour it on top of the cocoa. It's the best part of the whole cup! Mike Connelly We like to use a ganache, and heavy cream in the chocolate itself. And then real whipped cream on top. Then shave some really strong dark chocolate on top. Can't be beat. Ethel See I used chokolate tableria (Spanish chocolate tablets) I simmer a few tablets with little milk while rolling a wire whip between my 2 hands or use an immersion blender. You make it as thick or thin as you like by adding more milk. Serve in Demi cups and freshly cooked sugar churros. Usually served thick and you can dip the churros in the hot cocoa. Tori Doddridge Milk, some heavy cream, good quality cocoa powder, sugar to taste and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Yummy. Leslie Mathis 3/4 Cup Milk, 2 Heaping Tbs Nutella. (I double it). Warm up till just boiling, stirring with slotted wooden spoon to mix Chocolate and milk together. Then take off heat for 10 minutes so chocolate can meld. Put back on heat and reheat to desired heat. Amazing. Smells like brownies. Thick and wonderful. Sarah Klevel Mike Connelly I'm developing diabetes from your description. Lol sounds killer!
Finding, Giving, Reading . . . these are all good terms that help excite us about delving into a book. Today there are many ways to read a book, and all have important values to different readers. For some having a real paper and ink printed book is like comfort food from your mama’s kitchen at the Sunday dinner table. Whatever your style of reading, if it’s a new book on the shelf perhaps to complete a collection, or a fresh download for your e-reader of choice. It’s the content that ultimately makes it so inviting and exciting. We thought we should share the TOP 10 fiction books from the New York best sellers list for Christmas 2014 with you. Of course there are tens of thousands of books, in all genres to choose from. And even some great titles out there by local authors like Don White, Rebekah Dodson and many more.
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UNLUCKY 13, by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. (Little, Brown.) Detective Lindsay Boxer and the Women’s Murder Club track a killer who was presumed dead. THE GOLDFINCH, by Donna Tartt. (Little, Brown.) A painting smuggled out of the Metropolitan Museum of Art after a bombing becomes a boy’s prize, guilt and burden. FIELD OF PREY, by John Sandford. (Putnam.) Lucas Davenport investigates when multiple bodies are found in the middle of the Minnesota cornfields. THE TARGET, by David Baldacci. (Grand Central.) The government hit man Will Robie faces a new adversary. NATCHEZ BURNING, by Greg Iles. (Morrow/HarperCollins.) Penn Cage, a former prosecutor in Natchez, Miss., aids his father, a doctor who has been accused of murder. ANY OTHER NAME, by Craig Johnson. (Viking.) Sheriff Walt Longmire explores a detective’s mysterious death. The 11th book in the Longmire series, the basis of the A&E show. THE SON, by Jo Nesbo. (Knopf.) A drug-addicted prisoner learns a secret about his father, a corrupt cop who committed suicide, that inspires him to escape. THE SKIN COLLECTOR, by Jeffery Deaver. (Grand Central.) The forensic detective Lincoln Rhyme hunts for a killer who tattoos messages on his victims’ flesh. WALKING ON WATER, by Richard Paul Evans. (Simon & Schuster.) In the fifth and final book of the “Walk” series, Alan reaches Key West. THE KILL SWITCH, by James Rollins and Grant Blackwood. (Morrow/HarperCollins.) In the first book of a new series, Capt. Tucker Wayne and his military dog, Kane, investigate a deadly biological threat.
Check out some other interesting things going on at your local branch of the Klamath County Library.
Klamath Basin Genealogy Society Sponsors American Ancestors Database Patrons and guests of the main library can now access databases included on the American Ancestors site. The Klamath Basin Genealogy Society has purchased an institutional membership to the site for use at the main library. No library card is necessary--the site may be accessed from the public Internet computers or from your personal laptop on the library's wireless network. The American Ancestors library and archives contain more than 12 million manuscripts, records, documents, photographs, journals, letters, books, and other items. The award-winning website, www.americanancestors.org , provides access to more than 110 million names in 2,500 databases to assist genealogists of all levels in searching census, military and court records, maps, immigration records and vital statistics among others. The American Ancestors site at the library also allows access to the Great Migration Study Project, a project to create comprehensive biographical and genealogical accounts of all immigrants to New England from 1620 to 1643, from the arrival of the Mayflower to the decline of Christmas at “Wildwood�
immigration resulting from the beginning of the Civil War in England. The Klamath Basin Genealogical Society meets regularly at the library and conducts public workshops and help sessions. Their goal is to study, collect, preserve and share genealogical and historical information within the Klamath Basin and southern Oregon. The group maintains the genealogy collection in partnership with the library and has published several books pertaining to local family histories and cemetery information. Find Klamath Basin Genealogy Society news and information online at: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~orkbgs.
Tablets & E-Readers now available for checkout! The downtown Klamath Library is now offering ereaders and tablets for checkout. Three genre ereaders are available with pre-loaded romance, mystery and family classic titles. A tablet is also available. Patrons will be able to use their personal Amazon and Library2Go accounts to download content on the tablet. Patrons can make an appointment with a member of the library staff for extra assistance when they check the device out. Staff will be on-hand at the Reference Desk to answer any questions you may have and to complete the check-out process with you. You must have photo identification with you in addition to your library card to check out an E-Reader or Tablet and you will be required to sign a waiver listing the fines and fees associated with borrowing each device. Patrons need to be 18 or older to check out a device.
Actual e-readers similar to image, but brands vary.
Klamath county library has done an excellent job of brining a wide variety of reading materials to residents in Klamath Falls, and the outlying communities. As we see from the early picture in the 1930’s above, the library had some of the earliest BOOK-MOBILES, bringing books to the people who could not make into the brick and mortar libraries themselves. Over eighty years later the Klamath county library continues to assure that everyone has the opportunity to enrich their lives through reading. From Book-Mobile to e-readers and a digital library base we can choose from a Christmas story, a mystery, or book that helps learn something new.
In 1875 Mr. Ward pioneered another practice now taken for granted -''satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.''
By the 1950’s almost every town and city in America had a Montgomery Ward store. They were the iconic place to buy just about everything that wasn’t breathing or kicking. From fashion to farm equipment, and tableware to toys, you could find it at your local Montgomery Ward store. And if they didn’t have it in their store, you could simply browse through catalog of thousands of pages and select your item and have it delivered to the store in less than a week. How could you want anything more? Of course they had their competition; especially a store called Sears and Roebuck and the Golden Rule stores (also known as JC Pennys) were present as well. The department store was the forerunner to the Big Box stores of today. Yet upon closer examination we see that they are really nothing of the same concept. Both were equipped to offer a large selection of merchandise at a fair price. The difference comes in service, and finesse. The department stores spared no cost on magnificent displays of the wares they offered. Outside store windows were nothing short of “art”. A store like the Montgomery Ward here in Klamath Falls would employee one to three employees whose only job was to be window dressers and display builders. Today only the larger cities that have maintained Their vintage stores still create magical spaces to entice the shoppers inside. Mannequins have become a rare population inside most sales floors. And having personal attendants at the fragrance bars and various departments are rare. The sales clerk has replaced the specialist.
Visiting Santa – A time honored tradition
Through the years the changes have slowly changed the way we shop. Growing up in the 50’s the greatest change I feel and miss this time of year is the lack of a “Santa land” of some sort in the big stores. These wonderlands had every toy imaginable, or at least our little minds thought so. A ton spray foam snow, short teenagers dressed as elves, even live reindeers at a few, offset a place where we could try out every toy. It was truly a child’s wonderland! And of course the ultimate highlight . . . Santa Claus himself. What is better than telling the jolly old elf specifically what you wanted for Christmas? How could he possibly get it wrong if you told him in person. Of course as old age crept in like about 7 or 8, you realized these were senior elves, Santa’s most trusted helpers who were allowed to dress like Santa as that was the official uniform. This similar outfit also allowed Santa to magically move from store to store, and you were never quiet for sure if it was a senior elf, or the real deal Santa you might be giving your list too. Oh the exhilaration!. I wish we had just one store like this left in Klamath, or even within a days drive of here. Maybe that’s what I will ask Santa for this year. Macy’s in New York still has these refined elements of shopping in place. Merry Christmas!
The beloved children's classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is the story of a reindeer who is shunned by all the other reindeer because of his large, bright, and shiny red nose. One Christmas eve, Santa Claus was having a hard time navigating through the foggy night to deliver presents to deserving boys, girls, and animals. He stumbled into Rudolph's room and, upon noticing his glowing red nose, asked him to lead his sleigh. Rudolph steered the sleigh through the night and Santa was able to make his deliveries, making Rudolph a hero and saving Christmas.
As the temperatures have begun to drop, the spirit of Christmas flies high in the air! The Christmas season is a time to bring people together, and it is not just because of the crisp, chilly air. It is also about connecting with Christmas roots. For example, this issue of our beloved magazine opens with “Christmas at Grandma’s,” a story by Brayanna Montgomery. She certainly connects to her roots by sharing her reasons why Christmas is her favorite holiday. What Christmas celebration isn’t complete without a pickle? Author Dana Hinders shares with our readers the “History of the Christmas Pickle.” Keeping up with the theme of holiday food, this issue has a great recipe for Pumpkin Lasagna. It is a tasty way to round out the “pumpkin is everywhere” season. And for those of us who live in colder climates, what better way to warm up with a sweet, hot drink? Eileen Weeks lets us know in her piece, “Discovering a great recipe for Hot Cocoa.” While some know that Christmas isn’t always about gifts, the average person knows that the holiday shopping season is kick-started with apocalyptic event commonly known as th Black Friday. To help our fellow shoppers, we at The 13 Floor have included the “Black Friday Survival Guide.” By carefully planning your day, it is absolutely survivable. However, many people avoid the holiday rush by utilizing the internet to order gifts and have them shipped. In this edition of our magazine, “The Wish Book & Santa Land,” is a nostalgic look at how the department store preceded the big box retailer and if you wanted to avoid holiday shopping all you had to do was order from a catalog and it would be delivered. As I close this letter, I want to take a moment to remind you that as you drive around to look at lighted homes and holiday decorations, don’t forget to check out our section “The ‘Spirit’ of Home Architecture,” and “Finding a Good Book at the Klamath Library.” Both of these articles will supplement your ideas on your own holiday lights. Best Wishes and Merry Christmas, Nesya Lev
Join us as we discover the “Romantic Side” of Klamath Falls. Date Night ideas Romantic getaways Pamper yourself retreats A visit to the Day Spa We bring you a “Cinderella Story” just for you Here in the Klamath Basin.