NCPI Workmark
Articles in regional publications that pertain to a wide range of North Carolina-related topics.

Search Results


1 result for Greenville Times / Pitt's Past Vol. Issue , Dec 10-Jan 7 2008
Currently viewing results 1 - 1
PAGE OF 1
Record #:
23365
Author(s):
Abstract:
Greenville once enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most beautiful small towns in the South, especially during the holiday season. Early decorations were handmade and Christmas trees were put up on Christmas Eve or Christmas day. Candles were only lit on the tree when there was a gathering of people to watch it. Electric Christmas lights started being used about 1916 and the Merchants Association made sure the downtown had decorations. In 1928, the Merchants Association began placing a 30 foot Christmas tree attached to wires over top the traffic island in the center of Five Points. Fire crackers, Roman candles and other fireworks turned the downtown into a battle zone and kept the fire department busy putting out fires on store awnings. There were “Mummers,” carolers, and choirs. In the early 1960’s, there was a nationwide Christmas radio broadcast from Greenville, NC, issuing a Tar Heel Christmas greeting to the country. There were always special Christmas programs at the County Home and the Prison unit north of the river.