From the Archives at the Guyra Museum Compiled by Dorothy Lockyer

Bradley St, Guyra c.1934

09th Dec 2025

Guyra Historical Museum is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30am to 2.00pm.

Christmas at Guyra 1932.
From the Guyra Argus
On Christmas Eve people flocked into town, the utmost good feeling prevailed, the same old kind sentiments were expressed, and an air of prosperity appeared to dominate the happy throng.
Trade was brisk – everyone bright and merry! All our stores – Pringle’s, Hanna’s, Beesley’s, Stortenbaker’s, Robert’s, Lackey’s, Wilson’s, and all other business places – presented a scene of animation. At Pringle’s, Santa Claus appeared in person, was there all day, and what a favourite he presented was with the young folk!
Santa Claus was not the only feature presented by Pringle’s. The “treasure hunts” created keen interest and treasures for the fortunate ones, and Mrs Hutton’s excellent orchestra added just the right vivacity for merry shoppers.
At all other business places there was too, something new that appeared, plenty of bustle to give each and all what they desired, exuberant good feeling, and repeated queries as to who would win a competition or the other, inaugurated for their benefit. A proper spirit – in fact, one that should exist all the year round! The band also contributed to make all happy with appropriate music, and the Salvation Army did likewise.
Great interest was displayed in the letter writing (letter to Santa Claus) and essay (What I Think of Christmas) competitions at Pringle’s, and there were numerous entries.

Winner of the Letter writing:
“Dear Santa Claus
Christmas is nearly here, and I hope you visit our home on Christmas Eve. I would like you to leave me a pencil case if you have one; if not, anything will do.
I have some little brothers and a sister, and lots of friends at school, and I hope you can visit all them, especially a little boy called————- because his father is poor and cannot afford to buy him many sweets and goodies for Christmas.
Mother always leaves a bottle of ginger beer and a piece of Christmas cake on the kitchen table for you on Christmas Eve.
Wishing you a Happy Christmas.
From Your Loving Friend.
Tom Davidson”

Winner of the essay:
“I think that the Christmas season is the best of all the year. And that Christmas Day is the most enjoyable day of all.
For weeks prior to the great day preparations are made for the festive season. Homes are made beautiful, shops are decorated with gay paper garlands, Christmas bells and balloons and delightful toys are displayed in the windows.
All kiddies love Christmas morning they awake and see that Santa has been and has filled their stockings with treasurers. What a noise there is then! Trumpets and whistles blowing; drums beating; tops spinning; children shouting and laughing – there is great joy and everyone is merry.
I think it is beautiful to go to church on Christmas morning to hear the story of the Birth of Christ, and to sing the glorious hymns, “While Shepherds Watched Their Flock by Night” and “Hark The Herald Angels Sing.”
Christmas is a time when we should all be friendly all year round, as that is what Jesus wished us to do. On the night that He was born bands of angels came down from heaven singing “Peace on Earth, Goodwill Towards Men.”
Cecil Halloran, “Felton” Guyra (aged 12 years).

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From the Archives at the Guyra Museum Compiled by Dorothy Lockyer

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