beautiful red heart of gum and some candy. How delightful! Dear Old Santa had come, and we did not feel so far away from our old home. We played ‘going to see Grandma’ all day, and our Christmas dinner of potatoes, chicken, pot pie, bread and butter, and cookies-like Santa Claus brought us-was richly flavored with the spirit of love and contentment.” As time progressed, organizations emerged, churches were built, and more elaborate holiday celebrations were held across Yankton. A Christmas festival was hosted by the Ladies Educational Aid Society at the territorial capital in 1865. The Episcopalians built their own church on the corner of Walnut and Third Streets and the Congregationalists and Methodists held services in the capitol. Sunday school was held, and children were remembered at Christmas with gifts hung on the trees. A traditional Christmas dance was held at the International Hotel, once the Ash Hotel. The Union and Dakotain dated December 28, 1867 describes a Christmas Eve party for children hosted by the ladies of the Episcopal church in the “Brown School” located on the southwest corner of Walnut and Fourth Streets: “The trees were beautiful with their rich load of gifts and lights scattered among the branches. Old Santa Claus amused the old and delighted the young by his timely arrival to distribute the gifts; and the fur covered, sunny hearted old fellow made many a little child happy in the performance of his office… The singing of the children was one of the most interesting and attractive features of the evening. It is a blessing to witness such a sight in our community…We doubt if another town of the age or population of ours can be found where the ladies have so much of the spirit of ‘true religion’…as the ladies of Yankton.” Thinking about the holidays over the years, things have not changed much regarding the importance of the holidays in Yankton. Our main streets are decorated with decorations on our light poles, businesses windows are adorned with scenes of holiday joy, and our neighborhood homes are beautifully decorated with vibrant lights and festive displays in the yards. The Meridian District’s Parade of Lights, themed “Merry and Bright” this year, has grown bringing floats and parade goers from neighboring communities, and businesses helping celebrate with activities for young and old alike. The arts abound in December with a holiday play at the Lewis and Clark Theater, music celebrations including the beautiful Mount Marty College Vespers in the Cathedral, caroling to our elderly in the nursing homes, and much more. Overall, I think Yankton’s founding men and women pioneers whose hard work, struggles, and perseverance would be pleased with the progress this community has made. Most importantly, I think they would be proud to see Yankton is still steeped in tradition and a sense of strong community. n Sources: Yankton: A Pioneer Past, Bob Karolevtiz, North Plain Press, Aberdeen, South Dakota, 1972. Yankton The Way it Was! Being a Collection of Historical Columns in the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan, Bob Karolevitz, Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan, 1998, 2011. check out... hervoiceonline.com Building or Remodeling... Mozak’s features quality cabinetry for any room from Dakota Cabinetry and Marquis Cabinetry plus many types of countertops including laminate, granite and quartz. Terri Roan, Interior Designer Specializing in Kitchen & Bath Design Terri can help you design the room of your dreams. Stop by or call the store at 605-665-9728 to set up a free consultation. Floors & More Your Total Home Design Center 1205 Broadway Ave., Yankton • 665-9728 Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3 HERVOICEvNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018v17