I never intended to stop writing The Waterfront View. Yet it's been nearly four months since I did. It happened gradually as a result of a number of factors, all of which amounted to a lack of energy and time to devote to any kind of writing. A lot has changed in my life since then - some for the better, and quite a bit for the worse - but I'm back. I've received some encouragement to keep writing from a few people (if you're reading this, you know who you are). And I've also been feeling slightly inspired lately. Perhaps it's the magic of the holiday season at work.
I've always felt that Welland is at its most beautiful in the winter. There's something about the snow that makes everything around here a little more picturesque - the old buildings, the parks, you name it. The frozen canal is a beautiful sight, and I always enjoy seeing the little ice-fishing tents spring up as the middle of winter approaches. The Main St. Bridge was lit up in a pleasing array of red, green, and white the other night as well - a pleasant reminder that Christmas is fast approaching
Then, of course, there are the Christmas light displays shown on houses across the city. Welland's official Winter Lights Tours are over (I had the pleasure of helping to host one), but that doesn't have to stop you from driving around to see them on your own. There's a great display on Thorold Road that's synced up to a festive radio station, and an incredibly blinged-out house on First Avenue. There's also a nice one on Colborne Street in Dain City, for anyone who passes by my way. It's always been a tradition in my family to drive around town to see the lights, and it's a great way to boost your holiday spirit.
Yes, Christmas time is a great time of year in my city. But as I searched my collection for some classic Welland Christmas items to share, I found I had none. I've got recordings of the Rose Parades going back to 1988, but no Santa Claus parades. Lots of Christmas movies recorded off TV in the '80s, but none with local ads. I don't even have the Seaway Mall's Chirstmas Album that came out in the late '70s. (The artists featured aren't local, so it's not a big loss.)
It took a while, but I did come up with something: an old 78 featuring two songs by the Welland United Quartet, a forgotten church group. The record contains two hymns, 'Steal Away' and 'Were You There.' It dates to May 1951 according to the label. The members of the Quartet, as credited, are E. H. Hamre, C. H. Varley, L. H. Thornton, and J. T. Cawthorn, and the musical accompaniment is by Mrs. L. H. Skinner. The recordings seem to have been done outside of a proper studio environment, but it's good enough to listen to. Though they are not really 'Christmas' songs, these two tracks are sure to please anyone who adheres to the true meaning of Christmas - and hopefully, anyone who just likes a bit of local history!
