Christmas gifts of years gone by

Change that old adage to “Where there is smoke — puffs of smoke that is — there is bound to be a fire fighter.”

Glens Falls Mayor Charles Cool, Rialto Theatre Corp., Hendrick and Brown Corp., B.W. Freeman, D. L. Fitzgerald and Son; Dr. M.L. Haviland, Ginsburg and Sons, Dolan Brothers and The Post-Star all gave city Fire Department members cigars as Christmas gifts in 1922.

“The members of the fire department are smoking cigars these days, much appreciated Christmas gifts,” The Post-Star reported on Dec. 22, 1922.

Following are some other Christmas gift anecdotes collected from historic newspapers of the region:

• In 1922, First National Bank of Glens Falls provided free three-month subscriptions to Boy’s Life, the official magazine of Boys Scouts of America, to 762 scouts in the Glens Falls area.

“It is a welcome visitor in any home where there are boys,” The Post-Star reported on Dec. 30,1922.

• In 1945, female employees of The Post-Star and Glens Falls Times held their annual “Pal Party” Dec. 20 at the Glens Falls Post Co. offices.

“Supper was served, gifts were distributed by Santa Claus, and secret pals of the last year were revealed,” The Post-Star reported on Dec.26, 1945.

• Here’s a novel 19th century gift idea.

“Among the handsomest thermometers seen this season are an ear of corn on which is set the thermometer, ribbons and all,” The Morning Star reported on Dec. 3, 1887

• Even an only child would find interest in this Christmas gift suggestion.

“The place to buy a nice Christmas present for your brother — or somebody else’s brother — is at the Rochester Clothing Store, 132 Glen Street. Seal skin caps and gloves at the Rochester,” the retailer advertised in The Morning Star on Dec. 12, 1887.