Dec. 16, 1898—Republican President William McKinley addressed the Alabama General Assembly (the former designation of the Legislature) today in the House Chamber. After he concluded his formal remarks, the GOP President took the opportunity to wish all the residents of this most Democratic of states the merriest of Christmases.

 Dec. 15, 1906–Mrs. Henry Day has returned to Hartselle following Decatur Christmas shopping as well as visiting friends and relatives. (She did most of her holiday shopping in Hartselle.)

Dec. 16, 1907—A Hartselle newspaper correspondent notes that “Christmas will soon be here with Santa Claus and all of his beautiful presents.”

Dec. 15, 1909–The Auburn football team of 1909-10 was entertained very delightfully by Coach and Mrs. Donahue at a Christmas luncheon yesterday. Games were played and holiday-themed refreshments were served.

Dec. 16, 1912– Arthur Stephenson, cashier of the Bank of Hartselle, was present today to pay the teachers what is owed to them for work during the recently completed fall term. Now the teachers can do some Christmas shopping for their families and close friends.

Dec. 15, 1912–This Christmas will be a sad one in the Bean home. Lawson G. Bean, aged 79, of Falkville, who died at his residence there after a brief illness, was buried today. He was a wealthy planter, very much like the planters of prewar days. A wife and six children survive to carry on the traditions of this eminent family. Mr. Bean was the son of Major Benjamin F. Bean and an ex-Confederate veteran, having enlisted at age 17 years.

Dec. 15, 1924—Christmas holidays for Alabama state employees at the capital will begin at noon Wednesday, the day before Christmas, and continue through the weekend according to an announcement today made by the office of Gov. William W. “Plain Bill” Brandon.

Dec. 16, 1935–Mrs. Fred Bennett was hostess at a birthday party complimenting her son, Freddie, on his fourth birthday today. Christmas decorations combined with the numerous wishes for a “Happy Birthday!” made the Bennett residence an enchanting place for the youngsters who assembled to celebrate their friend Freddie’s birthday.

Dec. 14, 1936—This year’s is the most elaborate Christmas display ever as far as Hartselle streets are concerned. Shoppers are dazzled by colored lights extending down Main Street through the two main business blocks and down the Beeline Highway from the Chevrolet place to the bus station.

Dec. 16, 1939—For those who prefer to put up their Christmas trees closer to the “big day,” Bates and Nelson is offering balsam trees for forty cents each.

Dec. 16, 1940—Members of the Danville HDC are currently purchasing gifts to take to their Christmas meeting. The ladies are to pay no more than ten cents for the presents they buy.

Dec. 16, 1948–The Morgan County Teachers Association celebrated Christmas with a festive party tonight in the Riddle Auditorium at MCHS.

Dec. 16, 1952—Don Mikel, a popular MCHS student, is reported to have actually baked a Christmas cake. Whether or not it is edible is unknown.

Dec. 16, 1953—The Current Review Club met this afternoon at the home of Mrs. Thomas Stewart. A Christmas story, “How Come Christmas?” was very movingly presented by Mrs. Joe (Lib) Speake.

Dec. 16, 1955—Christmas vacations began for MCHS, MCTS and the elementary school students this afternoon.

 Dec. 16, 1955—More than $2,500 worth of Christmas seals have been sold in Morgan County during the holiday season thus far. Proceeds from the drive will benefit patients suffering with tuberculosis. Despite the medical progress that has been made, TB remains one of the most deadly diseases as far as adult Alabamians are concerned.