Christmas Season in 1922 Sandusky

Browsing through newspapers from Sandusky in 1922, one finds a multitude of advertisements for food and gifts ideas to celebrate the holiday season. Martin’s sold candy “for everyone” ranging from 30 cents to $1.25 a pound.

An article in the December 10, 1922 issue of the Sandusky Register, “Christmas Business in Local Stores to Exceed that of 1921,” reported that stores hired extra clerks to accommodate the holiday rush. George J. Schade said that even his theater was doing well; for the first time in three years his theater was not experiencing the Christmas slump. The Commercial National Bank was already looking forward to Christmas of 1923, offering a Christmas Savings Club, in which small amounts could be contributed weekly to prepare for next year’s holiday season.

A Toyland was featured in an advertisement from the Scheuer-Frankel Company. Gifts for children included dolls, wagons, teddy bears, bicycles, scooters, and many more delights for little ones.

The Sandusky Star Journal of December 22, 1922, reported that “Santa” had gifts for people who worked at the Erie County Courthouse. The law firm of King, Ramsey, Flynn and Pyle left cigars and candy in every office, while attorney Hewson L. Peeke passed out gifts for all Erie County officials and employees from a half bushel basket.

Esmond Dairy sold several varieties of Christmas treats, including brick ice cream with a bell, Christmas tree, or star in the center.

On the Thursday before school let out for Christmas break, 400 students at Campbell School gathered in front of a brightly lit Christmas Tree and sang “Silent Night,” following a visit from Santa Claus.

You can take a look through old Sandusky newspapers, available on microfilm at Sandusky Library, or through Newspaper Archive, one of many research databases available via the Sandusky Library website.