Growing up in North Ogden at Christmas time meant taking loaves of warm bread to our neighbors with my Mom. Occasionally, we’d sing a carol or two as we stood at the doorstep. This warmed my heart knowing I was doing something to remember what Christmas was all about: giving to others.
Of course, I couldn’t wait for the presents and Santa to come too! Little reminders about Christmas were all around the town. I especially remember seeing the giant holiday ornaments as they hung on the telephone poles going down Washington Boulevard. Toy soldiers, Christmas trees, Bright stars, Candy Canes and Bells with Bows. There was also a candles and drummer boys-my favorite! And not to forget--the stockings filled with goodies!
It seemed like these ornaments were quietly saying, “Merry Christmas” to all the busy shoppers going up and down the road. I loved seeing them lit up at night all sparkly and shining in the darkness.
This is a sweet memory for me of childhood! Now, fast forward to today and I was, once again, looking forward to seeing the classic ornaments hang from the poles along the street. But when December came they weren’t there. Where were they? What happened?
Others felt the same as me and voiced their opinions on North Ogden’s Mayor Taylor’s Facebook page. Many were wondering what happened to the nostalgic ornaments? Would they come out this December?
After much talk and wonder, Mayor Taylor listened to the people and heard their concerns by saying, “We were not going to put up these ornaments this year for a couple of reasons: They are really old and we have fewer and fewer each year as some simply stop working and cannot be fixed.”
Taylor went onto say, “Rocky Mountain Power has changed their rules and all of our new light poles and most of the new wooden power poles no longer have electrical outlets to power these ornaments. As poles get replaced over time there are simply fewer poles they can be mounted on and actually lit.”
Understanding how the people of North Ogden felt Taylor said, “However, because they were missed by so many of our citizens, we have put all the working ornaments out that still have electricity. That is why they are kind of spaced out as they are. For next year, we are going to try and figure out where to use these in closer proximity and work on how to get some lighted ornaments on our new poles (solar, battery etc.).”
So back by popular demand! The old Christmas ornaments are back up on the poles!
One happy resident said, “Thank you so much! I comment to my husband how much I have missed them this year. I have lived in North Ogden for 47 years and that is one of my favorite memories and traditions of North Ogden is those decorations.”
Another citizen commented saying, “Now it feels like Christmas in North Ogden!”
And still another resident said, “I remember watching for every year as a kid. It’s funny how something so small can bring so much magic. Thank you for bringing them back.”
Now as you drive up and down Washington Blvd. you’d better pay special attention to the old ornaments proudly hanging high. And maybe a piece of your childhood will come back again too!
