GantDaily.com has the obit of John Nesbitt b. 8/10/1920 online now. He was born in Harmony, PA to William Nesbitt and Elizabeth Young. Thought of this with the posting on the young family. Jean **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)

Does this gendaily have an archive?? I can't find it. Robin Jeann8lte@aol.com wrote: >GantDaily.com has the obit of John Nesbitt b. 8/10/1920 online now. He was >born in Harmony, PA to William Nesbitt and Elizabeth Young. > >Thought of this with the posting on the young family. >Jean > > > >**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest >products. >(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001) > >------------------------------- >To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to PACLEARF-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > >

I agree that Jonas is a good possibility. James J. Young died on Feb 12, 1917. He is buried at Utahville Cemetery in Clearfield County. I don't know anything about his siblings. Jim Schaeffer Jocelynn Knight wrote: >Here is a likely couple as candidates. I tried searching the Clearfield >Progress online at Ancestry.com but the links weren't working. Often >the family will be outlined in an obituary, but no luck. Did James J. >Young die in July of 1941? There were two hits that popped up for that >month, but again, I couldn't read the paper. Do you know any of James >J's siblings? Or what the J. stood for? > >1870 PA Clearfield Co., Graham twp, Kylertown PO, page 193A, visit 4 >Young, Jonas 41 woods laborer b. PA >Lydia 26 b. PA >James 9 b. PA >Michael 7 b. PA >Hannah 4 b. PA >George 2 b. PA > > >http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/frameset_search.asp?PAGE=census/s >earch_census.asp >Household Record 1880 United States Census >Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation >Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace > Jonas S. YOUNG Self M Male W 50 PA Farmer PA PA > Liddie E. YOUNG Wife M Female W 36 PA Keeping House PA >PA > James J. YOUNG Son Male W 19 PA Laborer PA PA > Michael A. YOUNG Son Male W 17 PA Laborer PA PA > Hannah D. YOUNG Dau Female W 14 PA At Home PA PA > George B. YOUNG Son S Male W 12 PA Laborer PA PA > Isaiah H. YOUNG Son S Male W 10 PA Laborer PA PA > Lah N. YOUNG Dau S Female W 5 PA PA PA > Edward V. YOUNG Son S Male W 3 PA PA PA > Mary YOUNG Dau S Female W 3M PA PA PA >Source Information: > Census Place Graham, Clearfield, Pennsylvania > Family History Library Film 1255116 > NA Film Number T9-1116 > Page Number 214A > > >-----Original Message----- >From: paclearf-bounces@rootsweb.com >[mailto:paclearf-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Jim Schaeffer >Sent: Sunday, November 25, 2007 1:21 PM >To: PACLEARF@rootsweb.com >Subject: [PACLEARF] James J. Young > >Looking for the parents of James J. Young. He lived in Irvona , Beccaria >Twp. > >James J. YOUNG (1861 - 1917) >& Cora Rachael BRINK (1866 - 1941) >Bertha YOUNG >Elizabeth Ethel YOUNG >James Roy YOUNG >Ellen YOUNG >Winnie YOUNG >Dale YOUNG >Marie YOUNG >Elmer YOUNG >Monroe YOUNG) >Georgetta YOUNG >James J. YOUNG Jr. > > >------------------------------- >To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >PACLEARF-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the >quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > > >

Here is a likely couple as candidates. I tried searching the Clearfield Progress online at Ancestry.com but the links weren't working. Often the family will be outlined in an obituary, but no luck. Did James J. Young die in July of 1941? There were two hits that popped up for that month, but again, I couldn't read the paper. Do you know any of James J's siblings? Or what the J. stood for? 1870 PA Clearfield Co., Graham twp, Kylertown PO, page 193A, visit 4 Young, Jonas 41 woods laborer b. PA Lydia 26 b. PA James 9 b. PA Michael 7 b. PA Hannah 4 b. PA George 2 b. PA http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/frameset_search.asp?PAGE=census/s earch_census.asp Household Record 1880 United States Census Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace Jonas S. YOUNG Self M Male W 50 PA Farmer PA PA Liddie E. YOUNG Wife M Female W 36 PA Keeping House PA PA James J. YOUNG Son Male W 19 PA Laborer PA PA Michael A. YOUNG Son Male W 17 PA Laborer PA PA Hannah D. YOUNG Dau Female W 14 PA At Home PA PA George B. YOUNG Son S Male W 12 PA Laborer PA PA Isaiah H. YOUNG Son S Male W 10 PA Laborer PA PA Lah N. YOUNG Dau S Female W 5 PA PA PA Edward V. YOUNG Son S Male W 3 PA PA PA Mary YOUNG Dau S Female W 3M PA PA PA Source Information: Census Place Graham, Clearfield, Pennsylvania Family History Library Film 1255116 NA Film Number T9-1116 Page Number 214A -----Original Message----- From: paclearf-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:paclearf-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Jim Schaeffer Sent: Sunday, November 25, 2007 1:21 PM To: PACLEARF@rootsweb.com Subject: [PACLEARF] James J. Young Looking for the parents of James J. Young. He lived in Irvona , Beccaria Twp. James J. YOUNG (1861 - 1917) & Cora Rachael BRINK (1866 - 1941) Bertha YOUNG Elizabeth Ethel YOUNG James Roy YOUNG Ellen YOUNG Winnie YOUNG Dale YOUNG Marie YOUNG Elmer YOUNG Monroe YOUNG) Georgetta YOUNG James J. YOUNG Jr. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to PACLEARF-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Looking for the parents of James J. Young. He lived in Irvona , Beccaria Twp. James J. YOUNG (1861 - 1917) & Cora Rachael BRINK (1866 - 1941) Bertha YOUNG Elizabeth Ethel YOUNG James Roy YOUNG Ellen YOUNG Winnie YOUNG Dale YOUNG Marie YOUNG Elmer YOUNG Monroe YOUNG) Georgetta YOUNG James J. YOUNG Jr.

Hello All, I have added another 20 pages to the book "Pennsylvania The Keystone" and is from 1914. It is available at http://www.midatlanticarchives.com You can click on the link on the index page to jump to the start of the most recently added section. Alan RESEARCHING: Buckingham, Gilpin, Eastburn, Jeanes, Nowland, Wade, Creswell, Abernathy and related families No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.4/1147 - Release Date: 11/23/2007 9:19 AM

Hi Everyone. A lot of us have stories of being descended from the American Indian. Some of us from specific tribes. On my father's side we are descended from Elizabeth Youngs, wife to Peter Youngs. She was a full blooded Susquehannock Indian and from my mother's side we have Hannah Spatz a full blooded Munsee from the Wolf clan. I'm interested in talking to anyone on these two lists who have family stories that have been passed down regarding these two tribes or any other tribes. Considering the Susquehannocks were all but wiped out by the Paxton Boys and others I think it's important that our ancester's finally have a voice. There is an ancient Susquehannock village here in York Co, PA that is being destroyed and we need to speek up now. Please write. Sincerely, Renee L. Waring **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)

_http://microformguides.gale.com/GuideLst.html_ (http://microformguides.gale.com/GuideLst.html) If your interested in looking for information from the original sources, this web site may give you what your looking in. Free. Check it out. Renee L. Waring **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)

Did Peter Young have any sons? Jim Schaeffer

I'm looking for information regarding Peter Young. He can be found on the 1810 Census, and was one of the first settlers of Boggs Twp. He is found living with his wife (probably Elizabeth 1750-1802) a 16 year old boy, a 10 year old female and a 26 year old female. Any information would be greatfuly received. I believe he was a fur trader and his wife was a full blooded Susquehannock Indian. Family tradition says they had three daughters. I would love to be able to trace the other two daughters. Renee L. Waring ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Hello All, I have added another 20 pages to the book "Pennsylvania The Keystone" and is from 1914. It is available at http://www.midatlanticarchives.com You can click on the link on the index page to jump to the start of the most recently added section. Alan RESEARCHING: Buckingham, Gilpin, Eastburn, Jeanes, Nowland, Wade, Creswell, Abernathy and related families No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.34/1134 - Release Date: 11/16/2007 9:52 AM

Hello All, I have added another 20 pages to the book "Pennsylvania The Keystone" and is from 1914. It is available at http://www.midatlanticarchives.com The previous pages that were causing problems should also now be fixed! You can click on the link on the index page to jump to the start of the most recently added section. Alan RESEARCHING: Buckingham, Gilpin, Eastburn, Jeanes, Nowland, Wade, Creswell, Abernathy and related families No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.26/1120 - Release Date: 11/9/2007 9:26 AM

A truly beautiful story - THANKS for sharing! And - precious as they were - I don't believe the "yesterdays" were really more beautiful than the blessings we have today. You have the wonderful memories you can enjoy - and share with us, so we get to enjoy what they must have been like just through knowing from your words how truly wonderful they really were! Thank you so very much! In a message dated 11/9/2007 10:56:06 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, lrainey@ix.netcom.com writes: Boy would a picture be great. It is so hard to imagine what it looked like but it must have beautiful and so much hard work. What a great story ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marjorie" <pearldesert@comcast.net> To: <paclearf@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 5:26 PM Subject: Re: [PACLEARF] Cotton Batting on Christmas Trees > That was a beautiful story. > > Marjorie .........Grant Berry Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get. . . Charles Lamb (1775-1834) English essayist and poet ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Boy would a picture be great. It is so hard to imagine what it looked like but it must have beautiful and so much hard work. What a great story ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marjorie" <pearldesert@comcast.net> To: <paclearf@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 5:26 PM Subject: Re: [PACLEARF] Cotton Batting on Christmas Trees > That was a beautiful story. > > Marjorie > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <Reneelwaring@aol.com> > To: <PACLEARF-L@rootsweb.com> > Cc: <PACENTRE-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 6:02 PM > Subject: Re: [PACLEARF] Cotton Batting on Christmas Trees > > >> This story was just passed to me by my Mother. I think it is just a >> wonderful reminisent and thought all of you might enjoy it. I'm hoping >> she doesn't >> mind but we are getting into the season again and I'm hoping this story >> might >> brighten up what for some of us is a dreary time. Mostly the best >> Christmas's >> are the ones long ago, in different times and with people who have passed >> and >> will never come again: >> >> >> Renee I remember a lot about the Christmas display. >> >> What I remember of dad's Christmas trees is from what I was told by my >> Mother, brothers, and the one time Dad set the trees up for me. Dad set >> the display >> up for me one time using one pine tree and one white tree. He then told >> me >> that the next time it was set up it would be up to me to do the work. The >> last >> time the display was set up was in 1954. I set it up using one white, and >> one >> pine tree for my Mother. This was the last Christmas that my Mother was >> alive >> as she passed away October 30,1955. >> >> The preparation for the Christmas display would start in the summer when >> Mother would string small bits of cotton on white thread. These bits >> would be >> spread out in varying spaces that would eventually look like snow. Dad >> would >> prepair two small saplings with strings of blue lights following the >> branches >> with the lights. Possibly a paper hornet's nest and a bird nest on each. >> What >> ever he could find. He then would cut strips of cotton and wrap the >> branches >> covering them and the wireing and what ever he used to attach the nests. >> The light >> bulbs themselves would not be covered. >> >> The Day after Thanksgiving the display work would begin in earnest. Dad >> would >> clear most of the funiture out of the room. Dad would fasten lights >> across >> the celling that would later look like stars in the sky. He would then >> cover the >> walls and celling with white sheets behind and above where he intended to >> place the trees. (There were generally two or three pine trees and two >> white >> trees). Then dad would string white threads across the celing over where >> the trees >> would stand. He would then set the pine trees in place and cover them >> with >> lights and strings of tincle. Next would come some balls on the back of >> the pine >> trees. The white trees were always covered with glass birds. The >> decorating >> would have to start along the back and top of the display. Dad would >> start >> tying the threads that had the cotton bits on them over the trees cuting >> the >> strings of cotton to follow the contor of the trees. He would decorate >> the >> pine >> trees with the balls and icecicles just far enough ahead of where he was >> working >> with the snow thread so he didn't have to worry about knocking them off >> of >> the tree. When he was close to the front of the trees with the decorating >> overhead he would build a town underneath the trees. There was everything >> imaginable >> in the town. In addition to the houses and some small trees there was >> always >> a working train, several skating ponds, (some even with ducks on them), >> snow >> covered roads with cars on them. People walking to stores and the >> skating >> ponds, etc. >> >> The overall display looked like a winter scene with a stary sky and the >> snow >> falling over the trees. The lighted town underneath with it's beautiful >> display. There were people that drove long distances to see the display >> that Dad >> put up each year. >> >> In trying to describe this makes me long to be able to go back to see it >> once >> again. It is just one of those good times that I try to describe for my >> children, and grandchildren but will never be able to create it for them >> to see. My >> brother may possibly have some of the cars that dad used under the trees, >> but >> for the most part dad destroyed the decorations along with many other >> things >> after Mother died. >> >> Leah >> >> >> >> >> >> ************************************** See what's new at >> http://www.aol.com >> >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >> PACLEARF-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the >> quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > PACLEARF-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

That was a beautiful story. Marjorie ----- Original Message ----- From: <Reneelwaring@aol.com> To: <PACLEARF-L@rootsweb.com> Cc: <PACENTRE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 6:02 PM Subject: Re: [PACLEARF] Cotton Batting on Christmas Trees > This story was just passed to me by my Mother. I think it is just a > wonderful reminisent and thought all of you might enjoy it. I'm hoping > she doesn't > mind but we are getting into the season again and I'm hoping this story > might > brighten up what for some of us is a dreary time. Mostly the best > Christmas's > are the ones long ago, in different times and with people who have passed > and > will never come again: > > > Renee I remember a lot about the Christmas display. > > What I remember of dad's Christmas trees is from what I was told by my > Mother, brothers, and the one time Dad set the trees up for me. Dad set > the display > up for me one time using one pine tree and one white tree. He then told > me > that the next time it was set up it would be up to me to do the work. The > last > time the display was set up was in 1954. I set it up using one white, and > one > pine tree for my Mother. This was the last Christmas that my Mother was > alive > as she passed away October 30,1955. > > The preparation for the Christmas display would start in the summer when > Mother would string small bits of cotton on white thread. These bits > would be > spread out in varying spaces that would eventually look like snow. Dad > would > prepair two small saplings with strings of blue lights following the > branches > with the lights. Possibly a paper hornet's nest and a bird nest on each. > What > ever he could find. He then would cut strips of cotton and wrap the > branches > covering them and the wireing and what ever he used to attach the nests. > The light > bulbs themselves would not be covered. > > The Day after Thanksgiving the display work would begin in earnest. Dad > would > clear most of the funiture out of the room. Dad would fasten lights across > the celling that would later look like stars in the sky. He would then > cover the > walls and celling with white sheets behind and above where he intended to > place the trees. (There were generally two or three pine trees and two > white > trees). Then dad would string white threads across the celing over where > the trees > would stand. He would then set the pine trees in place and cover them with > lights and strings of tincle. Next would come some balls on the back of > the pine > trees. The white trees were always covered with glass birds. The > decorating > would have to start along the back and top of the display. Dad would start > tying the threads that had the cotton bits on them over the trees cuting > the > strings of cotton to follow the contor of the trees. He would decorate the > pine > trees with the balls and icecicles just far enough ahead of where he was > working > with the snow thread so he didn't have to worry about knocking them off of > the tree. When he was close to the front of the trees with the decorating > overhead he would build a town underneath the trees. There was everything > imaginable > in the town. In addition to the houses and some small trees there was > always > a working train, several skating ponds, (some even with ducks on them), > snow > covered roads with cars on them. People walking to stores and the skating > ponds, etc. > > The overall display looked like a winter scene with a stary sky and the > snow > falling over the trees. The lighted town underneath with it's beautiful > display. There were people that drove long distances to see the display > that Dad > put up each year. > > In trying to describe this makes me long to be able to go back to see it > once > again. It is just one of those good times that I try to describe for my > children, and grandchildren but will never be able to create it for them > to see. My > brother may possibly have some of the cars that dad used under the trees, > but > for the most part dad destroyed the decorations along with many other > things > after Mother died. > > Leah > > > > > > ************************************** See what's new at > http://www.aol.com > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > PACLEARF-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

This story was just passed to me by my Mother. I think it is just a wonderful reminisent and thought all of you might enjoy it. I'm hoping she doesn't mind but we are getting into the season again and I'm hoping this story might brighten up what for some of us is a dreary time. Mostly the best Christmas's are the ones long ago, in different times and with people who have passed and will never come again: Renee I remember a lot about the Christmas display. What I remember of dad's Christmas trees is from what I was told by my Mother, brothers, and the one time Dad set the trees up for me. Dad set the display up for me one time using one pine tree and one white tree. He then told me that the next time it was set up it would be up to me to do the work. The last time the display was set up was in 1954. I set it up using one white, and one pine tree for my Mother. This was the last Christmas that my Mother was alive as she passed away October 30,1955. The preparation for the Christmas display would start in the summer when Mother would string small bits of cotton on white thread. These bits would be spread out in varying spaces that would eventually look like snow. Dad would prepair two small saplings with strings of blue lights following the branches with the lights. Possibly a paper hornet's nest and a bird nest on each. What ever he could find. He then would cut strips of cotton and wrap the branches covering them and the wireing and what ever he used to attach the nests. The light bulbs themselves would not be covered. The Day after Thanksgiving the display work would begin in earnest. Dad would clear most of the funiture out of the room. Dad would fasten lights across the celling that would later look like stars in the sky. He would then cover the walls and celling with white sheets behind and above where he intended to place the trees. (There were generally two or three pine trees and two white trees). Then dad would string white threads across the celing over where the trees would stand. He would then set the pine trees in place and cover them with lights and strings of tincle. Next would come some balls on the back of the pine trees. The white trees were always covered with glass birds. The decorating would have to start along the back and top of the display. Dad would start tying the threads that had the cotton bits on them over the trees cuting the strings of cotton to follow the contor of the trees. He would decorate the pine trees with the balls and icecicles just far enough ahead of where he was working with the snow thread so he didn't have to worry about knocking them off of the tree. When he was close to the front of the trees with the decorating overhead he would build a town underneath the trees. There was everything imaginable in the town. In addition to the houses and some small trees there was always a working train, several skating ponds, (some even with ducks on them), snow covered roads with cars on them. People walking to stores and the skating ponds, etc. The overall display looked like a winter scene with a stary sky and the snow falling over the trees. The lighted town underneath with it's beautiful display. There were people that drove long distances to see the display that Dad put up each year. In trying to describe this makes me long to be able to go back to see it once again. It is just one of those good times that I try to describe for my children, and grandchildren but will never be able to create it for them to see. My brother may possibly have some of the cars that dad used under the trees, but for the most part dad destroyed the decorations along with many other things after Mother died. Leah ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

In a message dated 11/8/07 12:26:36 PM Eastern Standard Time, GreatBerr@aol.com writes: Since you're both familiar with Clearfield area, I was wondering if either of you might have known my grandfather, Thomas Berry? He was a coal miner. Lived originally (after coming from Scotland) in Dagus Mines, then moved to Morrisdale where he raised his family. Family included Sidonia Moreau Berry (wife) and two sons, Grant (my father) and Norman). Thomas was injured in the mines, and left disabled. Walked with a cane. Got a job with Robert Bailey, Morrisdale, as night watchman. If you have any information about this family, I would very much appreciate hearing from you. Thanks!! Thanks for the web sites. Someone else said it was illegal to collect bird nests. Never heard that one. If you are affraid of parasits couldn't you spray it down before you used it? Hmmmm.... I know nothing about this family but I hope someone reads this who can help you. Renee Waring ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Hello Renee and Jim! Below is some interesting information I found about cotton batting ornaments and using cotton batting on sassafras and other trees to make a Christmas tree. NOTE: Most articles on batting warn to be sure the batting it treated to prevent fire. Since you're both familiar with Clearfield area, I was wondering if either of you might have known my grandfather, Thomas Berry? He was a coal miner. Lived originally (after coming from Scotland) in Dagus Mines, then moved to Morrisdale where he raised his family. Family included Sidonia Moreau Berry (wife) and two sons, Grant (my father) and Norman). Thomas was injured in the mines, and left disabled. Walked with a cane. Got a job with Robert Bailey, Morrisdale, as night watchman. If you have any information about this family, I would very much appreciate hearing from you. Thanks!! Ornaments ---- _http://www.goldenglow.org/cotton-batting-ornaments.htm_ (http://www.goldenglow.org/cotton-batting-ornaments.htm) Tree Trivia -- _http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/treetrivia.htm_ (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/treetrivia.htm) ____________________________________ Who originated the idea of an indoor Christmas tree? People often wonder where the custom of having a tree in the home during Christmas time comes from. We will probably never know for sure. But there are many historical clues that point out where this custom came from. Thousands of years ago, there were people who believed that evergreen trees were magical. Even in winter, when all the other trees and were brown and bare, the evergreen tree stayed strong and green. People saw the evergreen as a symbol of life and as a sure sign that sunshine and spring would soon return. Candles, or the electric lights we use to decorate our trees today, are also an ancient symbol. They represent the light of spring overcoming the darkness of winter. Some believe the Christmas tree tradition was started by ancient Jews, who used evergreen boughs to decorate their homes during the late autumn Feast of the Tabernacles or by Romans, who used evergreens to symbolize good fortune during their midwinter feast of Saturnalia. Others say the tradition began when Druids decorated trees in celebration of the winter solstice. However, the first documented record of a true "Christmas tree" dates to 1604 in Germany. Legend has it Martin Luther was inspired by the beauty of fir trees one starry winter night. He supposedly cut one down, brought it inside and decorated it with candles in memory of the Christmas star and to celebrate Christmas. Actually, the tradition of using trees to celebrate the winter holidays may have started long before the birth of Christ. What other types of trees, other than evergreen conifers, such as pines and firs, have been used as Christmas trees? Flowering trees, such as cherry, apricot, horse chestnut and hawthorns were among the nonevergreen, or deciduous trees, used as Christmas trees in the past. In the 19th century, expendable species of deciduous trees, such as sassafras, were brought inside for decoration. These might be wrapped with cotton batting to simulate snow - an interesting decorating idea for today. Who started the tradition of electric lights to decorate Christmas trees? Trees were decorated with wax candles from the early days of Christmas tree tradition. Over the next 20 years, candlelit trees became popular, the lights symbolising rebirth. As you can imagine, this was dangerous, and there are many tragic accounts of fires caused by this way of "lighting" the Christmas tree. In 1882, Thomas Edison's laboratory assistants at Menlo Park introduced the first electrically lit Christmas tree; it had 80 bulbs and cost a small fortune. Even when strings of lights were produced commercially in 1903, they cost an average American's weekly wage. Today, we recommend using miniature lights on indoor trees because they produce less heat and reduce the drying effect on the tree. How many trees are grown for Christmas each year? Today, Christmas trees are grown much like any other agricultural crop. In fact, about 112,000 acres in the Northwest are planted with about 11 million trees. These trees are shipped across the United States and overseas to China, Japan, Hong Kong, Mexico, Guam, Puerto Rico and Samoa. What is the difference between Fraser fir and Balsam fir? Fraser firs are not quite as prickly as a Balsam, but, the Balsam firs are much more aromatic. Are live trees better for the environment than plastic ones? This is a good question, and, ultimately, is a personal decision. Our belief, though, is that live trees are more ecologically sound. Here are some reasons why: A plastic tree you can use year after year, until it fades and is no longer attractive. A live tree you use one year, and then can use it for firewood, potpourri, or mulch for your spring garden. A plastic tree, most dumps will accept, but they do not biodegrade, at all, nor are they recyclable. A live tree, most dumps will no longer accept, but, the tree can be composted in your own yard. Plastic trees are manufactured in factories, from petroleum-based products, The process releasing noxious gases into the atmosphere. Live trees are grown as a crop. Why is there an angel on top of the tree? The fairy at the top of the Christmas tree was originally a little figure of the baby Jesus. In late seventeenth century Germany this became a shining angel. Windsor Castle's Christmas trees were topped by a large angel. In Victorian Britain, little girls would take the angel down after Christmas and dress him in dolls' clothes. Eventually the angel turned into a thoroughly female fairy, complete with wand. The transformation was boosted by the pantomimes that became popular in the Victorian era - and, naturally, included a good fairy in the cast. What about the wreaths? Christmas wreaths combine two symbols of everlasting life. The evergreen bough, that stays green all winter and a continuous unbroken circular shape. (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/index.htm) (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/who.htm) (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/what.htm) (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/where.htm) (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/treetrivia.htm) (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/xmasmeaning.htm) .........Grant Berry Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get. . . Charles Lamb (1775-1834) English essayist and poet ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

I know of a person in the Philipsburg area who may be able to help you on this. That would be Glenn Gearhart. His Mother used to wrap a tree in cotton at Christmas. I believe she used a scrub oak. It was a lot of work, I'm sure, but it was beautiful. Glenn does not have e-mail, his address is 178 Rader Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866-8034, tel. 814-342-4275 Glenn's Mother, Ruth Gearhart, was a sister of my grandmother. It was good to visit with your cousin Richard at our 55th HS reunion in August. We sat at the same table so had a good visit. Jim Nolan Boise, ID _JJenolan@aol.com_ (mailto:JJenolan@aol.com) ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Good Morning Everyone. My Mother has told me stories about when she was a very small girl and how her Father used to decorate 6 - 8 different types of Christmas trees in his home at Christmas, usually spending six months in advance planning and designing his living room and his display ideas. His display was so well known that people used to drive all the way from New York to his home in Clearfield County to see his decorations. There was one type of Christmas tree he decorated that I can't seem to find any information on the Internet. It was a cotton batting tree. He would find a young tree in the woods (not an evergreen), drag it home, set it up, put the lights on and then would wrap cotton batting very carefully around the branches and hide the wires. Then he would add natural decorations that he would find in the woods such as bird nests, decorated pine cones, etc. and use the cotton batting to tie the decorations on. From what I can read this tree would have been appropriatly developed during WW11 since we weren't supposed to be cutting down evergreens then. I'm working with a Girl Scout troop now and I thought that putting a similar tree together for an old folks home would be a nice project but I can't find anything on them and my Mother was very small at the time. Is there anyone out there that can add any information to this? Thanks, Renee L. Waring ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com