Christmas Past

 SANTA THRILLED A LARGE CROWD ONE CHRISTMAS SEASON IN THE 1970S BY ARRIVING AT THE ROSE HILL PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER VIA HELICOPTER
 
Christmas has always been a joyous occasion as Franconians celebrated the Birth of Christ, exchanged gifts of friendship, and treated kids to visits by Jolly Old St. Nick.  In the 1960s and ‘70s, his arrival by a different method each year drew crowds of believers to the Rose Hill Shopping Center.  He even arrived by air, as seen in the picture above.  At other times, he rolled in on a Franconia Volunteer Fire Department vehicle.  A large crowd was always there to greet him.  The Edison High School band and majorettes, cheerleaders, and flag team always performed and passed out candy to youngsters in the appreciative crowd.

Homes throughout Franconia were covered with decorations, a tradition that continues today.  Area churches staged candlelight Christmas Eve Services, and everyone gave thanks for a bountiful meal after opening presents on Christmas Day.  Today, differing religions join the festive season in their own way, but the holiday spirit continues to flourish.

The Franconia Museum wishes one and all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays in all of the many languages spoken in our community. We learn from our past and the Museum keeps the spirit of Christmas alive.  Say a prayer for your family, loved ones, friends and neighbors during this holiday season.


FRANCONIA REMEMBERS:
This is one of the Franconia Museum’s occasional articles highlighting the history of the area.  If you would like for a friend to receive these FREE articles, please contact us at  franconia.museum.newsletter@gmail.com.  Memberships are also encouraged, so that we can continue our work.  The Museum is located in the Franconia Government Center, located at 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310. The hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. The Museum is a 501 (c) tax exempt organization, as approved by the Internal Revenue Service.

2024 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE – PLEASE JOIN OR RENEW
Join us in celebrating our 23rd year of preserving and protecting the history of our unique community. Our collections are growing, and we are starting to purchase electronic equipment for displays that will be available in the new Franconia Govt. Center coming in 2024 next to Lane Elementary and Beulah Park. Make the move with us by becoming a member! Additional donations are especially welcome! We are a tax-exempt, volunteer organization.  There are no fund-raising costs! Come see us and learn about our past, present and future! Join us as a new member, renew your 2024 membership, or become a Lifetime or Founding member.  We need to fill vacancies on our Board of Directors, and need volunteers to help man the Museum on Mon-Tues-Wed-Sat.
 
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            Franconia Museum, 6121 Franconia Rd, Franconia, VA 22310
 
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Questions: Call Carl Sell at 703-971-4716 or email sellcarl@aol.com