CHRISTMAS at the
HICKORY GROVE SCHOOLHOUSE
Our annual event hosted by the East Vincent Historical Commission was exceptionally successful with standing room only. Chairman John Caracciolo acted as our Master Of Ceremony. Father O’Hara from St. Joseph’s Church started the event with the Opening Blessing. Member Dr. Robert Price read to us “The Christmas Story.” Members of Girl Scout Troop 1476 gave their presentation on how some of the other cultures and religions around the world celebrate the holidays. Past member Mary Downey participated by having some of the children read selections of her original Christmas poems. Karen Oncay, who acts as our schoolteacher, talked about one-room schoolhouses and the virtues of good manners. She also read “The Night Before Christmas.” Charles Lockart with his accordion provided us with music, and his brother Ranger Jim Lockart told the story of “The Little Cabin.” We had a visit from Santa, who said he heard us singing as he did a pre-Christmas fly-by of the area. Lucky for us, he had a bag full of Teddy Bears which he gave out to the children. He even poised for some pictures, taken by member Connie Caracciolo. Snacks and refreshments were served, which included hot apple cider warmed on the wood-burning stove used to heat the schoolhouse. Member Dianne Wagner, of JC Land & Livestock, supplied our Christmas tree.