This Week in Odessa History

The Great Depression was at its peak as Christmas approached in 1930. Farmers hadn’t had much of a crop the preceding summer because of drought and dust storms, and what little wheat there was to sell was going for 36 cents a bushel.

All the hardships, however, didn’t preclude the hopes and dreams of Christmas time. Thoughts of Santa filled the air. It reflects the mood of Odessa just before the holiday 83 years ago.

With the beginning of the holiday season only five days away, the spirit of Christmas impregnates the air here. Many packages are being sneaked into Odessa homes so that Santa may...