This Week in Odessa History

The Odessa Record of December 1924, in a report headlined “Holiday Season Is Drawing Near,” told of brisk sales in stores, the free distribution of Christmas trees and plans for church programs.

With the moderation of the weather during the past week, which has made it so warm that the puddles in the streets did not freeze last night, one can hardly realize that the holiday season is so close at hand.

Merchants report that Christmas buying started early and that business has been good, so it is up to people who want to get a first choice of stocks to do their Christmas shopping soon.

All of the churches have certain members busy drilling children and young folks for the entertaining programs.

Local dealers have sent an auto truck to the woods for trees, which are given away by the Finney Lumber Company and the Union Warehouse Company. These firms began their distribution of more than 300 trees Saturday.

In the homes, the women are working overtime making Christmas gifts and preparing pies, cakes and puddings ahead of their Christmas dinners.

100 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

December 5, 1913

The state department of agriculture is warning dairymen against the operations of a man representing himself as an inspector, who “tests” cows for tuberculosis by sticking a pocket flashlight down their throats, charging 50 cents per cow for this “inspection.”

75 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

December 8,1938

Three new school houses now stand in Odessa, although not intended for school use. They are the three school buildings purchased by C.L. Catlow and sons, which are to be made into modern residences. They had been placed on lots purchased for the purpose.

The “New Deal” ticket, headed by Mayor Jno. C. Jantz, was swept into office on Tuesday at the city election, without opposition, 107 votes.

50 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

December 5,1963

Thanksgiving marked the start of the Christmas shopping season and as if by magic the Odessa stores were decorated over the holiday and Christmas gift items were displayed in volume.

With Thanksgiving this year late, there is only three weeks left between now and Christmas.

10 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

December 4, 2003

Plans for a $3 million upgrade and retrofit for plant and facilities were announced last week by Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center.

The hospital district commissioners have determined that considerable renovation is required for the hospital and nursing home to meet health and safety codes, which state regulators have in the past allowed to be “grandfathered in,” but now are becoming more reluctant to allow exceptions.

25 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

December 1, 1988

The Odessa Tigers will play in the Kingdom against its opponent Bridgeport-Mansfield, about which Tiger coach Myron Kramer said, “They are really tough.”

“We are really looking forward to the game in the Kingdome for the state championship, and we know our hands are full,” he admitted.

Finally, Kramer added, “We have a great group of fans and we really appreciate them.”