Downtown once had Christmas lights draped over Market Street, and in store windows. The EPB and Blue Cross Blue Shield have continued the Christmas tradition. Click to enlarge.
Growing up in Chattanooga brings back wonderful memories.
One in particular is my memory of my parents taking me downtown to see all the Christmas lights, decorations and exhibits each year during the 1940s and 1950s.
Chattanooga turned into a magical place during that time of the year. The red, green, blue and yellow lights strung across Market Street, the windows of every business downtown with Christmas displays and decorations throughout their stores.
Both Miller Brothers and Loveman's department stores with their Santa Claus and seemingly endless lines of little ones waiting to sit on Santa’s knee to tell him what they wanted him to bring.
The Electric Power Boards window display down the 6th Street sidewalk was fabulous! It was different every year, and I always wanted to know what they did with all those elves and props used in the displays.
I recall Christmas music playing over loud speakers as we walked down the sidewalks viewing all this wonderment.
The bell ringing of the Salvation Army workers in their Santa outfits with their collection pots on the walks.
What wonderful memories I have of that time in my life. Now I understand the city has decided to not decorate downtown for Christmas any longer due to funds. I’m positive there are plenty of waste areas that could have been eliminated without resorting to this.
What an awful decision, but thank goodness I still have my memories of a once proud city coming together at Christmas time to celebrate.
larryblanks@hotmail.com