The following article appeared on the front page of the News Messenger of Lyon County on Dec. 8, 1922:

“Santa Claus Comes Here for Christmas: Arrangements Made to Have Big Community Tree and Program. Goodies for the Kiddies. Marshall Community to Unite in Welcoming Santa on Annual Visit at Community Tree Program, Appreciated Fine Spirit in Evidence Here Last year, Committees at Work.

Santa Claus fully appreciated the fine reception accorded him in Marshall last year, when he attended the Community Christmas Tree program in person, and for that reason he is coming again this year. He is going to bring a good sized dray-load of candy, nuts and pop-corn for the children, all of whom he hopes to meet. Santa has already sent word that he will be on hand regardless of the weather, although he hopes that it may be warmer in Marshall this Christmas than it was last.

A giant Christmas tree will soon be on hand and will be given a place in the central square of the business district and will be decorated in all its Christmas finery and colored lights.

A meeting was recently held at the rest rooms and plans for the 1922 Christmas Tree program were made. The following committee heads were named to see that nothing is overlooked, these in turn to select their own assistants:

General Committee: Mrs. H.H. Gieseke, J.M. Shrader, J.C. Sheffield. Finance: H.H. Gieseke, L.H Powell. Program: Mrs. J.C. Burchard. Band: Neal Van Dorin. Tree: Aug. Durrenberger, G.G. Lowe. Electric Lighting: Albert Volk. Decorating: J.M. Shrader. Candy: R.T. Keith. Pop Corn: Mrs. Ward Akester. Publicity: H.S. Simons, J.W. Whitney. Trucks and Conveyance; W.F. Gillett. Order: Squad from American Legion.

The various committees are already at work and everything indicates that a fine time is in store for both the children and the older folks of the entire community.”

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection shows Main Street Marshall decorated with lights, garland, and Christmas trees, circa 1926. A large Christmas tree is the middle of the intersection at Main and 3rd streets. For several years, Marshall had a large tree in this location as indicated in the article above.

The Holiday Home Tour is this Sunday, Dec. 7. The tour is 1-4 p.m. The Lyon County Museum opens at noon the day of the tour. Refreshments and holiday cookies and other goodies will be at the museum for home tour participants. Homeowners for the 2025 Holiday Home Tour include: Joyce DeCramer, Kevin and Nicole DeBoer, Jim and Ann Carrow, and Victoria Carlson and Berkeley Lewis. Tickets are $20 each and are available only at the Lyon County Museum.

Holiday Fun Day at the Museum is next Saturday, Dec. 13 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Lyon County Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall. Join us for holiday treats and refreshments, music, specials in the museum’s gift shop, crafts, and more. Special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the museum from 1-2 p.m.

The Lyon County Historical Society (LCHS) is a nonprofit, member-supported organization. LCHS operates the Lyon County Museum at 301 West Lyon Street in Marshall.