Andrew Bramlett

Yesteryears’ Letters to

BY ANDREW J. BRAMLETT

In last December’s issue of Around Kennesaw, I shared a history of Christmas celebrations in Kennesaw, including Christmas gifts. This year, I would like to share some letters to Santa from Kennesaw’s past. Each of these was found in historic editions of the Marietta Daily Journal or the Cobb County Times. Enjoy!

Andrew Bramlett is vice president of the Kennesaw Historical Society and an honorary member of the Kennesaw Cemetery Preservation Commission. Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl eight years old. I want you to please bring me just a few things. I want a small doll carriage, a trunk, a rubber ball and lots of fruit and candy. And don’t forget to bring papa and mama something nice too, and bring all my schoolmates something, and my teacher, too. And bring my little neighbor children something. - Your little friend, Inez McCollum (Dec. 16, 1916)

Dear Santa Claus: I want you to

come this way and bring me a ribbon clasp, a box of crayons, a pair of kid gloves and plenty of fruits and candy of all kinds. And bring mama something nice and papa a warm cap. And be sure and come to see all my little neighbor children. - Wishing you a merry Christmas, I am your friend, Pauline McCollum. (Dec. 16, 1916)

Dear Old Santa Claus: I am a

great big boy 8 years old. Now you know very well some things I want real bad, although I will tell you of a few things. A brand new tricycle: wagon large enough to hold my big brother, who is a year and a half old; plenty of nuts, fire crackers, apples, oranges, raisins, red striped candy, two or three tops, base ball and a new saddle, not so very large, so I can ride our pony. Now don’t forget me. - Your friend, Charlie Allison (1919)

Dear Santa Claus: I am a little boy seven years old. I am going to school. I want you to bring me a little gun, a knife, some oranges, apples, candy, raisins and other fruits, and bring my little brothers something. Please bring my school teacher, Miss Louise Williams, something. - From Albert Taylor (1923)

Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl 10 years old and am in the fourth grade. I want you to bring me a little sewing machine, a box of crayons, a little doll in a basket, a tea-set and all kinds of fire works, candies, and fruit. Don’t forget my two brothers. - Your little friend, Evelyn Turner (Dec. 11, 1927)

Dear Santa: You must be the best man in the world. Next to my daddy you always bring so many nice things. This year Santa I have a great surprise for you. I am going to school and have made one hundred in deportment each month and I’ve been going four months. Now don’t you think that’s good Santa. I’m not asking but for one thing and that is a desk. Please remember my class mate, Dorothy Pratt. - Love, Sammie Dyer (1931)

Dear Santa: Will you please bring me a cap pistol and some caps, a little knife, and a chain on it? - Your little friend, Charles Dunn (1936)

Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl 15 months old. I want a little doll, a little tea set, a new pair of shoes, all kinds of pretty things. - Your little girl, Vera Rebecca Swanson (1938)

Dear Santa Claus: I want you to

bring me tinker toys, a tricycle, boxing gloves, G-man’s suit, a lone ranger outfit. I’ve been a good boy. I’m five years old. Bring my dog Yo-Yo a ball and me an electric train.

- William Ellis (Dec. 1, 1940)

Dear Santa: I am in the second grade and have tried to be a good girl. Please bring me a stove, refrigerator, tea set, and a tiny tears doll. I would also like some blue jeans and gloves. My little brother, Marvin, is three. He wants a wagon, a little guitar and some guns. Please remember all the other little children and give them something nice. I will leave you something to eat under the tree. - I love you, Margaret Ann Hogan (1956)

— Dear Santa: I am a little boy five years old and I have been normally good. Will you please bring me an electric train, a saw set, a fire wagon, and some dump trucks. Don’t forget all the other little boys and girls who have been good this year. - Love, David Taylor (1958)

Personalized Care for All Stages of Aging

Striking the balance between assistance and maintaining independence for our aging parents isn’t an easy task but is one that Varenita of West Cobb addresses head-on. The West Cobb senior living community will open in early 2023.

One unique feature at Varenita is assisted-living apartments with washer-dryer combos and cooktops. It’s just one of the many ways that Varenita provides a community where seniors can relax and make the most of their days, while maintaining a level of independence that satisfies each resident.

Varenita’s campus has 57 assisted-living and 24 memory-care apartments. Assisted-living apartments have spacious living areas, 12-foot ceilings, bay windows, a washer and dryer; complete, modern kitchens also are available in select apartments. Each apartment is equipped with an emergency response system and Wi-Fi.

Transitional Care This specialized program is for those with mild cognitive impairment or early memory loss who may not need the full attention or secure environment of a traditional memory program. Transitional-care residents live in the assisted-living community while receiving additional support with daily activities. Residents are encouraged to engage in challenging and stimulating activities specifically tailored to meet their individual needs and cognitive level. All events are held in a focused, small-group setting that facilitates direct interaction and promotes individual success. This progressive level of care ensures a gradual transition to memory care. Memory Care Varenita’s memory-care program, based on the latest research, offers a compassionate approach to care designed for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. This living option combines an engaging, secure memory-care neighborhood with a stimulating, person-centered lifestyle often missing from other cognitive-care programs. Residents build meaningful connections through a dynamic mix of activities that feature music, dance, art, food, movement and sensory stimulation. Highly engaged team members use the latest relationship-based care methods and whole-person care plans to create an engaging and compassionate environment full of events and activities.

OPENING IN EARLY 2023

varenita.com/westcobb

Three attractive living options in one unique community.

Assisted Living The perfect option for independent seniors who want support with daily tasks and personal care. Guided by compassion and clinical expertise, Varenita’s highly trained team members offer residents the gentle, individually focused support they need to flourish while retaining their independence. Comprehensive, personalized care plans address each resident's changing needs, wants and personal preferences by offering appropriate levels of daily task assistance, comprehensive medication management, ongoing health and behavior monitoring, and more. Residents are encouraged to participate in an ever-changing mix of vibrant activities and events.