Central New York Magazine - Nov/Dec 2022 preview

T H E

G I V I N G

I S S U E

PEOPLE MAKING CNY A BETTER PLACE

STYLISH MANTELS

OUR TOTALLY LOCAL GIFT GUIDE

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THE SWEETEST THINGS

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ON THE COVER

PRESIDENT Tim Kennedy ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER OF THE GOOD LIFE Annette Peters 315-282-8527 apeters@advancemediany.com SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Lindsay Marlenga lmarlenga@ advancemediany.com

EDITOR MJ Kravec 315-766-7833 mkravec@advancemediany.com CONTENT EDITOR Amy Bleier Long 315-282-8553 ableierlong@advancemediany.com DESIGNERS Chris Boehke cboehke@advancelocal.com

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Thomas H. Brown 315-470-2053 tbrown@acssyr.com MAGAZINE/EVENTS SALES MANAGER Jennifer K. Queri 315-282-8622 jqueri@advancemediany.com

Flour power. Holiday macarons from Sugar Blossom Cake Shop in Liverpool. Photo

by Alaina Potrikus.

Cover design by Susan Santola. See story page 63.

Susan Santola ssantola@advancelocal.com CUSTOMER SERVICE 315-282-8622 SUBSCRIPTIONS Contact Jennifer Queri or visit readcnymagazine.com

The Good Life, Central New York Magazine (ISSN 1931-194X) is published six times a year by Advance Media New York, 220 S. Warren St., Syracuse, New York 13202. The Post-Standard © 2022. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic/digital, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission.

All material submitted to Central New York Magazine becomes the property of Advance Media New York, publishers of The Post-Standard and Central New York Magazine. It will not be returned. Such a submission, to name a few examples, may be a letter to the editor, a cartoon, a picture, a poem and the like. Any such material may be excerpted, edited for length or content, and may be published or used in any other way.

For example, on Syracuse.com or in The Post-Standard.

Concept to Completion It’s in our attention to detail and customization that we can truly make a difference, as we can offer options and resources to create a room like no other, one that is uniquely you.

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Jennifer Pysnack, Owner 315.256.0522 • jpysnack@decoratingden.com jenpysnack.decoratingden.com

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CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

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Editor ’s letter Want more?

Check out our website at readcnymagazine.com for seasonal features, stories, recipes, past issues and more.

Contact us anytime with story ideas and feedback at info@ readcnymagazine.com.

And now a word from our contributors.

All the warmth ovember feels like

You’ll also find gift giving inspiration in

the calm and peace

our totally local holiday gift guide.

before the storm,

In other departments, Our Town visits Ca-

doesn’t it? There’s

millus, Downtown Doings stops by Cake

still time before

Bar’s new location in downtown Syra-

the holiday rush, to

cuse, Caught Doing Good spotlights Sleep

On writing about a local art studio that works with people with diverse abilities

shop, bake, wrap, plan and to savor the an-

in Heavenly Peace, an organization that

ticipation of what’s to come. There’s even

makes beds for local children in need,

time to indulge in some quality do-noth-

Farm to Table gets a cozy recipe from

ingness, whether it’s cuddling with a child

Pastabilities in Syracuse, Down to Earth

or a pet or simply pondering the beauty

offers sustainable gift wrap ideas and Art

of the season’s first snowfall. It’s also the

Profile checks in with an East Syracuse

time to reflect back and give thanks.

studio that works with kids with various

In our November/December issue, we em-

abilities. In Flashback with OHA, go back

brace that spirit of gratitude with a look

in time to Salina Street’s holiday heyday

at people who give back to our communi-

and in Last Word, we talk to John Tumino,

ty in many different ways. We also asked

cofounder of the homeless outreach orga-

CNY designers for tips on decorating your

nization In My Father’s Kitchen.

Jackie Perrin

mantel, showcase some talented cookie

All good things that bring the warmth of

bakers who turn yummy treats into works

CNY to light during this most wonderful

of art and highlight some of Central New

time of year.

York’s lesser known holiday events.

Cheers.

“I was inspired by the energy and talent of the designers interviewed for this story. I’m looking forward to using their smart design tips for the home this holiday season!”

MJ mkravec@advancemediany.com 315-766-7833 6

“I love writing about organizations like Eye Studio Arts because they show how the arts allow people to be seen for who they really are and build community with others.”

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

On writing about area designers’ seasonal mantel decor ideas

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOYELLE RONAN, JACKIE PERRIN

N

Joyelle Ronan

Contents

62 Tray, Tray Chic

8

52

70

78

The Giving Spirit

Take On the Mantel

There’s No Place Like CNY

Meet four Central New Yorkers who’ve found unique ways to give back.

Local designers create three different seasonal looks for the mantel.

11 lesser known events that capture the spirit of the holidays.

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

PHOTOS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS

Area bakers offer seasonal treats that taste as good as they look (trust us).

Departments

In every issue

11

6 Editor's letter 100 Galleries 105 Flashback with OHA: Salina Street’s holiday heyday

It’s All Good 11 Ways to embrace the season

106 Last Word: With In My Father’s Kitchen’s John Tumino

14 Positive Vibes: It’s better to give 16 Our Town: Camillus 19 Market Trends: Holiday gift guide

33

52

Good News 33 Syracuse band rocks prime time TV show 34 Downtown Doings: Cake Bar opens a second location 38 Caught Doing Good: Sleep in Heavenly Peace builds beds for children in need 42 The Seen: A pictorial review of CNY’s social gatherings

87

91

Making Good

PHOTOS COURTESY S’MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY, ALAINA POTRIKUS, TURNING STONE

87 H. Grey expands 88 CNY Scout: Tufted works of art 91 Farm to Table: Pastabilities’ Brown Butter Mustard Sauce with Cheese Ravioli and Apple Cabbage Slaw

78

94 Down to Earth: Ecofriendly gift wrap ideas 96 Art Profile: Eye Studio Arts

70 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

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It ’s all good POSITIVE VIBES • OUR TOWN • MARKET TRENDS

HEART BE LIGHT

BY M J K RAV EC

In frosty nights and twinkle lights, Anticipation fills the air, Fresh fallen snow and fireside glow, busy streets and homemade sweets And holiday dreams are go.

PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK

Here are 8 ways to savor the season now.

BOOK IT If you have them on hand, place your favorite holiday children’s books on a coffee table or shelf. They make a sweet conversation starter when displayed at holiday gatherings.

A CHRISTMAS STORY Don’t miss Redhouse Arts Center’s production of “A Christmas Story.” Follow Ralphie Parker and his quest to get his dream gift, an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. Featuring the famous leg lamp, pink bunny pjs and the department store Santa, this stage version of “Story” was nominated for three 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

At the Redhouse Dec. 9-18. For tickets, go to theredhouse.org.

A LITTLE XTRA Support The Post-Standard and Syracuse. com’s Hope for the Holidays fundraiser. Buy a special edition of The Post-Standard or donate to help. All donations go to support the Christmas Bureau run by the Salvation Army and United Way of Central New York.

Visit advancemediany.com/hopeholidays.

CITRUS STILL Bring a naturally festive look home with this simple idea. Cut several thin slices of orange and bake on a cookie sheet at 200 degrees for three hours until dry. String through with twine, add pinecones and sprigs of spruce and hang over a window or mantel.

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It ’s all good

OUR TOWN

Camillus

BY DANIELLE BENJAMIN

Centered around the historic Erie Canal, the town of Camillus covers 35 square miles of land just west of the city of Syracuse. Unique museums, expansive parks, creative dining, local shopping and friendly neighborhoods fill the town. Residents thrive off of its strong sense of community. Along with easily accessible amenities and a robust school system, Camillus is a great place to raise a family — or just spend a weekend supporting local businesses.

Above, Joel and Carissa Monahan, owners of Branching Out Bottle Shop. At right, Local 315 Brewing Company is dog and kid friendly. Below, dinner at Vietnamese Noodle House.

HAVE A DRINK Try a flight of craft beer at Local 315 Brewing Company. Have a drink and challenge your friends to a game of pool at LWB Grill.

Browse the impressive selection of craft beer from Branching Out Bottle Shop (and be sure to say hi to Barley the shop dog).

Head next door to Vine & Barrel for your wine and liquor needs.

“[Camillus] has a cozy hometown feel, but with all the amenities that you need or want.”

Carissa & Joel Monahan, owners of Branching Out Bottle Shop

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Start your day with a cup of coffee and a pastry at Rise and Grind Café in Township 5 or Freedom of Espresso in the village. Grab brunch at Second Chance Diner. Sample souvlaki, gyros and baklava at Kiki’s Authentic Greek Food. Expand your palate with Asian specialties at Mitsuba, Indian Grill, Shanghai Garden and Vietnamese Noodle House. Have dinner at The Brasserie, a mother-daughter-owned bistro with American fare and seasonal specials. Enjoy Taco Tuesday at Azteca Mexican Grill or Boom Boom Mex Mex. Order a pizza from Toss & Fire, Twin Trees or Doc’s Pizzeria. Or try Caribbean dishes from Ja’MaMa Jerk House. Relax with a classic American meal at Inn Between or Green Gate Inn. For game days, munch on pub food while cheering for your team at TK Tavern or The Wildcat. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sugar Rush Boutique or The Mixing Bowl.

PHOTOS BY DANIELLE BENJAMIN, CHARLIE MILLER, JARED PAVENTI

GRAB A BITE

SHOP LOCAL

ANNUAL EVENTS

Make your home cozier with a new candle and some seasonal decor at Witty Wicks. Find the perfect gift for a friend or yourself at Colorful Inspirations. Pick up a gift or take a class to make one at Salvage Designs. Browse the selection of designer glasses at Frameology and find a pair that shows off your eyes. Shop the latest home and clothing fashions at Synple and Homie. Furnish your home bar with something unique from Smith & Bell Trading Company.

Turn someone else’s trash into your treasure at 3fifteen. Stock up on the latest sporting equipment at The Sports Outfit. Get your local and organic food at Green Planet Grocery.

Pick up fresh produce and local food at the Camillus Farmers Market on Mondays from May through October. Spend your summer nights enjoying Music in the Park at Centennial Park or the Summer Concert Series at the Municipal Building. Since 1946, the Camillus Memorial Day Parade has brought together the community to kick off the summer. Festivities continue later in the summer at Gillie Lake with spectacular 4th of July Fireworks. Towpath Day is a family-oriented festival celebrating Erie Canal history.

Stroll through the village of Camillus during their Fall Fest or Holiday Sip and Shop and enjoy specials from the locally owned shops. During the holiday season, you can cut down your own Christmas Tree at Soliday Tree Farm. Attend the annual Town of Camillus Tree Lighting in December.

THINGS TO DO

PHOTOS BY DAVID LASSMAN, SCOTT SCHILD

Top, Towpath Day at the Camillus Erie Canal Park.

Above, Gillie Lake at Veterans Memorial Park.

Explore all five floors of The Wilcox Octagon House Museum.

Learn about the history of the Albany & Syracuse Railroad at Martisco Station Museum. Work out or play a round of golf at Pine Grove Health & Country Club. Become your strongest self at Elite Personal Fitness and The Warrior Factory Syracuse. Play 18 holes at Camillus Golf Club or Tuscarora Golf Club. Cruise along the canal in a vintage boat or enjoy a dinner cruise at the Camillus Erie Canal Park. While you’re there, visit the museum, hike or bike the trails, see the steam engine exhibit and view the only navigable aqueduct in New York State. Kids and teens can play games, make music and get involved in community activities at The Town Shop.

Attend an event or get lost in a book at Maxwell Memorial Library.

Treat your dog to some pampering at Shear Magic Dog Spa & Resort. Make your own bottle of wine at Syracuse Wineworks.

GET OUTSIDE Enjoy the fresh air, athletic fields and playgrounds at Munro Park, Reed Webster Park, Scenic Hills Park and Warners Park.

Spend a day exploring the 350-acre landscape of the Camillus Forest Unique Area. Pack a picnic, hike the trails and let your kids play in the splash pad at Camillus Park. View the memorial and a restored one-room schoolhouse, fish or go for a summer swim at Veterans Memorial Park at Gillie Lake. In the winter, ski the slopes and go tubing at the Camillus Ski Hill & Tubing Park.

*Please note that the hamlet of Fairmount within the town of Camillus was covered in a previous Our Town.

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Good news DOWNTOWN DOINGS • CAUGHT DOING GOOD • THE SEEN

GAMES, GROOVES AND GIVING Syracuse-based Sophistafunk hit prime time as the house

Sophistafunk also recorded the theme song for “Guy’s Grocery

band for Food Network star Guy Fieri’s newest show, “Guy’s

Games” and has performed at several of his personal events.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOOD NETWORK

Ultimate Game Night.”

In the show, celebrities compete in food-themed games and

Their irrepressible hip-hop and funk-fused beats along with

trivia, though everyone is ultimately a winner — each team

uplifting messages celebrating both individuality and unity

is playing for a charitable organization. Viewers at home will

match Fieri’s own persona and ethos.

see the band’s intros, outros and incidental music tailored to

Musicians Jack Brown, Adam Gold and Emanuel Washington

the guests and games, but for the five hours it takes to tape

are joined by frequent collaborator Tommy Weeks. The band,

each episode, the live audience is treated to something akin

which first encountered Fieri a decade ago during a “Diners,

to a full concert.

Drive-Ins and Dives” episode featuring Gold’s Funk ‘n Waffles restaurant, has maintained a close relationship with the chef;

As the trio awaits news of a second season, their latest single, “Other Side,” is out now.

For more information: visit sophistafunkband.com. Catch them on new episodes of “Guy’s Ultimate Game Night” on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on Food Network.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE No matter the size of your list, inding that special something for the people in your life can be challenging. From stocking stufers to splurges, here are more than 75 ideas to inspire your gift giving.

And, check our website for even more potential presents!

BY AMY BLEIER LONG | PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH

THE

SPIR IT The holiday season is often an opportunity for people to think more about giving their time, talents and treasure to others. In Central New York, we are fortunate to have so many who do this yearround. Here, we highlight four good-hearted souls

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOLLY CUDA

who are making a difference.

Opposite page, students at Porter Elementary School in the Syracuse City School District participate in the 2021 Holiday Bazaar. Students earn tickets to pick out presents for their family members from a variety of donated gifts and get help wrapping them.

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TRAY, TRAY CHIC Central New York cookie bakers serve up some charming ways to entertain this season. We asked six area bakers for their sweetest holiday treats.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS

Classic Italian rainbow cookies Sweet Life of a Baker Andrea Maranville shared her holiday baking skills with the world on ABC’s “The Great American Baking Show” in 2018. But in her hometown of Sherrill, her “Sweet Life of a Baker” cafe is the place to go for small-batch, hand-crafted baked goods, freshly roasted coffee and a gourmet breakfast and lunch menu. Holiday flavors include: almond rainbow, vanilla sprinkle, fig, almond crescents, cherry almond, chocolate crinkle. Small platters start at $30.

 Sweet Life of a Baker 552 Sherrill Road, Sherrill Website: andreamaranville.com Instagram: @sweetlifeofabaker.bakery.cafe

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TAKE ON THE MANTEL Seasonally styled mantels add sparkle and holiday flair

BY JACKIE PERRIN | PHOTOS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS

Adding festive flair to your fireplace mantel is an easy way to transform your home for the holidays. As a natural focal point of a room, a fireplace can help set the mood you want to create. We asked three Central New York designers to lend their professional talents to create seasonally themed mantels.

Cozy up with a warm cup of tea and be inspired by their expert tips for bringing comfort, joy, sparkle and sophistication to your living space this season.

Left, Natalie Greathouse’s sparkle-themed mantel. Above, three different themes by Mary Schalk, Amy Burns and Natalie Greathouse take the mantel from Thanksgiving through winter.

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Forbes Travel Guide rated Turning Stone’s cookie creation one of the best gingerbread villages in the U.S.

There’s no place like CNY for the holidays Try these 11 family-friendly holiday activities (Half of them are free!)

BY KEN STURTZ

Each year it seems like the holiday season kicks off earli-

something new this year or just hoping to spend more time

er and earlier. Nothing, after all, evokes a bewildered double

with loved ones, here are 11 family-friendly holiday ideas to

take quite like glimpsing Halloween candy next to Christmas

try this year.

decorations in a store.

78

From experiencing Christmas in the 19th century, seeing a

Between decorating, shopping and a seemingly endless list

holiday classic on the big screen and watching a reimagining

of social commitments, the season often feels like one big blur.

of “The Nutcracker,” to futuristic light displays, soaring con-

Spending time with family and slowing down to enjoy the hol-

certs and a mammoth gingerbread village, there’s something

idays can get lost in the shuffle. Whether you’re looking to try

for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Making good CN Y SC OU T • FA R M T O TA BL E • A RT PROF I L E

‘

PHOTO BY AMY BLEIER LONG

TASTE OF NEW YORK You don’t have to make the trip to Manhattan to find

duplicate those of other local shops. Or select cheese,

delights like Murray’s Cheese, babka from Carnegie Deli,

crackers and meats, then borrow one of the live-edge

Momofuku soy and tamari sauces or Rummo pastas.

charcuterie boards and sit down to enjoy at the table, one

Just head to Cazenovia’s H. Grey Social, the recent

of the counters or the tufted Chesterfield reminiscent

expansion of H. Grey Supply Co., which opened last year.

of Central Perk.

While you’re there, let owners Travis Barr and Alex

The reference to ‘90s coffee lounge culture is intentional.

Altomonte or their staff mix you up a mocktail, Utica

Altomonte and Barr hope the new space will foster social

Coffee espresso or other specialty drinks at the “bevvy

gatherings and conversations. Stay tuned for events,

bar.” Pick up pantry items and beverages to enjoy

particularly those that uplift marginalized groups, and

at home; their selection is carefully curated to not

pop-up artist exhibitions.

For more information: visit hgreysupplyco.com or @hgreysupplyco on Instagram.

Making good

CNY SCOUT

Tuft Love A traditional craft becomes trendy B Y B E C C A TA U R I S A N O

Part ancient handicraft, part modern art, the technique known as tufting is having a moment.

Due to an increase of crafting during pandemic lockdowns, a surge in TikTok videos promoting the craze and a revival of maximalism in home decor, tufting is becoming more than a way to make colorful floor and wall coverings; it is a meditative form of self-expression.

The art of tufting dates back to fourth century B.C. when nomadic tribes hand-tufted rugs in what is modern-day Iran. The craft got a serious upgrade in the 1930s when the mechanized tufting machine (also called a tufting gun) was developed by a carpet manufacturer in Dalton, Georgia. Despite this invention revolutionizing the tufting process, it did not emerge as a craft that people did at home recreationally until COVID. Online sales of tufting guns skyrocketed at the end of 2020 as pandemic boredom set in and the trend shows no signs of slowing down, with internet searches on tufting rising 41 percent over the past year.

Working on the back of the piece so the design is reversed, artists use a tufting gun to shoot acrylic, wool or cotton yarn in and out of a fabric backing stretched over a wood frame. The tufted piece is then glued and finished; the end result is a fluffy, tactile creation that can be used as a rug, wall hanging or objet d’art. Two local artisans with distinct styles are leading the tufting renaissance in Central New York: Tiffany Seals of Tuft Talk and Renee Patterson of Tufty & Co. Tiffany Seals found tufting videos on TikTok during the early days of the COVID lockdown. An anesthesia technician at Crouse Hospital, she was looking for ways to stay busy when elective surgical procedures were paused. Seals picked up the technique quickly. With a tufting gun, Seals says, “you are painting with yarn onto a blank canvas.”

In October 2021, Seals started Tuft Talk and began participating in vendor events like the NYS 88

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Clockwise from top, Kobe Bryant, Abstract Face, and Stove God Cooks, a local rap artist, by Tiffany Seals of Tuft Talk.

Winter Fair, CNY Pride and Shop Small Sunday at Salt City Market with the Black Artist Collective.

Seals’ rugs went viral after they were shown in a post by a Rochester-based influencer; the video garnered over 140,000 views. The post created so much buzz that she now has customers all over the U.S. and Germany, including a player for the Detroit Lions. In August, she opened Syracuse’s first tufted rug store at the McCarthy Mercantile.

Her grand opening was dedicated to the memory of her father, Syracuse Police officer and 4th District Councilor Thomas M. Seals.

Her designs include company logos, working Spotify code rugs, and pet and custom commissions. Custom rugs take about two weeks to make and pricing ranges from $200 for a two- by twofoot size up to $450 for a four- by five-foot size.

For portrait rugs, there is an additional fee because of the attention to detail required.

The ability to customize is what appeals most to Seals about tufting. “You can turn any design into a piece of textile art,” she says. In addition to rugs, Seals makes coasters, wall hangings, mirrors, picture frames and clothing items starting around $50. In May, Seals gave a presentation about tufting to manufacturing technology students at

A display of small and medium-sized autumnal designs, by Renee Patterson of Tufty & Co., are created on a large fabric backing and then cut out.

Corcoran High School and this school year she will help them create a rug for their senior project. Seals’ dream is to open an urban textile art



For more information: Tuft Talk, @tuft_talk on Instagram, Tuft Talk at the McCarthy Mercantile, 217 S. Salina St., lower level, Syracuse; Tufty & Co, @tuftyco on Instagram.

gallery in Syracuse. “My goal is to give back to the community and show young people how import-

PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH AND MICHAEL MASSENZIO

ant art can be,” she says.

on size and complexity. Small decorative rugs are

Renee Patterson started Tufty & Co. in February

$100, others are $150 and up; business logo rugs

after seeing tufted rugs featured in Architectural

start at $200. Wall hangings are typically between

Digest and deciding to try it herself. A self-described

$30 and $50, plant rugs are around $25, coasters or

maker, Patterson has over 20 years of knitting

“mug rugs” are around $15 and her “Tiny Tufties”

experience and was eager to dive into a fiber art

(smaller items like barrettes, magnets, claw clips,

technique that was new on the scene. A teacher of

and more) are between $5 and $10.

English and video production at Onondaga Central

The positive reaction she gets from educating

School, Patterson finds tufting soothing, calling it

people about tufting is rewarding for Patterson.

a “balm for the soul.”

Recently, she led a two-hour tufting workshop at

Initially, she started posting videos of herself tufting on social media and began getting recognized at community events. In May, she participated in

Patterson creates a spider web design using a tufting gun.

the Everson Museum of Art, and she is gearing up to provide more workshops after the holidays.

Patterson wants to be a resource to help others get

her first Shop Small Sunday at Salt City Market with

started with tufting whether online or in-person,

over 70 items for sale. Patterson creates whimsical

wishing that there were more resources available

items of her own design, like mushrooms, strawber-

for her when she began to tuft. “Teaching is in me

ries and lightning bolts, as well as custom pieces

all the time,” she says. “It’s really gratifying to be

for businesses. Her pieces vary in price depending

able to bring tufting to others.”

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Making good

FA R M T O TA B L E

Savage harvest Pastabilities’ Brown Butter Mustard Sauce with Cheese Ravioli and Apple Cabbage Slaw make fiercely abundant use of seasonal produce

BY M J K RAV EC | P H OTOS BY A L A I N A P OT R I KUS

Flashback

WITH OHA

CITY SIDEWALKS Salina Street shopping scene drew thousands

BY THOMAS HUNTER

Ghosts of Christmas Past along Salina Street

During the shopping heyday of South Salina Street in down-

In between shopping, residents could eat sandwiches or meals

town Syracuse, thousands thronged that street during the Christ-

at F.W. Woolworth, Schrafft’s or several other restaurants. Dey

mas season, looking for just the right gift. Photographs from the

Brothers had its own mini parade in the 1950s, featuring Santa

late 1940s into the 1970s depict sidewalks jammed with warmly

on a float that traveled from the Onondaga County War Memori-

dressed shoppers and the street crowded with cars, trucks and

al to the store. Then, for a while in the 1960s, Syracuse followed

buses. Garland, wreaths, bows and candy canes hung above the

other area cities by hosting its own annual Christmas parade

street, creating a festive setting.

just before Thanksgiving Day. Each parade had its own theme,

The large department stores — E.W. Edwards, Sibley’s, Dey

featured giant balloons and bands and culminated with Santa

Bros., Addis Co., Witherill’s and Chappell’s — along with several

arriving on a decorated float. Sponsored by the Retail Trade Bu-

other retail businesses attracted customers with holiday entice-

reau of the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, the Christmas pa-

ments. The stores were decorated, featured their own Christmas

rades helped to usher in the annual Christmas shopping season.

The large department stores, thousands of holiday shoppers

ed photos with Santa Claus. E.W. Edwards also operated the rock-

and the annual Christmas parade may now be gone, but the

et, a monorail ride that accommodated younger children. More

memories live on for many who still remember the heyday of

practical gift ideas for adults were advertised, including cloth-

the Christmas season in downtown Syracuse.

ing, shoes and accessories, as well as small appliances or home

Thomas Hunter is Curator of Collections at Onondaga Historical Association.

furnishings. Store employees would wrap most gifts for free.

PHOTO COURTESY OHA

toy departments that displayed the latest products and promot-

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

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