2023 Christmas tree lighting, Friday, Dec. 1 at 6:15 p.m. in the Univest courtyard at Broad St. and Washington Ave. Rain or shine. Souderton Connects has the details.
In 1923, several town boosters looked around at what other communities were doing and decided it was time for Souderton to take it to the next level. As the Independent newspaper wrote, Souderton could become one of the leading towns along the North Penn (railroad line) if it continued to progress as it had and shake its reputation as a “dead town.”
How would that be done? In the season of light, Souderton would have its first community Christmas tree. The project was being led by the New Century Club and the Foot Ball Association, and soon volunteers would knock at residents’ doors to hand out envelopes printed with wording along the lines of, “This is my donation toward the first Souderton Community Christmas Tree.” A few days later, volunteers would return to collect the envelope. The donations would pay for all expenses and to buy all the youngsters a present to be handed out Christmas morning.
Those early details were supplemented the following week with more as planning for this “wonderful work” proceeded.
The headline said it all: “Yes! Souderton’s First Community Xmas Tree is Here, and It’s Some Dandy.” It took three teams of “industrious young men” to transport the massive spruce from the Green Hills near Rising Sun to the finest location in town. Donated by E.H. Alderfer, the spot was opposite the post office where ceremonies would be held on Christmas morning.
There was still a lot to do. The current would be turned on as soon as the lights had been arranged on the tree. Youngsters were urged to write letters to Santa Claus. He had sent a wireless that he was starting out late but promised to be there with bells on. And by the way, he wanted every child in town to attend the ceremonies. The Rev. James A. Boehm, who originated the Community Tree in Sellersville a few years earlier, would address the crowd, while pastors from three churches — Zwingli Reformed, Emmanuel Lutheran and Zion Mennonite — were also on the program. And residents were reminded to bring their voices for the carol singing.
Now, it was just the wait for the wonderful event to take place. Except, if any families had been missed by the house-to-house canvass, those envelopes could be brought or sent to H.S. Frederick’s shoe store. All contributions cheerfully accepted!
So how did things go? Once again, the headline wrapped it up: 1st Community Tree a Fine Success. Young and old enjoyed the occasion. The tree, declared the largest and most attractive along the North Penn, was decorated with 200 lights. A loud-speaking radio set was hidden among the branches, which kept the crowd around the tree until a late hour with all the fine music being transmitted. Finally, many thanks were given to William Anderson, the “kind and generous” gentleman who donated the beautiful spruce to Souderton. Although a stranger to most in town, Mr. Anderson believes in working for the good of the community in which he lives. “Let us hope there will be many more like Mr. Anderson moving into our midst,” the newspaper said.
A century later, that would still be the wish for Souderton. Merry Christmas to all!
