How Hardy observed Christmas in 1924

Special activities have long been associated with the Christmas season. One hundred years ago on Dec. 18, 1924, the Hardy Herald published the following story:

History repeats itself and again this year the merchants and citizens of Hardy have opened their pocket books and made possible another Community Christmas tree. Christmas night, Dec. 25, there will be a free band concert and program at the Hardy Hall awith candy for the kiddies. Ten years ago Hardy was host to 2,000 people who ate, drank and danced free and proclaimed it a royal evening. This year all are again invited to partake of Hardy hospitality. Remember everything is free starting with the band concert, candy for the kiddies and both old and new dances for those who like that kind of amusement. When all expenses have been paid from the funds collected the remainder will go to the band.

Not everything went as planned on Christmas Day. The Herald reported John Pedersen started the gas engine in the basement of his home to recharge the batteries for his electric light plant and left for Hardy. The exhaust gas soon filled the living rooms above and Mrs. Pedersen and the children became very sick. One of the little boys was able to run to a neighbor and phone for help. The family soon recovered and Mr. Pedersen decided to move he engine out of the basement.