Christmas 1960

It was one of the last years that downtown Kansas City had a strong shopping area. The streets were decorated with festive lighted garlands and I think the Crowns were there. The crowns have now moved to North Kansas City. Our kids were between 3 and 12. They were dressed in their Sunday best. I met Ray during his 2 1/2 hour dinner time. We had supper at the Forum cafeteria so everyone could find something they liked. Then we started our walking tour. We stopped first at the Jones Store at the corner of 12th and Main. They had a train carrying children and adults through snowmen, frolicking elves, reindeer and other Christmas things. Then to Klines for the Fairy Princess, a beautiful young girl dressed in a gorgeous gown and a crown and holding a wand. For a small fee the children lined up at her throne and she waved her magic wand and a brightly covered gift appeared. It would be a coloring book, crayons, a tin whistle, a spinning top or some other trinket. From there we went to Emery Bird Thayer on Eleventh between Walnut and Grand. There two giant inflated, Santa and Mrs. Claus shook and rolled like bowls of jelly to recorded peals of laughter. They have lost Mrs. Claus but Santa is at Crown Center. We watched the antics at Harzfelds of the figures. While we were at Harzfelds a stylish woman asked if she could give something to our children. She gave us a Russell Stover 1 pound box. The kids wanted it immediately but we told them we had to check it out first. The fairy princess is still at the KC Museum. They have many versions at places now but that is one experience.