THE STRA Published Weekly by the Stratford BENSON JOHNSTON. EDITOR watt tenn == i Rivals For Beauty 1 Nature has made a wonderful set- ting for the Holiday Season when ' hearts are rejoicing because we may celebrate free from the dread of war. The snow-laden trees and white beauty everywhere make a picture which man cannot surpass. How- ever, the citizens of Stratford have certainly done their part in adding to the loveliness of the city by the beau- . tifully lighted Christmas tree in front : of the city hall, and the strings of colored lights which add greatly to : the festive season. Local citizens and business folks have done their share in adding to the general attractiveness and store windows have blossomed out in brightly decorated Christmas trees, bells, tinsel which are worthy of our appreciation. The lighting in one of the C.D.S. windows is particularly at- tractive, the deep frames giving it the general effect of an art gallery. If space permitted we would go on men- tioning a number of displays worthy of special mention. The tall, graceful pine tree on the property of Mr. BYE Heath, John street, almost rivals the one at the City Hall and residents of that district are greatly enjoying the beautiful illumination. We cannot overlook the unique and novel idea of outstanding decorations i presented by the Heinbuch Funeral Home on Albert street, where a minia- ture chapel has been erected, from which bright lights stream forth and Christmas carols ring out. We offer our thanks and congratulations to these and all who have in any way added to the loveliness. of the happy season. A Very Beautiful Service 2 7 The Vesper Service held in St. 7. John's United Church on,Christmas. J Sunday afternoon seemedt specially f outstanding among the many fine pro- 4 < grammes presented for this first : Christmas Sunday when once again t peace reigns. Evergreen trees, flowers and candles i made a beautiful setting for the pro- gramme of organ and piano music interspersed with readings of the Christmas story. Happy children's voices rang out in the grand old carols and were in perfect harmony when joined by the Senior Choir for some of the numbers. . We feel that congrat- ulations and appreciation are due Mr. Gordon Scott, for the splendid train- ing given during weeks of prepara- tion which produced such fine results. Congratulations are also in order for those who so painstakingly ar- ranged the lovely decorations of ever- greens, flowers, and cagndles which adorned the various churches and added so much to the candlelight and other musical services. Pai \ Ariqaaes nie EAT LESH x SP i ocean caer niadiagn bE tee MIRROR CARRIER STAFF r% GIVEN TREAT { Mr. Walter Helm and management 3. of the Avon Theatre played hosts to f the Carriers of The Mirror last Satur- day afternoon. On behalf of the boys and girls and The Mirror staff we wish to publicly extend our sincerest appreciation of this very kind gesture. The treat was heartily appreciated by all who participated in it. ---------- SS --------_ STRATFORD. DEC. 28 1945 Na: 52 ee nobly fighting is being upheld here at first of many years of peace so the help us if the new found fight disease and famine Let us enter not only As we face the new year are we resolving in each of our hearts to do our share in making it truly one of peace. of which future generations will be proud live unselfishly and courageously. We must try to do our part to make our returning men and women feel that th home. boys and girls of to-day will not face another war when they are ready to take their places in the world. Our nation cannot make history unless we, as individuals, aim to e cause for which they have been so It is up to us to make 1946 the Battleships and aeroplanes and powerful ammunition can do little to atomic power is in an enemy's hands. try to avoid having enemies by helping the people of war-torn countries to and a situation equal to the ravages of war. We must a new year but a new era with hearts full of praise to God that peace has come. Then let us resolve to keep our land free from war by seeking the good and welfare of our neighbors. Happiness for which we all seek has a strange way of coming to us on the rebound. The Mirror Press Staff all join in wishing for its readers health, wealth and prosperity for each and all in the coming year. One organization for which big things are expected in the coming year is the recently organized Strat- ford Junior Chamber of Commerce. Under the leadership of Charles (Bill) Hall, and backed by a competent executive, the Jaycees should be a potent factor in the community in 1946. Part of an international organiza- tion that is represented in most major centres throughout the United States and Canada, the Junior Chamber is primarily a means of training younger wider aspects of social and civic re- sponsibility. It affords an excellent opportunity for young men to develop their administrative or creative tal- business and professional men in the Big Future For Junior Chamber ents and at the same time render de- finite service to their city. Already two projects are well under way. The first, a course in public speaking under the direction of Capt. Healey, of Central United Church, will soon show results in the increased number able to take their part at Chamber meetings and other similar occasions. The second is a series of talks on business administration, various as- pects of which will be discussed by leaders in the different fields. It also is arousing keen interest among the members and will definitely prove of benefit to those who follow it through. There are many projects that the Chamber could sponsor in Stratford We at He she Meath ate ofeafe ole fe ogerte AZ "ft yt ; A yet +. ptt et yt ra! ¥, * +>, ¥, 5 4 He she We ste she she ale 4%, He he she she sta oh 1 he She Sie Siac ah aie ihe lie ihe ie Ee i ie ie ee The Management and Staff of Boyd's Shoe Store Wish One and All goteteteteteeeopotepetetteeeeee eee ee = A Happy and Prosperous og : N # ew Year \ ae x le * Good Shoes 99 z * Properly ONTARIO B es Fitted. ST. pa $4 4 x ; t Seieieleloletefelieleteleieteleteioletetedeioleiies feetopoioy Hellob tet ferfertetete The Calf Path One day through the primeval wood A calf walked home, as good calves should; ' But made a trail all bent askew, A crooked trail, as all calves do. Since then three hundred years have fled, And I infer the calf is dead. But still he left behind his trail, And thereby hangs my moral tale. The trail was taken up next day By a long dog that passed that way; And then a wise bell wether sheep Pursued the trail o'er vale and steep, And drew the flock behind him, too, As all good bellwethers do. And from that day o'er hill and glade, Through these old woods a path was made. And many men wound in and out, And dodged and turned and bent about, And uttered words of righteous wrath Because 'twas such a crooked path; But - still laugh, The first migrations of that calf. This forest path became a lane, Then bent and turned and turned again. they followed . . do not: This crooked lane became a road, Where many a poor horse with his load Toiled beneath the burning sun And traveled some three miles in one. And thus a century and a half They trod the footsteps of that calf. The years passed on in swiftness fleet; The road became a village street; And this, before men were aware, A. city's crowded thoroughfare. And soon the central street was this Of a renowned metropolis. And men two centuries and a half Trod in the footsteps of that calf. A hundred thousand men were led By one calf three centuries dead. For men are prone to go it blind Along the calf-paths of the mind, And work from sun to sun To do what other men have done. They follow in the beaten track, And out and in, and forth and back, And still their devious course pursue, To keep the path that others do. Along which all their lives they move, Who saw the first primeval calf. with good results. Some of them, such as the Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign and the anti V-D drive, would help pring this city in line with many other centres in the country where these movements have been under way for some time. A Safe Driving campaign, stressing the necessity of checking for mechanical defects in automobiles such as poor brakes, faulty steering, etc., and affording motorists an Op- portunity to test their cars through the use of a safety lane, might also prove worthwhile. The opportunities for service to the community are unlimited and should of Stratford to give their best in the good. They keep the path a sacred groove But how the wise old wood gods laugh | prove a challenge to the young men furthering of their own and the public -- Prosperous RewVear Cowl xk*k* The old year is fast becoming past history. What a checkered one it | has been with its marvellous victories bought at untold cost! TFORD MIRROR Mirror Press, 123 Ontario Ry a a