THE STRATFORD CUSTOMS OF THE SEASON Christmas is and always has heen Britain's greatest and gayest festival. Even back in the Middle Ages a visiting French priest, Pere Cyprian, marvelled at it; declaring that.in Britain Christmas was kept "with greater ceremony than any other realm in Europe." It has always been the feast of the family and the fireside. In olden times hospitality was extended to all a landlord's tenants, too. The great noblemen and landowners were at this season allowed to dress their heralds in their own livery -- for- bidden all the rest of the year; and they kept open house for all their tenants. The Yule log was brought in from the woods with dancing and rejoicing, and the thick Christmas candle lit. Then there was singing, games were played, and the Mum- mers performed plays. In many places a Lord of Misrule was elected to direct the festivities, and every- one, including the nobleman himself, was subject to his commands. STRATFORD'S OCTOGENARIAN BANDSMAN SETS RECORD The Listowel and Stratford Bands united recently at Stratford for a festival in honor of Stratford's old- est bandsman, veteran "Dad" Bishop, who though eighty-five years of age, is still "going strong." This is a record for active bandsmanship in the Dominion and indeed through- out the world-wide Salvation Army organization. Bandsman Bishop has been active in the Corps since 1905, holding var- ious responsible local positions. Now he faithfully cares for the Corps buildings. : Tributes were paid to this com- rade's long service, and evidently in anticipation of more service to come, his Eb bass instrument was re-pre- sented to him. CHRISTMAS CARDS -- A WORLD-WIDE CUSTOM Christmas cards were first printed in London more than ninety years ago, but did not become popular until seventy-three years ago. The first Christmas card was only a visiting card on which was written the greeting, "A Merry Christmas", or "A Happy New Year". Snow scenes, holly branches and robins appeared later on embossed cards, probably picturing English Christ- mas scenery, as the robin is known in England as the Christmas bird, and also as "The Saviour's bird", be- eause of the legend of its red breast. This bird is still seen on Christmas cards, but not so often as formerly. Four and Twenty Black Birds Baked in a Pie! PIE BIRD Helps You Bake More Delicious Pies A USEFUL GIFT $1.00 Each 8 'STORE HOURS 9 AM. TO 6 P.M. SATURDAY: 9 A.M. TO 9 P.M. J. ba Bradshaw China Hall 84 Ontario St. Phone 179 [| CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT WILL SOLVE THOSE "LAST-MINUTE" PROBLEMS ANGORA Gloves and Mitts Soft, warm Angora Gloves and Mitts in a complete range of colours and sizes. Plain and embroid- 1.98 to 2.98 ered. Costume J ewelry The ideal gift for women of any age group. We carry a large assortment with a wide price range. Hand Bags Featuring genuine leathers, plastics, evening bags of every fashionable colour and shape. Ay Aw Aw Aw Aw Aw AwAwAwAwAy7 Lovely Searves Scarves for every occasion -- popular ascots--wools -- sheer evening scarves--many with seu 1.00 ° 12.95 Nylon Panties For a personal gift -- lovely nylon panties trim- med with lace Evening Belts Just the thing to give the fin- ishing touch to a gala holiday ensemble. Many metalic and sequin trimmed. Db i» > We Extend to Everyone Our Best Wishes for A Joyous Christmas Season STORE OPEN SATURDAY FROM 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. Jean Ferguson Ladies' Wear 26 WELLINGTON STREET PHONE 471 This is to advise that @ * \N has arranged ~v to select a hat ance of. Ch ~ Men's Hat Department, ot Get His Christmas Gift Hat Off Your Mind! Gift Hat Certificate will solve all the vexing What colour? A: GDS: 1 cluded, and your-gift hat problem is solved. After Christmas the recipient may select the hat he prefers, from the wide assortment available at the Canadian Department Stores. It's as. simple as that! STORE HOURS for Friday, Saturday and Monday 9.00 A.M. until 9.00 P.M. Closing Tuesday at 6.00 P.M. Shop With Confidence -- "Goods Satisfactory or Money Refunded" «* CANADIAN DEPARTMENT STORES incre OSE TLILIELI LIL L IL LTIL ILI IL ILI LLPL ba hte) : Merry Christmas _TO ALL Monday and Tuesday TOM DRAKE -- DONNA REED "FAITHFUL IN MY FASHION® 3 Brian Aherne -- Rosilind Russell in ADDED - "WHAT A WOMAN" Wednesday - Thursday - Friday : JUNE HAVERS -- VIVIAN BLAINE rm) a "3 LITTLE GIRLS IN BLUE" -- Sd ba ba be be be be tatatatat ate tet eta tat ata at atatatatatatatatat ata OLLIE III IIE SAN 2eielale ° > SOLO Ble le leleleleletate CO