the woods and placed in the corner. Homemade decorations were piled on it, and about three days before Christmas, the long awaited night would finally arrive. The children would be dressed in their Sunday best. Parents, family and friends would turn out in dozens and the little schools or halls packed to the doors with excited spectators. Santa Claus always made an appearance, although our research shows that quite often Santa had to partake of a goodly amount of “Christmas Cheer” before performing his duties.

One account of a Christmas Concert that was widely attended by people in the Bridgetown-Dundas area is related in the following poem about a concert in Forest Hill. it might be said that this light-hearted version is probably exaggerated and definitely was not the typical concert. However, it lends a touch of humour which is quite common to our area.

Forest Hill Christmas Concert 1949

Come friends and listen to my tale

it’s hard to believe it all

Hard to believe such fate should come To any country hall.

At the institute it was moved

That extra funds be raised

By the holding of a concert

At this some members were amazed.

So the institute voted it out

Then the institute voted it in

When persuaded the Mounties would be sent the names Of those committing any sin.

The cast was picked on every side They practiced song and say

They wanted to show the ones opposed That they could win the day.

The date was set, the hall was trimmed

The air seemed full of mirth

And none of them doubted but on that night, They‘d all sing “Peace On Earth”.

The head ones hoped for a small crowd 80 order would be in store,

But alas their hopes were shattered When fans arrived the night before.

The twenty third arrived at last

Now look both South and North Then East and West and you will see The crowds assembling forth.

’86