13 old CHA holiday photos

Santa Police 1964

A masked Santa rides shotgun in Chattanooga Police squad car in 1964. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)

A while back we shared a collection of the 10 weirdest photos we could find from our history partners here in CHA. This time, we decided to delve back through the archives of the Chattanooga Public Library and Picnooga to see what we could find for the holidays.

We were not disappointed. There were terrifying versions of Santa Claus, children singing and teenagers “partying.” We also found several festive photos of holiday decorations on Market Street.

All of the photos are from the 1950s and early 1960s. You can tell. 😂

Outdor Christmas 1963

An outdoor Christmas display with reindeer and a nativity. 1963. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press collection)

CAROLS

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” A group sings carols in 1959. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)

TFP 1952

Two men prepare holiday gift baskets at a warehouse in 1952. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Signal Mountain 1958

Children help decorate a small tree at Signal Mountain Baptist Church in 1958. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Santa 1954 Picnooga

The most terrifying version of Santa Claus we’ve ever seen. (Photo: Picnooga)

Salvation army 1963 Picnooga

A Salvation Army wishing well in 1963. (Photo: Picnooga)

SA 1951

Volunteers with the Salvation Army celebrate in 1951. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Market Street 1964

A view of Market Street in 1964 during the holidays. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Times Free Press collection)

Market Street 1950 Paul A. Hiener Collection

A view of holiday lights on Market Street in 1950. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Paul Heiner collection)

1965

Students help their teacher decorate a Christmas tree in 1965. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)

1959

Teens and tweens attend a holiday party in 1959. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)

1954

Children pose with “Santa” in 1954. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)

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