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. 😂
An outdoor Christmas display with reindeer and a nativity. 1963. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press collection)
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” A group sings carols in 1959. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Two men prepare holiday gift baskets at a warehouse in 1952. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Children help decorate a small tree at Signal Mountain Baptist Church in 1958. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)
The most terrifying version of Santa Claus we’ve ever seen. (Photo: Picnooga)
A Salvation Army wishing well in 1963. (Photo: Picnooga)
Volunteers with the Salvation Army celebrate in 1951. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)
A view of Market Street in 1964 during the holidays. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Times Free Press collection)
A view of holiday lights on Market Street in 1950. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Paul Heiner collection)
Students help their teacher decorate a Christmas tree in 1965. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Teens and tweens attend a holiday party in 1959. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Children pose with “Santa” in 1954. (Photo: Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Times Free Press)
