Christmas plays at LaMotte School
King Cole’s Fiddler & Mrs. Claus
The Christmas doll dress that matched mine
John as “Littlest Angel”
LaMotte School was only about a one mile walk from our home in Bear Canyon. In the winter we would pull our sleds along and play with them at noon time. My younger brother John would have been in the second grade then. In 1956, I was asked to be Mrs. Claus and he, one of King Coles Fiddlers Three. Mother made our costumes of course and a friend made John a fine cardboard fiddle. After many rehearsals, the big night would arrive. The metal and wooden desks in the room were moved to the outside edges of the room, after which the 8-10 inch “stage” platform was brought into the end of the room. A dazzling blue “starry” backdrop graced the end wall above the stage, providing the needed ambiance for the occasion. Benches were put in rows for the audience. A cable with sheet curtains were strung in front of the stage and “up lights” cast a blinding light on the participants. Lines were said, carols sung and it was all over in what seemed like a flash. Again Santa came with his “goodie” sack and this time there were oranges as well. The benches were cleared for the next day of school and desks reset. My dress for the occasion was one that my mother made a duplicate of for my doll. The only difference was that mine had candy canes appliqued on my green pinafore.
Wonderful times! Wonderful memories!
—Beth Olsen