1963 — A group of Abington area residents was preparing for its second-year Christmas tradition of caroling.

“Braving the chill breezes atop wind-swept Waverly Acres last Wed. evenings, 18 carolers gathered to rehearse for their second annual Carol Fest…Comprised Mainly of new families in the area, the Waverly Acres group began the delightful custom of caroling their neighbors last year when about ten singers walked to 12 homes swinging lighted lanterns and old fashioned sleigh bells, ending at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Waeldner to warm their voices with hot chocolate and cookies,” read the Journal brief. “This year Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Kirijan will host the carolers.”

1965 — Teddy Sprague, of Nicholson, bagged a 200-pound black bear near Frytown. He and his father, George Sprague, both ardent hunters, appeared with the prize, which hung from a tree, in a photo inside that week’s Journal.

1968 — A burglary at a local church had authorities scratching their heads.

“Some time between midnight Monday, Dec. 9 and Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 7:45 a.m., two end tables worth $20 each were stolen from the Clarks Summit Methodist Church on Morgan Hwy.,” read the Journal article.

“The robbery wouldn’t attract much attention under ordinary circumstances.

“However, in this case, the robber (and police are sure one man operating alone did it) caused about $300 worth of damage just to get in the church and steal $40 worth of tables.”

According to the account, the burglar ripped from its moorings a $200 floodlight, used it to smash the glass windows next to the church’s door, then reached in to spring the bar lock handle on the inside of the door to get in.

Two lamps that were on the tables before the theft were left behind, one rested on a nearby chair and the other on the floor.

No vandalism in addition to the floodlight and broken window occurred, and the only other thing stolen was 35 cents worth of change, which had rested in a dish near the entrance.

Caroling in 1963 in Waverly Acres, from left, first row, Lindsey Jones, Rebecca Jones, Dennis Scripp, Fred Waeldner, James Cavarly Timmie Bodine and Tommy Scripp. Second row, Mrs. Richard Scripp, Marion Viola, Linda Sanders, Gerry Hildebrand and Rusty Newton. Third row, Elane Sanders, Richard Scripp, Gerald Hildebrand, Bob Hoag and Tim Bodine.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_ABJ-LH-1207-1963.jpg.optimal.jpgCaroling in 1963 in Waverly Acres, from left, first row, Lindsey Jones, Rebecca Jones, Dennis Scripp, Fred Waeldner, James Cavarly Timmie Bodine and Tommy Scripp. Second row, Mrs. Richard Scripp, Marion Viola, Linda Sanders, Gerry Hildebrand and Rusty Newton. Third row, Elane Sanders, Richard Scripp, Gerald Hildebrand, Bob Hoag and Tim Bodine. Abington Journal file photos

George and Teddy Sprague of Nicholson posed with a 200-pound bear shot by Teddy during a 1965 hunting trip.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_ABJ-LH-1207-1965.jpg.optimal.jpgGeorge and Teddy Sprague of Nicholson posed with a 200-pound bear shot by Teddy during a 1965 hunting trip. Abington Journal file photos

The remnants of a burglar’s entry in 1968 at the Clarks Summit Methodist Church.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_ABJ-LH-1207-1968.jpg.optimal.jpgThe remnants of a burglar’s entry in 1968 at the Clarks Summit Methodist Church. Abington Journal file photos

Compiled by Elizabeth Baumeister

ebaumeister@timesleader.com

Reach Elizabeth Baumeister at 570-704-3943 or on Twitter @AbingtonJournal.