This is the second and concluding article discussing Holiday memories from Park City’s economic decline era. The context of Park City’s decline was laid out in last week’s article. This week is about all of Santa’s helpers pitching in to make sure the holidays went smoothly.
Earle and Thelma Reseigh looked forward to the Holiday Season. It was their busiest time of the year with 12/24 being their single busiest day. For twenty-seven years they owned and operated Earle’s Market located at 350 Main Street. They delivered quality products at fair prices combined with exceptional customer service. Free home deliveries (Tuesdays and Saturdays) with credit available (on groceries only) to those in need were appreciated. Thelma sold the business in 1973 to Gerald Day (of Day’s Market fame).
For their three-man delivery crew, 12/24 promised an early start, a late end, and unrelenting physical demands. Thelma’s older brother, Howard L. “Huck” Berry, was the driver. He could have been the subject of a Norman Rockwell painting – resolute of build, a stern demeanor, and a ubiquitous pipe in hand. Like Santa’s sleigh, the delivery vehicle – a white four-wheel drive Dodge power wagon with chains at the ready – was perfect for the task at hand. Huck’s helpers on Christmas Eve included two of the strongest footballers from Park City High School. On this day their strength would be tested. They worked part time at Earle’s, $5.00 for an eight-hour shift – good money in those days.
The store opened at 9 a.m. and closed at 6 p.m. Considering the task at hand (Santa was counting on them), all employees arrived early. Delivery lists were checked twice, orders pre-staged, nothing was left to chance. By 1 p.m. the first deliveries were loaded, covered with a tarp, and sent off to the town’s winter wonderland. In no time the three-man cab was smoke filled from Hank’s omnipresent pipe. Until 6 p.m. (or so) Huck and his helpers dashed from one house to another delivering Christmas sustenance and cheer. Rudolph and his reindeer companions would be impressed.
Credit: Park City Historical Society & Museum, Kendall Webb Collection
The Resiegh’s and their team weren’t the only ones fulfilling Christmas dreams. The Union Pacific (UP) Railroad adroitly managed the seasonal surge in freight and passengers. Their Ogden (UT) facilities, a major hub, whisked parcels to UP depots throughout the region. This was done in concert with their “less than carload” freight partner the Railway Express Agency (REA). Fay T. Dearden, the station agent for UP’s Park City depot, promptly notified customers when their holiday packages arrived (via an REA delivery truck). Santa knew that Fay would come through for him.
Likewise, he had equal confidence in Jerry Hanley, Park City’s postmaster. In the 1950s Sears & Roebuck, Montgomery Ward, J.C. Penney Company (headquartered in Salt Lake City until 1914), and other major mail order retailers played a key role in fulfilling Christmas lists. To ensure timely arrival, orders were placed at least a month in advance. Most opted to pay a premium for special delivery. Mr. Hanley and his USPS colleagues, “on more than one occasion,” saved Christmas day by making their own after-hours deliveries.
Howard L. Berry, his helpers, Fay T. Dearden, and Jerry Hanley joined St. Nick and a legion of others to ensure a joyous Christmas each year for the residents of Park City.
From all of us at the Park City Museum we wish you a healthy and happy Holiday Season. Acknowledgements: Thank you to Alan Dearden, Jim Hewitson, Leland Flinders and his surviving siblings (Melvin, Jerran and Elizabeth), Steve Leatham, Marian McGuire and Scott Smith for sharing their Holiday remembrances with us.