The Great Depression had a major economical impact on the residents of Esquesing Township (present-day Halton Hills), but it did not seem to dampen their Christmas spirit, as was the case in 1934.
At this point in time, approximately 30 percent of Canada’s workforce was unemployed while the remainder faced reduced work hours and lower salaries as the economy continued to limp along following the stock market crash of October 1929. There was less disposable income, compared to the high times of the “roaring 1920s,” which meant households had to stretch a dollar and make do with what they had.
Despite these facts, the communities of Acton, Georgetown and surrounding area were buzzing with Christmas activity as residents celebrated the 1934 holiday season.
Local retailers were aware of the state of the economy and offered many sales as a way to entice customers who were watching their pocket books while shopping for Christmas, with The Acton Free Press issuing a Christmas Shopping Guide.
Inside the 1934 Christmas Shopping Guide, prospective buyers could leaf through the pages and see what items Acton merchants were selling, with various merchandise consisting of clothes, toys and furniture.
For instance, Hinton’s Department Store placed a large ad proclaiming to be the “Gift Store,” advertising toys and games between 10 cents and $1.95 and candies starting at 5 cents per pound. Other wares on sale included Christmas decorations and dining sets of plates, cups and bowls. Another store, Johnstone & Rumley House Furnishings, advertised specials on chairs and lamps at reasonable prices, just in time for Christmas.
In Georgetown, through ads in The Herald, merchants were also busy attracting customers to their stores for Christmas shopping, with Richardson’s Hardware offering sales on CCM skates and hockey sticks, and Daymond Bros. advertising new radio sets as the ideal gift for the entire family to enjoy. MacCormack’s Drug Store advertised specials on shaving sets, bowls and creams.
Along with taking advantage of the sales and discounts being offered by merchants, residents indulged in the countless Christmas activities that were hosted by the local churches, schools and other organizations.
The Acton Free Press reported on the Christmas Supper held for the Sunday School students at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with a visit by Santa Claus who distributed oranges, nuts and candies to the boys and girls. It was also mentioned that the other Acton churches held similar events, while a concert was hosted at Churchill Church as a way to bring some Christmas cheer.
Meanwhile, in Georgetown, as reported by The Herald, residents were invited by town council to take part in the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree and a draw for turkeys, geese and chickens was held by the Lions Club outside the Town Hall, with proceeds going to support child welfare.
Glen Williams was also bustling with joy as a packed St. Alban’s Church hosted a Christmas concert, featuring a special performance by the three-piece orchestra consisting of Joe and Garnet Norton and Billie Preston.
So, while the Great Depression did present economical challenges, it definitely did not dampen the spirit of the season as residents of Esquesing found a number of ways to celebrate Christmas regardless of the financial struggles that were felt in 1934.
Article written by Scott Brooks, with information from Dills Collection/EHS/HHPL/The Canadian Encyclopedia.
