A LOOK BACK:How we celebrated New Year’s Eve

Like every Dec. 31, the big had on the clock tower at Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway struck midnight, signaling the beginning of another year.

As that hand slowly passed the 12, I didn’t feel any older or different.

People the next day went about their regular routines and partygoers slept late in their warm beds.

This week, we’re going back some 62 years to see what our citizens were doing as their clocks or watches signaled the start of a new year.

We’ll start our 1945 New Year’s adventure in the basement of the Methodist church at 11th Street and Orange Avenue, as a party was underway to honor Verdie Rimel for her many years of service as counselor of the church’s Epworth League.

Surrounded by many of her church friends — both young and old — Verdie received a gift of appreciation from Mary Louise Graser, president of the league.

This was followed by singing of the church choir, led by Ralph Turner, party games organized by Charles Graser and words of appreciation by Pastor Walter McCleneghan.

Mark and Mae Forrester held an informal party at their home at 406 Huntington Street for their two visiting daughters — Kathleen and Grace.

Over in the Ocean View area, another holiday party was taking place at the home of Della Fox.

There were a large number of holiday celebrations taking place during this time in the Ocean View community, including one for the election of officers of the Ocean View Boys’ and Girls’ Club at the scout cabin.

This celebration included a wiener bake sponsored by the Ocean View PTA.

The Huntington Beach Garden Club was making plans for their first meeting of the new year.

Their agenda for the year would be to develop a program for victory gardens and home canning to avert a wartime shortage of food.

Garden President Reginald G. “Scotty” Hudson and his committee were also laying out plans for their display at the County Fair during August, to be held at the Huntington Beach Pavalon.

While he was stationed out in the Pacific, Gordie Higgins was promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Closer to home, Burns “Speedy” Manson was lucky to be home for the holidays after spending 13 months shore duty in Perth, Australia.

The nominating committee of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce — composed of Lee Chamness, Joe Hamann and H. Fornatus “Nate” Rampton — chose the following men to lead the organization during the year.

Willis Warner was chosen president of our chamber and the other officials included William Gallienne, secretary-manager, Dr. Douglas Hough, 1st Vice President, Arch Lockett, 2nd Vice President and James Sayer as Treasurer.

Clarence Double, Seaman 1st Class, was fortunate to be home (615 Huntington Street) for the New Year with his wife Orpha and son Denny.

Not so lucky for the holiday were many of our young men stationed out in the Pacific and serving in the military.

Norm Worthy was stationed in the South Pacificb as was Eddie Morris, our legendary Huntington Beach High School running star. Ray Dolan of the 107 Club fame spent his New Year’s Day as a Marine in the same South Pacific region.

The president of the Huntington Beach Woman’s Club, Volena Jones, presided over the first meeting of the year at the clubhouse on 10th Street.

Guest speaker for the ladies was Florence Ackley, who spoke about having a “Colorful Living.”

Listening to Ackley were club members Ethel Catching, Zadia Clegg, Hazel Hudson, Louise Jenkins, Mary McBride, Lillian Moore, Mona Nevins, Nancy Pann, Mildred Ridenour, Jessie Todd, Ethel Wheat and Martha White. This organization will be celebrating its 100th year in 2008.

Coaches Cap Sheue, Charles Mossteller and Charles Mashburn nominated John Rohrig as the best and most consistent Huntington High School football player of 1944.

Post Office dispatcher Reginald Pate spent his New Year in the army stationed at Fort MacArthur and his fellow postal worker, Carlton Conrad, spent his New Year holiday at St. Joseph hospital recovering from a hernia operation.

Mayor Tom Talbert offered a $50 reward for information on the person or persons who tore up the course with their automobile.

I hope these people got caught and were made to pay for their damage to the Huntington Beach Country Club. Lets hope that this year becomes the best year of your life.