GIRARDVILLE - A portion of borough hall is now a Christmas showplace due to a large holiday display in the main meeting room.
The "Christmas Gala" holiday display is the work of the Girardville Historical Society, which sponsors the third annual display. Saturday was the first day it opened to the public from 1 to 5 p.m., and it will open again today during the same hours. The municipal building is located at Fourth and B streets.
The Christmas Gala includes 17 decorated Christmas trees, some of which have a particular theme. Individuals and organizations were asked in advance to decorate a tree for the display in whatever manner they wished.
Society member Lucretia Christman spoke of a display that honors Girardville residents who served in the military from the Spanish-American War to recent times. The centerpiece is a large photo of Marine Corps PFC John Joseph McMonegal Jr., who was killed in action at age 19 on Aug. 29, 1967, in Vietnam when his jeep ran over a land mine.
"We were getting things together and we realized that there was nothing here for John McMonegal, so I called down to Virginia to speak with John's brother, Patrick," Christman said. "He was able to get us some things copied for the display, which included the Western Union telegrams that were sent home when John was killed in action and that his body was being sent home."
Next to the veterans display is a Christmas tree decorated with photos and dog tags of veterans, many from World Wars I and II, and other patriotic items.
"This is our tribute to all of our veterans who have given so much for all," Christman said.
Christman gave a tour of the displays. The Red Hat Ladies have a tree, as does the Rangers Hose Company. There are trees decorated with angels, another with an Irish theme sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians and more without a specific theme, but decorated with many different types of lights and ornaments.
The center of the room features a Christmas tree with memorial stars. The large red-paper stars can be bought for $1 and dedicated to a loved one or a friend. Visitors also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree.
New features this year include a nontree display, the Girardville Methodist Episcopal Church - Christman said it is made from cardboard from a 32-inch TV set - and a model railroad display set up by historical society president Robert Krick, Girardville. Nativity sets were also among the other Christmas items throughout the room.
At 2 p.m., Santa Claus arrived to visit with children and hear their Christmas wishes.
Society member Edna Labie, who has a Nativity scene that is at least 60 years old, said the displays can be seen throughout December.
The borough hall showplace will open today from 1 to 5 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. after that.
"The display will be up until Jan. 3, though people who set up trees can take them whenever they want," Labie said Saturday.