In the 1960's and 1970's, Harlan, Iowa was known as "Christmas City". As detailed in a November 25, 1973 article in the New York Times "Area farmers, their corn and soybeans safely stored in silos, drove scores of miles to see the lighted plastic bells on Chatburn Avenue and the illuminated garlands on Cyclone Avenue and the colored bulbs on the radio tower and the strings of lights that ran from the Shelby County Court House roof to every light pole in the square. Thousands of people crammed into town for the annual lighting ceremony, when Mayor Kenneth L. Mueller, a chiropractor, threw the dummy switch that signaled Elmer Potter to signal the power house to turn on the lights.
There were ooohs and aaahs then and the crowning of Miss Merry Christmas. Santa Claus arrived in a convertible, The Harlan News‐Advertiser ran its annual Christmas house‐decorating contest and the 35‐foot lighted cross atop the grain elevator could be seen as far away as Avoca."
As director of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and a relatively new resident to this area, I am excited about the prospect of regaining this "crown" for the City of Harlan and Shelby County. The work has already started - over the past few years the Shelby County Supervisors have done a magnificent job of lighting up the square around the County Courthouse building. We are hoping to work side-by-side with them to enhance the Christmas Spirit throughout town. Lighting one of the area's premier parks - Pioneer Park, returning stunning lights to the main avenues throughout the town and adding festivities for the entire family. We need your help in making this Christmas dream come true. All donations will be used directly to purchase lights, support events and promote the new Christmas City in the region.
Wishes
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2 3/4" Santa Medal, with red ribbon, indicating you helped bring back Christmas City
