Decatur was a very special place to be at Christmas.

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Left to Right : Friedman's Jewelers, F.W.WOOLWORTH CO. ,HOBBY HOUSE / DECATUR SPEEDWAY and Hotel Candler

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One of my early childhood Christmas memories growing up in Decatur, Ga was when I had my first visit to see Santa Claus at the F.W. WOOLWORTH CO. located on E. Ponce de Leon Ave. I could not wait to tell him what I wanted for Christmas ( sort of like Ralphie in "A Christmas Story"). Once inside the 5 & 10 cent store you would have to follow the giant foot steps that were placed on the floor which would lead you to the back of the store where Santa was, he was in what looked like a large closet with a giant gold chair fit for a king. At Christmas time WOOLWORTH had tons of Christmas decorations all over the store, even in the front sidewalk display windows and with all the toys on display through out the store, it was something special.
Decatur would go all out with decorations, all the telephone poles had Christmas Wreath's with a large candle in the middle which would light up at night. Decatur was a very special place to be at Christmas. And yes, I remember it well.
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Decatur's Christmas tree at the corner of Sycamore and E. Court Sq. circa 1960's
Stores that are lit up are Belk Gallant (side entrance) and Smith's Shoes.

click on pictures to enlarge