A stroll down memory lane (through Rye’s former newspaper, The Rye Chronicle), includes some great holiday ads.
Below are a few, which I have taken the liberty to annotate.
Dec. 20, 1979
“It is party time, and wine belongs as part of every holiday party.”
Rye Liquor Store
(This store provided cheer for nearly 50 years.)
December 22, 1977
“Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring more stray dogs, wild children and nasty neighbors.”
Sound Shore Fence
(Bah, Humbug but very funny)
Nov. 25, 1965
“Last call for having Christmas cards printed with your name.”
Lighthouse Bookstore
(Run by Goddard Light from 1946 to 1975)
Nov. 21, 1963
“1964 Christmas Club — Save regularly for a debt-free Christmas.”
Port Chester-Rye Savings Bank
(Christmas Clubs started in the early 1900s)
Dec. 16, 1954
“Order your ’55 Ford in time for Christmas!”
Rye Ford, Inc.
(It was the year of the first Thunderbird)
Dec. 24, 1953
“We’re happy to Repeat Our Annual Wish: Happy Holiday!”
Rye Hardware
(Rye had two hardware stores for many years)
Dec. 29, 1949
“Happy 1950. A wealth of New Year cheer. May all the good things of 1950 be yours to enjoy.”
Moraio Bros., Inc. Florists
(The owner, Dan Rich, was in the business for 60 years)
Dec. 20, 1946
“Long distance lines will be busier than ever this Christmas. You’ll get faster service if you make your Holiday Calls during the weekday evenings or any time on the Sunday before or after Christmas. And if your call is delayed, please do not call the operator to ask when it will be completed. Having her check it takes valuable time that could be used in completing calls.”
New York Telephone Company
(Don’t mess with Ma Bell)
Dec. 26, 1925
“Forgetting Cares!
Holiday Cheer Clothes
Tuxedos — $45.00 and $60.00
One stud shirts — $5”
Goldberg’s Clothiers
(This family business lasted for 75 years in Port Chester)
Dec. 26, 1925
“My Cordial Greetings go out to you in the hope that the New Year will be bigger, brighter and more prosperous than any before.”
Theodore Fremd
(A long-time mayor and civic leader of Rye, Fremd retired from his butcher shop in 1942 after 56 years)