The pleasures of the holiday season, as celebrated in Aramco camps throughout the 1960s, are depicted here in photographs from the Arabian Sun & Flare.
"While visions of sugarplums danced through their heads." Mark Malinowski, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Malinowski, grows weary awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1960.
Early in October Fred R. Schauss and his wife Adele decided to make a miniature merry-go-round complete with carousel, animated puppet riders and music for the yuletide enjoyment of the children of the Dhahran area. In the planning stage Schauss measures his material preparatory to doing the necessary carpentry. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1960.
Roof construction of the merry-go-round was first on the agenda. The third ingenious mechanical marvel the Schausses have made for Dhahran children. In and his wife constructed "The Old Woman in the Shoe", whose children literally burst from dream. Last year Dickens'... The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1960.
..."Christmas Carol" took to the boards of a tiny theater with puppet actors, synchronized to the famous Ronald Colman records of the classic, acting their hearts out against scenic designs chronologically true. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1960.
The carousel roof, resting on its side, nears carpentry completion. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1960.
Adele Schauss, who painted the animals, made their trappings, created the puppets (except the initial framework made by Schauss) and dressed them, adjusts a doll on the kangaroo's back. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1960.
Mrs. Schauss (left) and assistants Betty Gallagher and Elaine Morral check the completed puppets they have made for the Merry Christmas Merry-go-round. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1960.
Schauss makes a test installation of an animal and rider in the carousel. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1960.
Mrs. Gallagher (left) and Mrs. Schauss choose the seats for each puppet. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1960.
Nearing the end of the three-month project, the Schausses with Ann Bradstreet (center) prepare the carousel curtain which will rise for the first time at 7 p.m. tonight. The carousel will be operated from 7 until 9 p.m. each night through Dec. 31, with matinees Christmas Day and Dec. 31 from 3 until 5 p.m. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1960.
Dickens' Christmas Carol was presented by the students of the Abqaiq School in conjunction with a program "Christmas Carols Around the World", directed by Louis P. Anderson, Community Orchestra Director, Dec. 17 and 18 in the Abqaiq Theater. Enacting the roles of the Cratchit family are: front row, L to R, Gary Briggs as Dick; Kathy Bordeleau as Mrs. Cratchit; Bobby Edens as Tom; second row, David Walsh as Peter; Corky Pering as Bob; James Benedict as Tiny Tim, and Sharon Davis as Martha. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1960.
The Dhahran Nativity Pegeant reached a climax of excellence the night of Dec. 19 well befitting its 13th year of production. The cast of 46, augmented by camels, donkeys, sheep and goats, moved through their pantomimic roles confidently. A spirit of reverence marked the proceedings. A crowd of 3,500 from Dhahran Abqaiq, Ras Tanura and Dhahran Airfield watched the 2,000-year-old story unfold as appropiate Christmas music under the direction of Lyle Danielson aided in the telling. Narrators Larry Barnes and William Riley recounted the well-known tale simply and directly as the child actors enacted the parts. The entire presentation bespoke the efficiency of Directors Ivee Fullerton and Camille Powell and the staff of more than 100 people who assisted in the backstage chores of lighting, costuming and make-up. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1960.
Barely able to contain herself with the excitement of the season Sandra Lee Taylor, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J.W. Taylor of Dhahran, offers a "Merry Christmas" to everyone everywhere. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 20, 1961.
Mrs. W. G. Vanderhoff and Steve Capen sang the leading roles in the Ras Tanura Women's Group production of Menotti's touching Christmas opera, "Amahl and the Night Visitors". Amahl, a child, is the focal figure of the opera and all actions and characterizations are taken from his point of view. The Three Kings, the "visitors", have a children's storybook appearance. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 20, 1961.
At the climax of the opera, Amahl presents his crutch as a gift to the Christ Child, thus precipitating the miracle of his cure. The Kings are sung by R. D. Klein, J. H. Whitney and H. A. Pappas. R. H. Dorsch is the Page. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 20, 1961.
Shepherds show their gifts to the Three Kings as they are entertained in Amahl's home. Kings wear costumes based on the Byzantine tradition with the principal one as the true medieval king of a child's imagining. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 20, 1961.
Total cast takes a curtain call. The mother, Amahl, and their neighbors, the peasants, are dressed in variations of medieval and peasant costumes from the historical period 800 A.D. to 1300 A.D. Poverty is shown as it was by the painters of this period, drab, with earthy colors and rough fabrics. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 20, 1961.
Musicians F. Tampier, on the organ, Dr. P.N. Besser, traps and Mrs. J.D. Ehl, piano, provide the musical background for the cast. Their patience and cheerfulness gave support to the director's labors in accomplishing their ambitious production. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 20, 1961.
The Shepherds' watch: played by Miss C.M. Dillard, Mrs. J.H. McAlbrook, Mrs. K.V. Robbins, Mrs. G. Pappas, Mrs. P.F. Peer, Miss M.E. Nolan, Mrs. F. Tampier, Miss J.V. Jurs, Mrs. H.R. Barracano, Mrs. C.V. Brooks, Miss R. Semancik, K.E. Leadbetter, W.E. Aiken and K.V. Robbins. Dancers were Gale Duell, Linda Ainsworth, Lillian Droge, Pat Heywood, Susan Barracano and Helen St. Clair. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 20, 1961.
Sweet Young Voices - Abqaiq youngsters sing forth the happy music of Christmas to parents and friends as they present their program, "Carols Around the World". The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 20, 1961.
Three Wise Men on magnificently caparisoned camels are interviewed by Herod during the performance of The Nativity at Dhahran. Left to Right: Cole Leary, Jim Vroom, John Meyer and John Ramirez. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 20, 1961.
Santa Claus, visiting Dhahran last Thursday, took orders from scores of children. Including one little girl who assured him she'd been good all year long. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 24, 1963.
Uninhibited Kindergartners and first graders charm the audience at the Abqaiq Shool's Christmas Program. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 24, 1963.
Girls Glee Club voices, 42 in all, highlight Abqaiq's production of holiday music with a variety of both familiar and new Christmas selections. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 24, 1963.
Santa, his helpers, and his team of reindeer cavort about the roof of the Henry W. Bracht home, House 4581-A in Dhahran, first prize winner for individual homes in the AEA Outdoor Decorating Contest judged last Saturday night. Winner in the multiple dwelling category is Building 616, below. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
Stan Kiersznowski, left, checks off Badie Nijim and Chris Fields and assigns them tables at the Dhahran Duplicate Bridge Group's annual Christmas Party held Dec. 11 at the home of Mrs. R. F. Holmes. A total of 12 tables of bridge buffs played a Mitchell movement tournament. Prizes were given to the first five teams North-South were Mary Reardon and Stan Kiersznowski, with 85½; Ken Leggett and Peggy Owen, 82½; Ann Savage and Jack Pangborn, 82; Patsy Tarvin and Ralph Berwanger, with 87½; Howard Janotta and Beth McMillen, 81½; John Tarvin and Annd Casale, 80½; Chuck Sawaya, Jessie Pangborn, 78; Nadine Berwanger, Chet Kemp, 75. Average for North-South was 71½; for East-West, 66. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
Abqaiq Retirees Les Hanson, left, and Frank Byrd bid their final farewells to co-workers last week at a luncheon held in their honor. Both departed on retirement last Thursday, with Christmas reunions with family and friends uppermost in mind. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
Bev Mischer greets young visitors at the door. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
Backstage, one of Santa's helpers, Rich Carl, takes time out for a peek. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
First stop is the reception area to pick up name tags . . . The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
Exit two young visitors bearing gifts. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
. . . then the presents . . . The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
. . . and the requests . . . "All I want for Christmas is . . . " The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
"It sure pays to be good." The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
A little miss gets an assist from Bill Flemming. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
"Didn't you get my letter?" The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
"Merry Christmas to all!" The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 22, 1965.
Installation of officers for 1967 was the highlight of the Dhahran Women's Group meeting held Dec. 11 in the Theater. The annual Christmas Tea, to which all the women in the community were invited, was held in the Auditorium following the business meeting. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1966.
The Three Wise Men are shown as the Nativity Pageant nears the high point of the evening. Presented Dec. 19 at the Kings Road Field, the pageant attracted more than 5,000 viewers. The performance was directed by Mrs. J. V. Fullerton with the help of over 100 behind-the-scenes assistants and a cast of 45. Sponsors of the event, the fifteenth pageant presented in Dhahran since first produced in 1947 by the late Mrs. C. L. Biggins and Miss Mary Leonardini, were the AEA, self-directed community groups and the company. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 21, 1966.
The holiday season was highlighted in Dhahran by annual DWG Christmas Tea held on Dec. 8 in the Auditorium, shown above and by Santa's appearance, below, in the Theater last Thursday. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 24, 1968.
The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 24, 1968.
Christmas carols by pupils of the Abqaiq School initiated the holiday season for over 400 guests attending the musical program presented Dec. 4 under the direction of Ross Conklin. Above, a chorus of third through sixth graders provided the background for a flute duet by Lindsay Fogelquist and Patti McFatridge. Other features were a vocal solo by Sandra Fish, an instrumental number by Karen Leffingwell with special "tonette" accompaniment by the fourth grade class, an another chorus of tots of the kindergarten, first and second grades. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 24, 1968.
Highlight of the 7th Annual Charity Tea sponsored by the Near East Welfare Committee and held at the home of Mrs. D.J. Sullivan on Dec. 21 was a mother-daughter fashion show. Among 10 mothers and 19 daughters who took part were, top left: the Orseth girls, Betsy and twins Kara and Kristen in bright red nighties, with mother Sonia in a Christmas-tree green, caftan-type at-home robe; at right: Robyn Haggard, in a suit of bright red velvet, stars as Santa's helper and sleigh girl while the Halpin twins, Siobhan and Deidre, model pale blue lace. Mother Joan, holding young Bridget, wears a matching outfit of navy blue with stunning gold body wrap. Mrs. P.T. Carleton was in charge of the show. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 24, 1969.
Sandra Dorothy Spaid gave Santa her wish list last Thursday when he brought his friendly lap and familiar Triple-Ho to the Dhahran Theater. Spurning such traditional Christmastide gifts as leaping lords, French hens and treed partridge, Sandra expressed a preference from inanimate objects ─ a doll, maybe? She is the daughter of the George Spaids of Dhahran and was one of about 150 children who visited with Santa under the auspices of the Dhahran Aramco Employees Association. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 24, 1969.
Holiday festivities in both Abqaiq and Najmah featured an added treat this season ─ imported talent ─ at the Christmas Teas presented by the Women's Groups in both communities. Imported all the way from Dhahran were the Ulissey girls, authentically costumed Rebecca, Elinor and young Catherine, who added an international touch to the afternoon programs with a variety of Ukranian and Russian folk songs and dances. The Arabian Sun & Flare, December 24, 1969.